Finally next month colleges can officially contact 08 grads. What can a recruit expect to happen when colleges are finally permitted to contact student athletes? Is it typically immediate...ETC how does the process work?
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Clarify your question a little please...
Expecting and offer, or hoping for contact, or both scenerios?
44
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Clarify your question a little please...
Expecting and offer, or hoping for contact, or both scenerios?
44.
On July 1st of last year my son received 4 phone calls. Two of the schools were located up North so he politely told them he wasn't interested, one school which had been following him asked for his verbal commitment (RYNO - you know the story), we set up an official visit with the 4th school. He continued to recieved other calls up to the day he signed his NLI during the early signing period.
Observer44 not sure my Dad has sent film that a couple requested.
Ryno….
First of all...I’d suggest you send those tapes, soon. Either your father does it...or you do it...If you don’t follow up letters and tape requests coaches will likely take that as a lack of interest. Perhaps you are so highly recruited that you don’t need those schools as options, but if you aren’t...get on that project…soon.
OK...I’m going to assume you want the abbreviated long version of July 1...
They way I see it there are three levels of response on July 1: Signees, Negotiators, Parties of Interest and Orphans.
For the “Signees”...July 1 is the first part of the exciting two part end to the circus that is being a recruit (The first part being the offer and the verbal commitment…the second part being the actual date of signing in November). Things have changed in the last few years...more players than ever are committing before the first contact date...As a result July 1 will see the formal announcing of many verbals that were likely unofficially made previously through creative methods or player initiated contact....others will get a call with an new offer on that day and immediately accept. These players “verbal” a commitment to the coach and may or may not follow up with a recruiting trip. Hopefully the coaching staff stays in touch with them. In November the coach sends them a NLI to be signed and returned by a specific date. They do so. The school announces its recruits. As far as the specifics of the July 1 call...beyond my scope but the coach will lead you through it.
For the “Negotiators”...For these players on July 1 the game is just beginning. They are enough in demand that they get an offer, or multiple offers and then they "play the field" taking recruiting trips and may try to talk programs up in money and generally take some time deciding…some for a day or two…some right up to November sign.
For the “Parties of Interest”...Many will only receive a notification of
Interest…this does not bring an offer because coaches are looking at other more preferred options first. This interest may be serious and honest, but the school is waiting for the preferred “ Negotiators” to make a decision. As a result of the ongoing negotiating, this can leave those “Parties of Interest” (but no offer) in a tough position waiting for an offer that may or may not ever come, all dependent of the decisions of the negotiators. As the negotiators decide, the spurned schools have money available and it filters down to players that schools have had “on the burner” and then to the orphans.
Then there is the last category…”Orphans” (sorry about the term but it fits and we had one)...those who despite making all the right moves, having statistics, getting letters, attending camps and maybe even hearing encouraging words, hear nothing from schools on July 1. Bitterness and feeling spurned may be natural reactions but they serve no useful purpose, and may actually make players less recruitable. The good news is that this is not a death sentence...it just means back to work. As players commit the schools that are left without signed recruits may be open to be surprised by a late performance…for example, The senior wood bat at Peoria, or a let showcase. Keep the faith. The game is just beginning. Keep working to keep working to stay in the mix. Be prepared to adjust your net by geography, schools, academics, coaches, 2/4 year options, or push time lines back. Often these players will apply to schools in the fall, but stay in the game.
44
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First of all...I’d suggest you send those tapes, soon. Either your father does it...or you do it...If you don’t follow up letters and tape requests coaches will likely take that as a lack of interest. Perhaps you are so highly recruited that you don’t need those schools as options, but if you aren’t...get on that project…soon.
OK...I’m going to assume you want the abbreviated long version of July 1...
They way I see it there are three levels of response on July 1: Signees, Negotiators, Parties of Interest and Orphans.
