Not going to panic

I know that there are some on this board who are more experts on this than me, but I hope this helps.

First, what schools have you been talking too? Are they D1, D2, etc.? Each has recruiting timelines that are different and each makes "offers" differently. When you say "walk-on", have you limited your recruiting to D1? Many JUCOs and D3s are in the middle of their recruiting time.

Second, is your son keeping up his side of the communications? I know that I had to constantly stay on my son to respond to e-mails and phone calls to maintain contact. The coaches need to know that you are interested.

Third, has he applied to the schools that have shown interest? Again, you need to show that you are interested in the school from an academic standpoint. Have you made campus visits, even if unofficial.

Fourth, from what you can read on this board, there are schools that continue looking throughout the Summer. You just need to decide what is important for making his decision, playing baseball or getting an education. These may not be mutually exclusive but you don't want to base your decision only on baseball.

As I said, I hope this helps. It is important that your son be able to enjoy his Senior season without the additional stress of recruiting.

Best of luck!

First have a plan and work the plan. Always have a back up that he can go to just in case, which is usually a JC, but could be some other program. Work all levels of colleges, D1-3 and NAIA. The D3’s will start to get busy now that many of the D1’s have their NLI signed. Many schools are still out working to fill in holes they have in the recruiting class. Next will be the draft and they will lose kids there so they will also back fill up to and including August. Keep communicating through his Sr season and let the schools know his schedule. If he has a particular program that continues to be interested, look at the playing schedule and his HS season schedule and look for places where they may be able to get out and see him. My son had several programs come and watch his HS Sr season games when they had a break or were going to be in the area. BTW mine did not sign until May 1st. I know of several kids who found teams as late as August. (I know it is maddening, but it happens) Good Luck!

quote:

Originally posted by LOVINGIT:
This recruiting stuff is really a challenge. One minute they are interested, next minute they disappear with no explanation. When is it too late to think about being recruited and maybe just start looking to walk on somewhere. Senior season is around the corner and I am prepared to tell my son to not worry about the recruitment process and just concentrate on his season now. Feedback is welcome.

Hello and welcome to the forum.

You have already received some very good advice. Your idea to tell your son to concentrate on his senior season is great advice. Also let him know to keep up his grades as well, so as to have more options when the time comes.

Keep your chin up because as I was told last year by the knowledgeable people on this forum, it can still happen for your son. Not everyone will be highly recruited, but there is still room on different teams rosters to where your son can play if he continues to work hard and believe in himself.

from what I'm reading into this post,your son is a d3 level player??/..the reason i say that is because if he were d1 talent every d2 and d3 school would be after him..my advice is to kick butt on the act and gpa.find the d3 school that he likes and attend a baseball "clinic" that d3 offers..most of them do this so they cn see kids under the guise of a clinic..join a website like be recruited and invite coaches to view his profile and videos..from there INVITE the coaches to his games specifically..get pro active and dont panic.

quote:

When is it too late to think about being recruited and maybe just start looking to walk on somewhere. Senior season is around the corner and I am prepared to tell my son to not worry about the recruitment process and just concentrate on his season now. Feedback is welcome.

Lovingit,
Welcome to the site.
My sense is that if your son really wants to play college ball, and is hungry for that to happen, you can tell him not to worry, but it will still be something he and you will deal with. Getting accepted to college, having some security a college coach wants your son in his program, and the process involved is one which can and probably will need to be managed while your son is also focused on his senior year between the lines.
What I would propose is your son and family can: focus on his senior season, focus on the recruiting process, and not be in a panic.
What would be very helpful is to post a bit about your son and his academic/ACT/SAT situation, as well as what contact with coaches/camps/visits has occurred and what your son is hearing back. Is the HS and/or travel team coach involved, to what level and what response.
From another post, I see your son has been to a number of PG events. What rating has he received?
There are a number of folks on this site who can provide a wealth of good and somewhat specific information, rather than more generic input.
The decision not to panic is exactly the right one.
A lot can happen between now and May and between May and August. With a bit more information about your son, his grades and the process to date, some great posters on this site will provide specific ideas and invaluable information, adding to what has already been offered in the previous posts, for your son to consider.

