Do you apply?

I don't think the coaches would necessarily care or even if they would know.   Heck, some kids get so many offers it would cost them a small fortune to apply to them all.  I wouldn't worry about it

"2018 has an offer from a D1 that he likes. It's a decent school and a good offer"

Mom, first time I read thru your post, I had exactly the same thought as Buckeye and it is true.  However, reading thru the second time, particularly the above, there are several great pieces in place, several boxes checked with this offer.  If he thinks this is likely to be one of his five or six top choices, why not get that formality out of the way in the event that this is the one he chooses?    The process can be so busy, it's nice to get steps behind you when you can.

You said son will get in if he applies so I am assuming this is not a particularly high academic.  If it is, that may be different and make it more important to do and show the coaches he has interest AND acceptance will not be a hurdle.

I would suggest you treat that offer like gold. Legit D1 offers are hard to come by. Initially , when a player get's an offer sometimes the parents and players think " My first offer. Many more to come" . That is a mistake.

My 2016 who now plays at a D1 school in the south was offered early. After Sophomore year. A parent of a highly talented player who had already been thru the recruiting process gave my son some great advice. He told my son : " Congratulations on the offer...You are going THAT SCHOOL until something else sufficiently better presents itself "

That was great advice and changed my sons mindset from sort of a 'shopping myself' mentality to more of a grounded approach of ' This school loves me I need to do my homework on the school, town , social scene , Academic options because unless a better fit comes along, I will in fact be living there and attending school until 2020'

He does not have to apply, unless this school requires early decision.

He also doesn't have to commit until he feels comfortable doing so. 

Terrific thing to have options.....  For a 2018 the only schools I know of that applying early would show serious interest are the Service Academies.  The Academies are an early and length cycle and the coaches are aware if you've started the application process.  If the Coaches know they will defer a players way that they've seen and continue to like thru the rising senior summer.

Other than that, great comments by the seasoned veterans on the board.

TPM posted:

He does not have to apply, unless this school requires early decision.

1. He also doesn't have to commit until he feels comfortable doing so. 

I don't feel like he HAS to apply or commit. He turns 18 in September and that's kind of his mental note on when he wants to apply. He's told the coaches that. Being the mom in the situation, I guess I wonder if it's a way to show that he really is interested and taking the offer seriously, as he waits to see what comes out of his junior year on the field. 

Not apply, commit.

He has the right to decide. If it were my son in the same situation, he also would not committ until after his season was over.

This should be in the discussion with the coach, if they really want him they will understand.

Keep us posted.

BTW, if he applies and accepts offer, he will be reimbursed all fees.

TPM posted:

He has the right to decide. If it were my son in the same situation, he also would not committ until after his season was over.

This should be in the discussion with the coach, if they really want him they will understand.

Keep us posted.

BTW, if he applies and accepts offer, he will be reimbursed all fees.

Thank you. This is all good to know.

Just a note that when my son applied to a B10 school that was recruiting him, they wanted to make sure he indicated on the application that he was a recruited athlete so they could track his application.  Not sure if all schools do that, but worth checking if you do apply now.

Buckeye 2015 posted:

I don't think the coaches would necessarily care or even if they would know.   Heck, some kids get so many offers it would cost them a small fortune to apply to them all.  I wouldn't worry about it

It costs a small fortune even without being an athlete!