For the “Signees”...July 1 is the first part of the exciting two part end to the circus that is being a recruit (The first part being the offer and the verbal commitment…the second part being the actual date of signing in November). Things have changed in the last few years...more players than ever are committing before the first contact date...As a result July 1 will see the formal announcing of many verbals that were likely unofficially made previously through creative methods or player initiated contact....others will get a call with an new offer on that day and immediately accept. These players “verbal” a commitment to the coach and may or may not follow up with a recruiting trip. Hopefully the coaching staff stays in touch with them. In November the coach sends them a NLI to be signed and returned by a specific date. They do so. The school announces its recruits. As far as the specifics of the July 1 call...beyond my scope but the coach will lead you through it.
For the “Negotiators”...For these players on July 1 the game is just beginning. They are enough in demand that they get an offer, or multiple offers and then they "play the field" taking recruiting trips and may try to talk programs up in money and generally take some time deciding…some for a day or two…some right up to November sign.
For the “Parties of Interest”...Many will only receive a notification of
Interest…this does not bring an offer because coaches are looking at other more preferred options first. This interest may be serious and honest, but the school is waiting for the preferred “ Negotiators” to make a decision. As a result of the ongoing negotiating, this can leave those “Parties of Interest” (but no offer) in a tough position waiting for an offer that may or may not ever come, all dependent of the decisions of the negotiators. As the negotiators decide, the spurned schools have money available and it filters down to players that schools have had “on the burner” and then to the orphans.
Then there is the last category…”Orphans” (sorry about the term but it fits and we had one)...those who despite making all the right moves, having statistics, getting letters, attending camps and maybe even hearing encouraging words, hear nothing from schools on July 1. Bitterness and feeling spurned may be natural reactions but they serve no useful purpose, and may actually make players less recruitable. The good news is that this is not a death sentence...it just means back to work. As players commit the schools that are left without signed recruits may be open to be surprised by a late performance…for example, The senior wood bat at Peoria, or a let showcase. Keep the faith. The game is just beginning. Keep working to keep working to stay in the mix. Be prepared to adjust your net by geography, schools, academics, coaches, 2/4 year options, or push time lines back. Often these players will apply to schools in the fall, but stay in the game.
44.
Be advised that July 1 st is not necessarily the "Holy Day" it has been made out to be
Many coaches do not make calls just because it is the official start day
There is plenty of time for all the pieces to come together
Many coaches do not make calls just because it is the official start day
There is plenty of time for all the pieces to come together
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Thank You Sir, my dad did sent the film. Is sending film a big deal or do they request film from all the players on their lists? should I followup to make sure they received or should I wait till they contact me?
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TR...
Point well taken...
RYNO...
Sent? Good! I would venture that a request for film is a great sign, but regardless if it is two guys or two hundred...
...you do not want to take the chance that you were one of two and the coach decided that by ignoring his request you were not interested...
Better safe than sorry. Follow up all leads. There are scores of stories of players going to school who at the outset might have been low on their list...
I definately suggest a you the player follow up, with a call, show them that you are eager, appreciative, and interested. Great practice if nothing else, you will gain valuable feedback and experience at the very least. May have some great suggestions.
Good Hunting!
44
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TR...
Point well taken...
RYNO...
Sent? Good! I would venture that a request for film is a great sign, but regardless if it is two guys or two hundred...
...you do not want to take the chance that you were one of two and the coach decided that by ignoring his request you were not interested...
Better safe than sorry. Follow up all leads. There are scores of stories of players going to school who at the outset might have been low on their list...
I definately suggest a you the player follow up, with a call, show them that you are eager, appreciative, and interested. Great practice if nothing else, you will gain valuable feedback and experience at the very least. May have some great suggestions.
Good Hunting!
44.
Bottom line for all involved with the July 1 date coming up--- don't look down your nose at any inquiry because when it all comes together they may be the one with the best overall situation for you
RYNO, do not sweat it if no calls come in on July 1. There are people for whom the phone rings off the hook on that day with calls from schools who will never make an offer. Then there are some (like my son) who didn't get a call that day, or the next, or the next, or the next, and yet, he still signed early at the school that was his top choice.