All of the advice is very good except wogdoggy. Sorry wogdoggy but none of us really know what is the talent of the youngman. Let me first say that ther is nothing wrong with D3, however to assume that because he has not received any offers or is not heavily recruited that there is not a spot on a a D1 roster is a little bit premature.

Sometimes receiving an offer for what I would call is that next tier of players (anything below the top 5% to 10%) is ssometimes about being in the right place at the right time. Even if you have talent especially for position players the college coach has to see you, you have to perform well and the coach has to have a need. There are quite a few D1 and D2 players who sign after the early signing period.

I do agree with the concept of your remaining post which is to become more "pro active".

Thanks for the info. All sounds like good advice, except maybe wogdoggy.LOL Nothing against D3 but I do feel he could easily play at a higher level. It has run the gambit on the schools that have made first contact with him. From Tulane, Elon, Columbus State, Louisburg College. He has talked from D1 to JUCO and nothing has solidified. Has even spoken with several pro scouts after playing in Jupiter. One of the challenges has been that the coaches say they haven't seen him in enough game time situations. Most contact was made after they saw a PG video or heard about him from someone else. As far as specifics go they are listed below.

Academically
3.6 GPA all AP courses
1590 3 part SAT
23 on ACT

Athletically
5"9"
165 lbs.
6.7 60 yd
90 outfield velo was most recent radar.
Throws left but switch hits.

I feel like the kid can play anywhere and believe me I am not an American Idol parent that tells my kids they have talent when they don't. I have attached a video of him playing that my younger son put together. Pardon the music and effects but you know how creative kids can be.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v...SGN1X1fjw7lw&lf=plcp

Well, I don't post very often on this forum, or look at people's attached video clips either, but I checked out your son's video.

I've got to tell you LOVINGIT, that video clip got me pumped-up! I'm ready to watch some college baseball NOW! Gun's N' Roses, some GREAT outfield play from your son, some mashing, etc. I especially enjoyed when he picked the runner off first from right field.

You are right on target, with his academic stats and baseball ability (at least as shown on this video) I predict your family will be smiling come May regarding his academic/athletic future.

Kid looks like a D1 talent and pro prospect to me. He reminds me of Jackie Bradley Jr. of South Carolina who ironically did not sign until late in his senior season if I recall correctly.

I forwarded the video on to a D1 coach I know and if you hear from them, you and him will be doing cartwheels. I don't see any reason to panic.

Yeah, seriously. I bet you Coach Vanderhook from Cal State Fullerton or Coach Serrano at Tennessee would love this kid. He looks like he plays like a "gritty Titan."

quote:

Originally posted by golden rule:
All of the advice is very good except wogdoggy. Sorry wogdoggy but none of us really know what is the talent of the youngman. Let me first say that ther is nothing wrong with D3, however to assume that because he has not received any offers or is not heavily recruited that there is not a spot on a a D1 roster is a little bit premature.

Sometimes receiving an offer for what I would call is that next tier of players (anything below the top 5% to 10%) is ssometimes about being in the right place at the right time. Even if you have talent especially for position players the college coach has to see you, you have to perform well and the coach has to have a need. There are quite a few D1 and D2 players who sign after the early signing period.

I do agree with the concept of your remaining post which is to become more "pro active".

again i said i dont know what kind of talent he is BUT assuming if he were D1 material they would have been on him.does the kid throw upper 80's and or run under 7.0? Im not saying he cant play d1 but as a senior he should have been "discoverd" by now if he were d1 material..also D3's would be all over him..apparently from your post this isnt the case.dont take my post the wrong way.

LOVINGIT,
Thank you for the response, the information, and the video.
First of all, congratulations to your son for the effort in the classroom. The GPA with AP classes is very solid.
The SAT could be an issue, I might guess, with some schools. Any chance he might retake it after a prep course?
On the baseball side, well, CD's actions in sending it to a DI coach are better than words.
About the best I might offer is to prepare a list of schools where your son has interest and start targeting them.
Every year there are some very nice players who just seem to get lost in the entire process. That does not mean your son isn't a DI player by any means.
Based on your post and that video, as opposed to taking the Spring off for recruiting, I would suggest the exact opposite approach.
Good luck.
Keep posting. One would have to believe there are programs who will want your son.

