Originally Posted by PGStaff:
People have to do what they feel is right. The trend now days is to get commitments as early as possible. Only a few years ago we held underclass events that had very few college recruiters in attendance. Now there are hundreds of recruiters that attend and follow closely the top underclass players. Back then we would have 100 agents at those events looking to build a relationship with the most talented young kids.
In order to compete at the National level, colleges need to get commitments earlier than ever. If they wait until that last summer before the senior year, many of the very best players will have already committed. Good or bad, it is what it is, and it isn't likely to change anytime soon. Obviously most all of this takes place at the upper DI level. The power programs are very aware that they are among the dream schools for many young kids.
People need to understand that this early commitment can be a one way street. Power programs don't get a sophomore to commit and then quit following him. I have been at games and talked to college recruiters as they are watching a player that committed to them. I've heard comments like, "He can't play for us"! or "He will never play for us"! Believe me, at this point the college wants out of that commitment. Some might say they are committed anyway, but do you want your son committed to a school that no longer wants him. Yes, it was their mistake, but you end up being the victim! They will get rid of you, one way or another.
Many times these early commitments take place at a college camp. Recently we were shocked when a father told us his son had attended a high level DI camp and based solely on his performance at that camp was offered 60%. His son later committed to that college. This is a case of the college taking a chance because they have very little to lose. In the meantime the family and their son is extremely excited about all of this. The college saw the kid for two days indoors in the Winter. We have seen the player many times over a two year period. Unless he were to improve in a gigantic way, there is no way in hell he can play at the level he committed to. What will likely happen... The program that he committed to is going to figure this out and the kid and his family are going to be devastated. The kid is a good player and can develop into a good college player at some level. But we are talking about a program that has played in the DI World Series in the recent past. Things will work out in the end, the kid will probably end up at a much lesser program, but this is an example of a one sided commitment. You can like them forever and plan on honoring your commitment, but what happens when they no longer want you?
That said, many times these things work out well for everyone concerned. But think about this... Lets pick any top power program... If they want to make you a great offer as a sophomore or even freshman in high school... Would they not be interested in your talent the following year or two. They want the best players, they can get! Just see how interested they get when a senior to be is throwing 95 mph.
Also it should be said that the player can always decommit and that happens quite a bit. But more often than not the big disappointments happen because the college changes their mind. This stuff has the biggest affect on the border line type players. The best players in the country don't really need to commit early, though many of them do. Recruiters want the best players early and they also want them later. When that "best" player becomes available, they figure out how to get him in. Even if this means someone becomes a victim of the process.
Please understand that I am talking in general terms here. Not every program is alike! But overall recruiting is a dog eat dog business. The biggest dog usually wins! The competition is fierce at the upper levels. And for those that think professional baseball is any better, you are in for a real shocker.
Do what you think is right! Every individual case is different. I've always been a single focus type person. But I think people are better off having a plan B in this case, because you can bet the college program has a plan B.
I am sure you see a lot and are very informed. My son has participated in a few perfect Game tournaments and I know college scouts are in attendance usually for 16 year olds and older. I have heard they are there sometimes for younger kids also. I agree with you that if colleges want to back out of commitment they will find a way. My son is a sophomore now in HS. and has been offered by 2 schools this past summer 1 a Big D-1 Program and the other a smaller D-1 Program and a couple of other D-1 Programs have shown interest after seeing him play. It has been exciting and overwhelming starting so early. I know he has 3 years left and am just trying to make the best decision. My son being 15 right now I don't believe he is mature enough for a decision this big. I believe we should wait and try to enjoy the recruiting process if that is possible, but then I think should we commit and not have to worry about showcases or where he is going to school and just concentrate on getting bigger stronger and the best ball player he can be. He is excited of course that this big school has offered for him to play baseball and we really like the school. Education is the most important factor to us. Baseball will end. Three years till he graduates so many things can change though Schools are always looking for the best Talent available which includes more mature Jucco transfers also. The agreement of course is Verbal and it looks bad if The player or the School breaks it. I know that commitments are not guaranteed by either side until you sign your letter of intent. I just think the best thing is to wait and hopefully everything will work out in the next year or two. It is Stressful thinking am I making the right decision but I believe waiting is probably best.