Everyone's experience is different, but the key is, getting zillions of calls doesn't mean you'll get an offer from those schools, and a lack of calls doesn't mean you won't get an offer.
Everyone's experience is different, but the key is, getting zillions of calls doesn't mean you'll get an offer from those schools, and a lack of calls doesn't mean you won't get an offer.
.
Would agree, it is very easy to think that since there are no calls in July that the game is over...like I said it has just begun...
First of my mine...very good interest from a couple national powers going in...Nothing on July 1, disappointed but kept at it...no other offers until late October, then the gates let loose...
...My second also had good interest going in....but despite being a successful 6'6" LHP, never did get an offer even though we worked hard at the process, and held up our end...closest he got was a recruited walk on at a DI which evaporated when the school got a great recruiting class...
But during the process we watched players sign early period, late period, in the summer and a couple a week before school started so it really never is over until it is over.
The best advice I can give is don't let them get to you...hold up your end in every respect, return all inquiries, get seen as much as you can, have backup plans, and don't take any of it personally in the positive or the negative..
44
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Would agree, it is very easy to think that since there are no calls in July that the game is over...like I said it has just begun...
First of my mine...very good interest from a couple national powers going in...Nothing on July 1, disappointed but kept at it...no other offers until late October, then the gates let loose...
...My second also had good interest going in....but despite being a successful 6'6" LHP, never did get an offer even though we worked hard at the process, and held up our end...closest he got was a recruited walk on at a DI which evaporated when the school got a great recruiting class...
But during the process we watched players sign early period, late period, in the summer and a couple a week before school started so it really never is over until it is over.
The best advice I can give is don't let them get to you...hold up your end in every respect, return all inquiries, get seen as much as you can, have backup plans, and don't take any of it personally in the positive or the negative..
44.
"Would agree, it is very easy to think that since there are no calls in July that the game is over...like I said it has just begun..."
I agree completely. There are so many things that can be done, particularly in August and September, because that is when some of the college camps are. Also, if a school is going through a coaching change, they might be still getting everything organized come July 1.
There are many reasons why someone who has been contacted by a school previously in writing would NOT get a call on July 1, just don't presume that lack of interest is the reason.
I agree completely. There are so many things that can be done, particularly in August and September, because that is when some of the college camps are. Also, if a school is going through a coaching change, they might be still getting everything organized come July 1.
There are many reasons why someone who has been contacted by a school previously in writing would NOT get a call on July 1, just don't presume that lack of interest is the reason.
My take is a little different. Both of my sons (3 years apart) ended up getting lots of calls; neither received a call on July 1, or even 2, or 3. The earliest was late July/early August. They were both marginal D I/solid D II-III types.
D II's typically start later as they normally know the D-I big boys get the early attention and why waste time on guys they won't get? Starting in late July, they begin to see who will be left of the "top tier" players, and there are loads of good players not in that "top tier". One of my sons got a lot of D II calls and multiple D II offers, but nothing began until very late in July.
D III's normally are later yet as they can only offer academic money, or if in state push the "in state tuition" button. Many don't seem to get calling until August or even later in the fall.
If the ACC or SEC is filling your mail box, early calls will happen but many very good players don't get calls till later so don't obsess over July 1.
D II's typically start later as they normally know the D-I big boys get the early attention and why waste time on guys they won't get? Starting in late July, they begin to see who will be left of the "top tier" players, and there are loads of good players not in that "top tier". One of my sons got a lot of D II calls and multiple D II offers, but nothing began until very late in July.
D III's normally are later yet as they can only offer academic money, or if in state push the "in state tuition" button. Many don't seem to get calling until August or even later in the fall.
