2014 Recruiting advice

Wildcat2222: have you visited and reviewed the Recruiting Questions Forum? There's a wealth of information posted, and probably the best place to post your question.

joemktg.. I have not, but will now.  Thanks for the reply

The first point I will make here is that if you are doing this for your son, that is a key mistake.  From here on out, make sure your son is handling all his own correspondence.  When he is a "bubble" guy, little things that distinguish him in a negative way must be avoided.  Not handling his own affairs in an adult manner, and making a coach worry about helicopter parenting, are negatives.

The second thing I will tell you is that the number of 2014 D1 recruiting class slots available is dwindling rapidly.  If the whole summer went by without any offers, it might still happen, but I would worry about whether continuing to pin your hopes on this could lead your son to miss solid options at D3 schools, or to consider going to schools that aren't right for him in the non-baseball categories.

I would recommend that your son turn his focus to schools he'd be interested in if baseball were not a factor, and that he expand his search to include D3 schools.  We are fortunate to have a handful of very high level D3 programs in VA.  A kid who might be the last recruit at a D1 could well be looking at having to warm the bench for 4 years there, but could be a starter at a D3.  Beware of "keeping up with the Joneses" syndrome, where you look only at D1's because you feel insulted if someone else went D1 when you didn't get to.

Finally, ask your HS and travel coach about schools they know are not big early commitment programs.  A lot of schools in more northern states are not in the early commitment race as much as most of our VA schools are, so if your son's coaches have any contacts there, it could be that one well-timed camp trip would open the right door.  It may mean playing in colder weather, but it can be a great way to find a great school and stay in the game.

Midlo Dad is right - the D1 2014 slots are dwindling...especially for bigger schools.  Advice we got (from college recruiters and HCs we have spoken to) is recruiting goes up the middle:  Pitcher, catcher, SS and then CF.  Corners typically don't get recruited until Fall senior year.  And OF are hit or miss.  Some schools will recruit a OF only.  Others recruit a HS SS and turn them into OF.  I know looking at my son's travel roster - the top players (C, P, MIF)  are all already committed which falls in line with this rule of thumb we were told.  Only 1 corner has committed (roster spot) and no OF so far....

WildCat if I were you - I would encourage your son to call the schools he is interested in.  Ask if they still have 2014 openings/slots to fill.  I think it'd be best to be VERY proactive and make calls versus waiting for emails/calls. Your son could ask what recruiting events they are attending - be sure you go, send an email a few days before - so they are well aware to watch him.  Good luck!

Excellent advice here.

Travel team coaches can serve a couple of important functions in situations like this. First, they can help your son assess the level of college baseball that's most appropriate for him. If he hasn't already, he should ask them for their most objective opinions.

In addition, many travel team coaches are quite well networked with the community of college recruiters. They may know who's still looking for players with your son's characteristics; or, they may be able to make a couple of phone calls to help your son find out. This would follow quite naturally from your son's conversation with them about appropriate college levels with them.

Best of luck to your son!

In addition, I believe the JUCO's are starting to heat up for the 2014's.

From what I can tell - D3, D2 and JuCo recruiting never ends!  I saw some kids deciding the summer after they graduated HS.

Very true, though our D2 and JuCo options in Virginia are very limited.  Unless you are willing to head out of state, I think only Va. State offers D2 baseball, and the few community colleges that offer baseball at all seldom if ever offer any money.

There are a number of very good options in those classifications in nearby states, though, and many of them don't cost any more than in-state VA schools.  Some actually substantially less.

Also, UVA-Wise offers NAIA baseball and they do offer scholarships.

Each year D-I, II players end up transfering to Virginia's top D-III programs for several reasons, want to be closer to home, disenchanted with sitting on the bench first couple years, lower tuition cost, etc. CNU and Mary Washington are two D-III programs that are State Funded.

 I heard that UVA-Wise will be joining the WVIAC and become NCAA soon.

Unfortunately, I am told the General Assembly funding in Virginia is lacking for a good JUCO system to happen anytime soon.

If I was in your son's 2014 shoes, I'd follow MidloDad's advice to focus on D3.  There is a spectrum of Virginia (and others) schools to choose from in terms of baseball and academics.  It is extremely important for your son to take on the recruiting process going forward.  Good luck.

http://d3baseball.com/teams/region/south

After 89 years the West Virginia Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WVIAC) has been disbanned in favor of the NCAA Mountain East Conference of which UVA-Wise is now a member and considered NCAA D-II.