Do you actually get a confirmation from a D3 that kid has a roster spot or just told to be at Fall Ball for tryouts? 2012 LHP getting letters from D3's, but not sure of the process
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D III coaches who recruited my son were very direct about their level of interest. They discussed admission process, invited son to spend weekend on campus and called son when received word that he had been admitted. It is a different discussion because of the lack of a financial committment, but the coaches will make it very clear if they are recruiting your son.
Many times D3 coaches are able to support a kids application. As Double Eagle said, you most likely not have a hard time figuring out a schools level of interst. Just like all other levels you'd want to get an objective evaluation of your ability to play at the school. Take a look at their roster, talk to the players when you visit, ask HS and summer ball coaches what they know of the program and how you'd fit.
As a general rule no program has enought LHPs.
As a general rule no program has enought LHPs.
Becareful to read the coach well and get outside information. A coach told us no one makes the team until fall tryouts. He had eight open roster spots. At outsider told us he recruited for six of them. Recruits are going to make the team unless they fall on their faces.
sandnat,
First of all, it is awfully early for D3's to be recruiting a 2012. Most actually just started the process with the 2011's this past October/November when the NLI period for DI/DII ended and they are able to identify the players they want who did not sign.
As it relates to the actual recruiting itself, whether the coach can help with admissions or not varies by school. At the D3 our son attended, the coaches could help at one point. That changed with a new President and the change really hurt some programs, but not baseball.
In terms of recruiting, that also varies by coach and school. Some are very direct and what they say can be completely relied upon, if your son does and completes his side of the bargain.
On the other hand, some programs have as many as 60-70 kids on the field in Fall ball. The best play.
In either situation, I am not sure I would be looking for guarantees in terms of roster spots.
It is really about talent and ability. Good D3 coaches who want your son and see him contributing will tell you that.. and somewhere will be the "conditional words" to the effect "if your son gets it done in the classroom, in the weight room, comes to school in shape, works hard on the field, is coachable, then they expect he can do ***XX."
Our son's coach was very direct every step of the way in terms of what he would do and what he expected our son to do, and the results which could happen.
Not all are that way, but you will learn and eventually know as the process evolves and by listening closely to where coaches see your son in their program. You will also know by you and your son watching those teams play so long as both of you are completely objective in what you are seeing and in analyzing your son's ability.
First of all, it is awfully early for D3's to be recruiting a 2012. Most actually just started the process with the 2011's this past October/November when the NLI period for DI/DII ended and they are able to identify the players they want who did not sign.
As it relates to the actual recruiting itself, whether the coach can help with admissions or not varies by school. At the D3 our son attended, the coaches could help at one point. That changed with a new President and the change really hurt some programs, but not baseball.
In terms of recruiting, that also varies by coach and school. Some are very direct and what they say can be completely relied upon, if your son does and completes his side of the bargain.
On the other hand, some programs have as many as 60-70 kids on the field in Fall ball. The best play.
In either situation, I am not sure I would be looking for guarantees in terms of roster spots.
It is really about talent and ability. Good D3 coaches who want your son and see him contributing will tell you that.. and somewhere will be the "conditional words" to the effect "if your son gets it done in the classroom, in the weight room, comes to school in shape, works hard on the field, is coachable, then they expect he can do ***XX."
Our son's coach was very direct every step of the way in terms of what he would do and what he expected our son to do, and the results which could happen.
Not all are that way, but you will learn and eventually know as the process evolves and by listening closely to where coaches see your son in their program. You will also know by you and your son watching those teams play so long as both of you are completely objective in what you are seeing and in analyzing your son's ability.
Thanks for the input. Actually my first post, I have read so much since June that I joined today. Really enjoy the input from so many ( been there, done that) people. I had noticed that the D3's that had contacted him, had over 50 players in fall ball. We will keep working hard and see where it falls. Last summer he was 77mph, then died to 74 in the fall, so the goal is to keep moving up. We know that if we don't reach 82-84, the dream may be unreachable.
Since a financial commitment is not there on a D3 recruit, it is much easier to cut a kid if he doesn't show his perceived ability in the fall, or early spring -- as the case may be (some D3's can't officially practice in the spring). On the other hand, a coach is not going to use his influence to get an academically questionable player into his school, if he didn't want him on the roster, so if this occurs, it is as good of a sign as any that a roster spot may be held. As far as a guaranteed roster spot on the D3 level, I doubt it really ever happens, although it may be implied.
Bear in mind that many colleges are competing with other colleges for students. Some use athletics as a hook, and I have read that some baseball programs at D3s recruit significantly more players than they have space for, because it helps justify the existence of the program at the school.
So interest from the coach may be good, or it could just mean that he is helping to bring more students to the school. It depends on the school, and its philospophy and practice regarding athletic teams.
So interest from the coach may be good, or it could just mean that he is helping to bring more students to the school. It depends on the school, and its philospophy and practice regarding athletic teams.
quote:Originally posted by 3FingeredGlove:
So interest from the coach could just mean that he is helping to bring more students to the school.
I've often wondered the same thing. Around here, D3 schools are small and very expensive. Some are competing for warm bodies (with $50,000/year) to fill the classrooms.