Lovingit..I sent you a PM

Great advice from everyone.

Just a quick note in reponse to infielddad's comment - I don't think that SAT will scare away any of the colleges he mentioned, esp with the 3.6 in AP curric. A bump up would be nice of course but IMHO, Lovingit, don't add SAT stress to his 'to do' list in senior year.

I really do appreciate all of the recommendations adn the actions that some of you have taken without knowing me personally. If anyone can show me a higer class of fan that a baseball fan please let me know. I came across this site a year late because I would have known what to do during his sophomore and junior years. But thanks to all of you again. And if there is anymore information please feel free to comment.

My son is in the same boat, but has many offers, just not where they offer his academics or too far. Check out the DII in WV, some have a small roster, needing players. One DIII told us it is a three step process. Get Admitted, get the fed form for money filled out, and they get their players in March.

LOVINGIT-

I enjoyed your son's video, it had a little of everything. The truth is that unfortunately outfielder is the last position filled on the majority of college rosters, unless he mashes or runs a sub 6.7. Your son looks very athletic, I'm sure he'll be hearing from someone soon? It certainly wouldn't hurt to be as proactive as possible...Is his travel or high school coaches doing anything to help out? Please keep us updated, and best of luck to your son.

quote:

Originally posted by LOVINGIT:
Thanks for the info. All sounds like good advice, except maybe wogdoggy.LOL Nothing against D3 but I do feel he could easily play at a higher level. It has run the gambit on the schools that have made first contact with him. From Tulane, Elon, Columbus State, Louisburg College. He has talked from D1 to JUCO and nothing has solidified. Has even spoken with several pro scouts after playing in Jupiter. One of the challenges has been that the coaches say they haven't seen him in enough game time situations. Most contact was made after they saw a PG video or heard about him from someone else. As far as specifics go they are listed below.

Academically
3.6 GPA all AP courses
1590 3 part SAT
23 on ACT

Athletically
5"9"
165 lbs.
6.7 60 yd
90 outfield velo was most recent radar.
Throws left but switch hits.

I feel like the kid can play anywhere and believe me I am not an American Idol parent that tells my kids they have talent when they don't. I have attached a video of him playing that my younger son put together. Pardon the music and effects but you know how creative kids can be.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v...SGN1X1fjw7lw&lf=plcp

As the parent of an OF, I can relate. My Son ran a 6.8,and was a CF in high school, but was recuited by D1's to play RF.
He was 6'2" and 185, but has a big frame, and is now 205.

If the 6.7 is legit, your boy might be a CF somewhere, but his size could be an issue for RF or LF if they don't see him in Center. Most of the D-1's we talked to wanted 6.5 or maybe 6.6 in CF.

I tend to agree with Wogdoggy a little bit about the lack of D1 offers. Playing for East Cobb certainly gives him the exposure he should need? Not sure why some good D-2 hasn't snapped him up?

A lot of the D-2's might assume he's a D1 kid and has already signed, which may be why they have not even reached out to him?

Honestly, I would recommend that you consider a good JUCO for now, because it gives you the most options down the road.

I would also have him re-take the ACT. 23 is just average, especially for a 3.6 in AP classes.

Personally, I really enjoyed the video, but I could see some coaches, especially from the older generation, that might not like the presentation or the music. The opening is a bit much, I think?

The other video of him I saw on youtube, "East Coast Boast", was similar.

Maybe a voice-over/narration from his Summer and/or High School Coach would be better?

I'm sure his younger brother is well-intentioned, and is obviously VERY talented, but a Coach/Scout that looks at video just wants to see a baseball player.

It's obvious to me that Cedric is definitely that!

Not sure what is going on why he has not been signed but I am impressed. He is very talented. Do not give up, he will be found.

If its his senior year, you have to be proactive at this point. Sitting on your hands won't do any good.

