2017 late bloomer

Welcome to the site!  Lots of HS players fall under the "late bloomer" category.  It sounds like he is getting decent visibility and some attention more recently.  There are plenty of kids that don't sign in the fall and sign in the spring (or later).  I wouldn't sweat the fall timing.  That said, I would suggest he stay active in his recruiting activities. 

Be careful about schools like the one you describe with "three OF's expected to lose in the draft".  If the current interest level were more than moderate, I don't think they would be using that as a reason not to offer.  Also, if you wait for the draft process, this will put you beyond spring and really put him in scramble mode if that doesn't pan out. 

It's great that he is focused on schools closer to home, particularly at this late stage.  That simplifies the process and is most often more realistic financially and logistically.

There is a ton of information here, not only by asking questions but you can also search related threads.  He will want to use all of his resources like his HS and travel coaches, organize and track his school contact activities, continue to work on his skill set, keep his grades up, work on strength, speed & agility, etc.

Make sure, of course, that he keeps top of mind that the primary purpose of college is for the next 40 years and not the next 4. 

Welcome.

My best advice is to contact bacdorslider who is from Nashville (Joliet).  He is more familiar with all the programs in your state and would have good advice for you.

Does Headfirst still have a November camp? If so, consider that. High academic schools will be filling holes. 

Also keep in mind that at most high academic type d3s even "recruited" players compete with walkons for spots.  The real difference is the recruited player got some type (differs with each school) of thumb placed on the admissions scale.  Once competition begins, the best players (in the coach's eyes) gets the PT.

cabbagedad posted:

Welcome to the site!  Lots of HS players fall under the "late bloomer" category.  It sounds like he is getting decent visibility and some attention more recently.  There are plenty of kids that don't sign in the fall and sign in the spring (or later).  I wouldn't sweat the fall timing.  That said, I would suggest he stay active in his recruiting activities. 

Be careful about schools like the one you describe with "three OF's expected to lose in the draft".  If the current interest level were more than moderate, I don't think they would be using that as a reason not to offer.  Also, if you wait for the draft process, this will put you beyond spring and really put him in scramble mode if that doesn't pan out. 

It's great that he is focused on schools closer to home, particularly at this late stage.  That simplifies the process and is most often more realistic financially and logistically.

There is a ton of information here, not only by asking questions but you can also search related threads.  He will want to use all of his resources like his HS and travel coaches, organize and track his school contact activities, continue to work on his skill set, keep his grades up, work on strength, speed & agility, etc.

Make sure, of course, that he keeps top of mind that the primary purpose of college is for the next 40 years and not the next 4. 

 

About the point of them waiting to see if committed players get drafted, thats funny.  They should be making rvery effort to be sure they DON'T sign if drafted.

Or maybe they are hoping they will because they really might have too many and not enough money for everyone who shows up.

As suggested by cabbagedad, dont ever rely on the premise, they are "waiting to see" what happens. Best option is Juco, you have some good ones in your area.

Let go of the "if, then" scenarios like the one with players they may lose to the draft. It's a trip to the craps table. It appears at the least he's a very solid D3 prospect. Keep working the process. He'll be fine. See if he can get into the November HeadFirst camp. If interested, get on it Monday. It's the 5th and 6th.

Thanks for all the replies and advice.  Just to clarify, the players likely to go in the draft are current juniors at this school.  We know not to expect that anything more will happen, I just wanted to give a full picture of what we have experienced.    Will definitely  look into the honor roll camp if we can afford it.  I really appreciate all the responses.  

hawksmom posted:

Thanks for all the replies and advice.  Just to clarify, the players likely to go in the draft are current juniors at this school.  We know not to expect that anything more will happen, I just wanted to give a full picture of what we have experienced.    Will definitely  look into the honor roll camp if we can afford it.  I really appreciate all the responses.  

Hawksmom,

Sorry, you never implied that those players were juniors. FWIW, more than likely the coaches have already spent their money on the new recruits.

Something to keep in mind, they are much better at this than any of us will ever be. 

Once again, move forward, explore other opportunities, waiting for an answer after the draft in June that may not come, is just too late.

It sounds like your son is open to all the different academic options, and he doesn't have a specific major in mind? If so, and with the background you've described so far, I think he sounds like a good candidate for JuCo. Reasons being... If he's a late bloomer, he needs as much learning and playing time as possible, especially At Bats. JuCo offers maximum playing time in the fall and spring. Also, if he really blooms in the next year or two, the path from JuCo to D1 is much smoother than from D2 or D3. If he doesn't bloom as hoped, he can still move on to a good D2 or D3 option that works for him academically. Lastly, JuCo is usually much less expensive than the 4-year options. Best of luck with the process.

JC and D3 are both perfect for slower developing players. Depending on the level of the JC it is actually tougher IMO since JC ball is still very competitive. At the right D3 he can develop for a year or two and then make it on the field if he is committed. 

Goosegg posted:

Does Headfirst still have a November camp? If so, consider that. High academic schools will be filling holes. 

Yes, Nov 5-6th