If the ACC or SEC is filling your mail box, early calls will happen but many very good players don't get calls till later so don't obsess over July 1.
quote:it really never is over until it is over.
Goood point and reminder for us 08' parents not to push the panic button!! Take it all in stride, one day at a time.
Whatever happens on July 1st will always be remembered. But whatever happens on July 1st will impact your son’s baseball future about as much as a bug hitting the windshield of a truck. If you do get a call (or calls) on July 1st place them in your mind somewhere between the autographed baseballs and the little league trophies. Recruiting is a multi year process that has MANY, MANY events that culminates in signing the NLI. July 1st is NOT one of those events but simply a day set aside for coaches to toot their horns to get your attention as they pass through the crowd of available players.
As far as the actual significance of July 1st ---- it is the date a player should be prepared to talk directly to a college coach about his college career. I suggest a player be prepared to ask a few questions starting on July 1st and have a note pad always available to write down pertinent information (like the name of the coach and the college). I also think a short list of questions would help the player “evaluate” the significance of a recruiting call.
Fungo
As far as the actual significance of July 1st ---- it is the date a player should be prepared to talk directly to a college coach about his college career. I suggest a player be prepared to ask a few questions starting on July 1st and have a note pad always available to write down pertinent information (like the name of the coach and the college). I also think a short list of questions would help the player “evaluate” the significance of a recruiting call.
Fungo
quote:July 1st is NOT one of those events but simply a day set aside for coaches to toot their horns to get your attention as they pass through the crowd of available players.
Fungo,..you do know that I already have my own note pad in place, as I truely admire and enjoy your advice and am taking my own " mom " notes down from your posts.
You help me to keep everything in perspective, and that in and of itself is quite enlightening!!
Thank youuuuuuuuuuuuu!!!!
Son's summer team has a double-header on July 1st and will fly out of Logan International on July 2nd, en route for East Cobb. Team has several highly recruited athletes on their roster, and I'm sure they'd all like to be talking about recruiting calls while on the plane, but one question that's popped up is this: given the number of '08's who'll be in East Cobb the first week of July, would coaches call their cell phones, leave messages at their homes, or speak with them in person at the tournament?
Kmom
The aspect that you point out is why players need to make sure the coaches know their schedule and have all their contact information
The aspect that you point out is why players need to make sure the coaches know their schedule and have all their contact information
KmomNH,
During the year my son was recruited ('02 HS graduate) it seemed as if the primary method of contacting the player was the “home” phone. My son was fortunate in that he received a fair number of calls starting early on July 1st but I don’t recall any coaches initiating contact on his or my cell phone. That may have changed over the years since some people only use cell phones now. The coaches were also good about leaving their name and the name of their college on our answer machine. Many would leave their call back number and ask my son to call back which he always did. At tournaments the coaches would look up players and parents to say hi and express their interest. TRHit brings up a good point. Fill out all contact information (home# cell# and email address) and schedule whenever asked. We want to make the contact as easy as possible.
Shortstopmom,
After one lengthy call and not remembering who the coach was and which college he represented I left pad and pen at each phone. We also did a little “roll play” too. I talked to my son about what not to say during a recruiting call. I’ll never forget a call he got from the University of Tennessee where the coach asked “Have your parents saved up enough money for your college education?” I liked his answer. “You’ll have to talk to them about that.”
During the year my son was recruited ('02 HS graduate) it seemed as if the primary method of contacting the player was the “home” phone. My son was fortunate in that he received a fair number of calls starting early on July 1st but I don’t recall any coaches initiating contact on his or my cell phone. That may have changed over the years since some people only use cell phones now. The coaches were also good about leaving their name and the name of their college on our answer machine. Many would leave their call back number and ask my son to call back which he always did. At tournaments the coaches would look up players and parents to say hi and express their interest. TRHit brings up a good point. Fill out all contact information (home# cell# and email address) and schedule whenever asked. We want to make the contact as easy as possible.