LOVINGIT,

I've read through the thread the last couple days. I don't see any one thing that would be a red flag to a college coach, as he has skills, and takes his academics seriously. You should be proud.

What I don't understand is his recruiting strategy or the process to get him offers. Most of the people I know have used a two pronged approach with the travel coach (in your case East Cobb!) and the family reaching out to coaches and getting him at the right showcases & camps with lots of emails and phone calls follow ups by the recruit. I can't help to wonder how aggresive your son has been in the recruiting process. IMHO at this point in his senior year, I don't think he can wait to be found or wait for decisions by the colleges that have shown some interest. I think he should be contacting many new schools with his resume, high school schedule, and summer baseball plans. Recruited = passion + skill + exposure + persistence + luck.


Best of luck and let us know what we can do to help.

quote:

Originally posted by LOVINGIT:
This recruiting stuff is really a challenge. One minute they are interested, next minute they disappear with no explanation. When is it too late to think about being recruited and maybe just start looking to walk on somewhere. Senior season is around the corner and I am prepared to tell my son to not worry about the recruitment process and just concentrate on his season now. Feedback is welcome.

I agree with the advice you are considering for your son as his Senior season nears. Hopefully he has prepared well and is good to go.

As someone said earlier, luck plays a part in this and hopefully yours will change soon.

I'm wondering why he apparently played for an 18U ECB Team the summer before his Senior year? The reason I ask is that recruiters aren't looking at those guys as most of the players would have already signed. Most ECB players would have player on maximum exposure 17U teams???

I would have him e-mail interested Coaches and mail his HS schedule while encouraging them to watch him play. Hopefully, he will have some good results which he can forward.

If nothing happens, then JUCO would be the way to go IMO both academically and from a baseball perspective. In our area, there are some fantastic JUCO programs where he can play, mature and possibly have his D1 option down the road.

The recruiting process is need driven and although his package is good, there are many like him out there so timing can be the factor. Thus, it's important not to stop marketing and being seen.

I saw the video and your son is very talented and should be playing college ball next year. It also seems that your son have all the resourses available to him - showcases, east cobb baseball, Brookwood High School. His high school is always ranked in the top 10 every year in GA highest classification. I am sure you have reach out to your son's choices of colleges. My son is a junior and we are looking also. I am in Dekalb county. You may need to enhance your choice of colleges. We went to a camp at Savannah State two weeks ago - a low Division 1 school and by what I saw on the video your son would have stand out at the camp. There were some 2012, JUCO, and college students looking to walk on at the camp. There are many of these types of programs in the Southeast that are looking for quality baseball players.

Keep working LOVINGIT. Sounds like you had some good interest and with the comments about not seeing him enough, I'd get his senior schedule out to as many of the schools that you think would be able to send someone to one of your games.

I was really impressed with the Louisburg College coach and that program. They were talking with Mood Jr following Jupiter and were still looking for him to come visit just before the holidays. I like the idea of a residential JUCO and they certainly seem to place their guys in top DI's. It simply was not a good fit for us geographically but they appear to still be looking. I'd follow up with them and any others that showed interest to date. A simple call from your son asking where they are with their 2012 class should give some direction. He can bring up the walk on possibility at that time as well.

Good luck.

where did he end up?

Campbell.

Looks like he just transferred there after doing quite well at Louisburg College.

Sometimes I need to pay attention of dates of posts. I JUST sent his video to my son's college coaches. Had to retract!!

That's funny, because I was in the middle of doing the exact thing to the father of one of my son's HS teammates who is the coach at a top rated D1 JC. Then I googled him to get a little info and realized that he is going into his junior season of college ball. The youtube video impressed me. His JC stats were stellar. I love a happy ending.

Ahh that's awesome to get an update on this kid, I really enjoyed his dad's posts on some other threads on the forum. I hope he gets drafted after senior year and does some serious work in MiLB, he just looked like a player

Is this THEE wogdoggy?

That's an understatement, I saw he was a JC All American in 2014, and transferred to the D1 with a perfect 4.0 GPA to boot!

