Questions,
When can a college coach offer a package
When can a player commit.
Official verse non-official
Seems like you would want to wait until after you talk to a coach, visit the school before you commit.
Original Post
A coach can make a verbal offer and a player can verbally commit anytime. A written offer may be made on or after Aug 1 just before the player's senior year, but the player is not permitted to sign until the early NLI date in November.
Unofficial visits can be made anytime, and official visits can be made on or after the opening day of classes of the player's senior year.