Shortstopmom,
After one lengthy call and not remembering who the coach was and which college he represented I left pad and pen at each phone. We also did a little “roll play” too. I talked to my son about what not to say during a recruiting call. I’ll never forget a call he got from the University of Tennessee where the coach asked “Have your parents saved up enough money for your college education?” I liked his answer. “You’ll have to talk to them about that.”
Want to follow up on a great suggestion....have a note pad and some questions ready.
While I realize there are many questions a player could ask a coach, AND that the questions asked could be very different depending on school/fit/interest, etc.,,,,,,,,,,
In this specific instance, what would be the TOP 3 questions you would ask?
While I realize there are many questions a player could ask a coach, AND that the questions asked could be very different depending on school/fit/interest, etc.,,,,,,,,,,
In this specific instance, what would be the TOP 3 questions you would ask?
Another suggestion: make sure your son has an appropriate greeting on his cell phone voice mail. On the home phone greeting, make sure your son's name is included in the greeting.
RYNO, most showcases have a recruiting seminar. At one that my son attended, the college coach doing the seminar made the point that coaches are very busy. If a coach calls you, it IS a big deal. Treat it as such. If you son knows what he wants to major in then you can narrow the list by looking at the NCAA website. You can search by major, region, sport, conference, and division. They have links to most college websites. Search the athletic dept websites. Research the stats, rosters and coaches.
Many school websites have a virtual tour available. It never hurts to talk to a coach and hear him out. If you don't know the coach or school, research them. Don't just blow the coach off. They may have the school that is the perfect fit for your son. If the schools you are looking at are in your part of the country, hit all of the open houses for schools your son may be interested in. Use these 2 questions for students on the open house tour. 1. What do you like most about this school? 2. What do you like the least about this school? Between talking to the coach, and visiting during an open house, you son will let you know what schools he is interested in. Meanwhile, keep the lines of communication open with the coaches. You can narrow down the list and set up visits with the coach and teams that are on your short list.
If a coach or school that seems a good match does not express interest, or recruits someone else at your son's position, try other schools in that conference. They may be similar in size, majors and makeup of the student population.
If you have other kids in the house then you MUST have a pad and pen available for messages right next to the phone. You don't want to miss a message because it is written on the back of a scrap of paper.
Many school websites have a virtual tour available. It never hurts to talk to a coach and hear him out. If you don't know the coach or school, research them. Don't just blow the coach off. They may have the school that is the perfect fit for your son. If the schools you are looking at are in your part of the country, hit all of the open houses for schools your son may be interested in. Use these 2 questions for students on the open house tour. 1. What do you like most about this school? 2. What do you like the least about this school? Between talking to the coach, and visiting during an open house, you son will let you know what schools he is interested in. Meanwhile, keep the lines of communication open with the coaches. You can narrow down the list and set up visits with the coach and teams that are on your short list.
If a coach or school that seems a good match does not express interest, or recruits someone else at your son's position, try other schools in that conference. They may be similar in size, majors and makeup of the student population.
If you have other kids in the house then you MUST have a pad and pen available for messages right next to the phone. You don't want to miss a message because it is written on the back of a scrap of paper.
quote:Originally posted by TRhit:
Bottom line for all involved with the July 1 date coming up--- don't look down your nose at any inquiry because when it all comes together they may be the one with the best overall situation for you
quote:Originally posted by TRhit:Be advised that July 1 st is not necessarily the "Holy Day" it has been made out to be
For the 2008's just keep reading TR's 2 comments above. Very True!!!
One add'l note about not blowing off a school (too small, location etc..) Assistants change jobs this time of year and for the most part the first thing they do is grab their recruit files so they have a database of players they want. My Son had 1 coach change 3x in 1 summer (unique situation)...and was recruited by all 3 due to this.