Also goes to show that if you're a really good player and student but just not getting the love you should be getting from from D1's, going JUCO may be a great option.  (Assuming you're ready and able to go kick some serious butt at your JUCO)

This is funny!  I was about to send to a few Big 12 coaches I know, when I read lower, and realized the date!  Kid was impressive, funny how some of the coaches told his parent they needed liked what they saw, but wanted to see him some more!  What??  Some skills are obvious right away, and this one was one of them...no need to see more,....was evident pretty quick.  Glad it looks like it has worked out.  Definitely see post collegiate opportunities.

 

Ray Charles could see the kid was a player.

Thinking we were all hosed from the beginning.

The guy had to know his kid had the tools and grades to be recruited.

The subject should have been "Hey everybody look at my kid"

Seems young which can work to his advantage. Have you looked into JCo? He can get started there, and possibly get to a D1 after. Imo drop hitting from both sides unless he's amazing at both, and concentrate on which is his best.

Good luck

Everyday Dad,

 

You may be right.  But I looked at it differently because I know many people who have the tools and grades to be recruited but don't.  Some have the goods but don't have the right strategy, exposure, support, motivation or timing.  It happens alot and some people give up or panic when the major conference programs aren't burning up their cell phone minutes.  Reality is humbling and parents rarely select the appropriate baseball level to focus their recruiting efforts.

 

I think another problem people don't talk about is the opposite situation where a kid may have decent athletic skills and tremendous academics.  All of the sudden the kid is overwhelmed with options from all kinds of high academic schools to play baseball.  For example, how do you choose from among 10-20 schools that you can't possibly visit in a short period of time?  It can be overwhelming because those people are not necessarily choosing a school based on baseball.

 

So, I think it is important to step back and try to understand what they are going through. Many may be experiencing the recruiting process for the first time.   I know I felt extremely paniced and overwhelmed the first time around.  I still remember what it was like.

 

JMO

On second thought. I see your point Fenway

Well said! 

Exactly.  We just don't know how much experience and awareness parents bring to the recruiting trail.

 

When my baseball-playing son was about to enter high school, I asked his Little League Juniors/Seniors coach if his goal of playing baseball in college was realistic.  This coach told me my son needs to reconcile himself to the fact that he's just a recreation-level player. 

 

My background was football and wrestling, and all I knew about evaluating baseball talent was that I wasn't qualitifed to do it. As a result, this coach's harsh verdict was the only baseball opinion I had to go on until sophomore year when a knowledgeable coach called me up and said my son could have a future in baseball and needed to get into a travel program. 

 

If I had come on this site at that time and asked questions about my son's prospects, I could easily have been accused of trolling for compliments, too. 

 

Over the course of just a few years, we went from aiming too low (maybe D3) to aiming too high (major conference D1, where he initially went) to eventually settling out at a level where he could compete and develop (lower tier D1).

 

We need to be careful about assuming we know where other people are coming from and what they're up to.

College recruiting is an imperfect market. I've seen kids signed to top programs that I thought would struggle and excellent players overlooked by everyone.

 

My son played summer high school ball with several very successful high school players. One was a LHP who committed very early to FSU. He never pitched an inning there, transferred to a juco, then Belmont in Nashville, where he was very, very average his last two years. He is now the Florida half of http://floridageorgialine.com/.

 

His summer team catcher got exactly one offer and took it a week before fall signing period. He started the 2014 All Star game.

Just happened to notice that LOVINGIT's son was drafted by the Orioles after a stellar Junior D1 season!

 

 

Great story.  Encouraging story.  

That's awesome. Thanks for pointing that out, like2rake.  I'm a Bal'more fan from way back so I'll look forward to following Cedric Mullins. He reminds me a lot of a young Al Bumbry.

 

(BTW reading this old thread sure makes the denizens of this forum look like pretty good judges of baseball talent.)

I had the opportunity to watch Cedric Mullins play several times this year.  You just knew he would get to any ball hit in the gaps.  When he was coming up to bat or on the base paths, you didn't get up to go to the concession stand.  He is a very exciting player to watch.