My son (HS JR 2008 - RHP) just got his first call on June 6 from a DIII quality institution with successful baseball program. He was very excited but at the same time had to tell the coach he had TJ surgery this past March. His rehab is going well so far (11 weeks into it) PT says he is ahead of schedule. He plans on playing this Fall as a DH for a prospect team. What should he tell coaches if he gets anymore calls?? Also, do you think the coaches that may call or were interested will be discouraged??
HEY GOT A CALL FROM FROM AN NAIA SCHOOL IN GEORGIA ASKED FOR FILM AND SCHEDULE.
More questions for rising seniors along these same lines-
If a player verbals to a college this summer:
Does the player fill out the same application form as the regular students? Many private schools have extensive applications requiring atleast 3 essays and teacher reccommendations. Is the recruited player required to complete all this paperwork if a verbal is in place?
If a player verbals to a college this summer:
Does the player fill out the same application form as the regular students? Many private schools have extensive applications requiring atleast 3 essays and teacher reccommendations. Is the recruited player required to complete all this paperwork if a verbal is in place?
If you verbal to a college have the coach send you the application packet----it will go thru the process much easier
All good suggestions and yes, the calls can come at any time depending on the Div of the school. The easiest thing we did was make a simple form with places to put the date; the school name; coach's name; contact phone number; e-mail address; and then listed just a few questions to ask. Printing up a couple of these to have by the phones made things simple for son. It encouraged him to write down what was said; gave him a place to write the information that wasn't a scrap paper that might get tossed; and was an easy reminder of questions to ask the coach. It also was good for multiple contacts with the school as you knew who son had previously talked with, what was said and he use the sheet as an on-going log.
The main thing is, don't worry about the date and certainly don't change your routine to "wait by the phone". The coaches know how to leave messages! It's a milestone but not the end of the recruiting timeline.
Good Luck to all the '08's out there!
The main thing is, don't worry about the date and certainly don't change your routine to "wait by the phone". The coaches know how to leave messages! It's a milestone but not the end of the recruiting timeline.
Good Luck to all the '08's out there!
Son #2 got his first call this evening. I am out of town so I wasn't there, but he was pretty darned excited!! (Us too!)
Obviously it wasn't a D1...
)Obviously it wasn't a D1...
Expect to form some relationships, that in the end, when it's time to choose a school, it's very hard to tell someone you've been talking to for several months you're going with someone else.
We kept a spiral notebook by the phone and wrote down every name and number, the date, time they called and whether son returned the call (or wanted to return the call).
We kept a spiral notebook by the phone and wrote down every name and number, the date, time they called and whether son returned the call (or wanted to return the call).
My guys return all phone calls because you never know where it will all end up when it comes to siging time
Someone please clear this up for me, who is allowed to call before July 1st?
D2 and D3 coaches, I believe.
NAIA and JUCO coaches can also call before 7/1.
I haven't been able to find too much information on JUCO and NAIA, but I am interested in looking into it a little more. Are there JUCO specific showcases, or methods I should be taking part of to gain exposure in NAIA and JUCO schools? I know some of the major schools come to the bigger showcases, but for the small town player I'm not sure how to go about finding a JUCO or DII school.
Thanks.
Thanks.
I'm not sure about the area in which you live, but in the U.S., many JUCO and NAIA schools hold tryouts in May and June. Oftentimes, they're most interested in seniors who have just graduated, but they'll allow juniors to attend too.
You'll want to go to individual jr. college websites and take a peek at their baseball program pages. Oftentimes, they'll post info about the tryout right there on the web. If you don't see anything, call or email the coach and ask how you can get seen by them.
If you're interested in a specific region of the U.S., perhaps you can post a question on a regional/state forum on this site.
You'll want to go to individual jr. college websites and take a peek at their baseball program pages. Oftentimes, they'll post info about the tryout right there on the web. If you don't see anything, call or email the coach and ask how you can get seen by them.
If you're interested in a specific region of the U.S., perhaps you can post a question on a regional/state forum on this site.
Sounds good. Thanks.