Please help us untangle the recruiting process

That email is very similar to the email the parent received in the thread "interest or not" and the take from that thread was that if there was a phone number there might possibly be some interest but only attend if you used the phone number and screened the opportunity (my paraphrase from many good replies to the original poster).  With no phone number there it looks to be more of a generic email they are sending to everyone who attended that event.  You might want to read through that thread as there were some very good replies. 

I'd be interested to hear feedback on how the D3 process works as well.

So a few things.  First, the email mentions "performing in front of this coaches".  The only way that's allowable is via a camp, which will cost money (and you mention a camp in your post, just not how much money it will cost).  Second, you mention the 25% minimum that scholarship players must receive at a DI.  Even if your son gets an invite, it may be as a walk-on with no money at all.  Third, your son needs to be realistic in assessing his talent and what level he can actually PLAY.  By that I mean is it important for your son to be ON a D1 (with little hope of ever seeing the field), or having the opportunity to PLAY on another level team?  This is a question one of our better HS players recently faced and chose to play at a DII where he will be on the field as a freshman vs banging away at a DI with a hope and a prayer. Finally, where does your son want to go to school.  Assume he lands a spot (with some athletic money or not) at this particular DI.  If, after a year, he gets his money pulled, or he's not playing and not enjoying the team, would he want to be at that school and pursue a degree as a non-athlete for the next 3 years?  Is this a school he'd choose over others academically or for the college experience?

Frankly, I'd google the school to get the RC's email address and have your son email the coach and be very blunt about the situation.  Have him admit that he felt he didn't perform well at the showcase and is a bit surprised that he would garner interest, so he wants to inquire how real the interest may be in him.  Have him state that he doesn't want to waste the coaching staff's time or his parent's money if there isn't some legitimate desire to see him in front of the coaching staff.  You mentioned in another post that he bombed the combine style workout due to heat, but hit well and did well in the scrimmage, so maybe that stood out enough for this staff.  I would think the coach would respect the honesty and hopefully be honest in return.

Make sure your son isn't allow emotion to cloud his and your otherwise sound judgement in the process.

You can usually fine the "academic scholarship" info on the schools website.  It will normally be based on HS GPA / ACT or both.  Most schools offer a "guaranteed" scholly based on those numbers...but there are also "competitive" scholarships based on testing, etc that may be available

Nuke - thanks. You hit on a point I wanted to ask about and then forgot.

After the heat incident in July, I almost encouraged him to address the issue in email form with some coaches he's been communicating with but wondered if it might come off as excuse making. He had one coach basically tell him he didn't think he had what it took based on his arm strength, but another coach who hasn't discounted him fully who recommended improving in that area and they'd take another look in a couple months. Knowing it wasn't really his best day, he feels pretty good about things. I thought Coach A needed to know the circumstances. But I'm just not sure and left it alone.

As to this past weekend's event, I feel that in both cases it's his bat that saved his bacon. He was playing his secondary position and nothing stood out. Just meh.

As to where he wants to go to school - I know he'd love to be in a city/urban environment (the D3 school). He's not a country boy (the most recent D1 email). I know he wants a prestigious degree to hang on the wall as well(the D3 school).

As to sitting or playing, this is where it really gets interesting. Obviously everybody wants to play. But in a WEIRD way, this kid likes the chase. Nothing has ever come easy for him (except school). I think he will work to play or start wherever he ends up. He is a good team mate and doesn't mind a supporting role if he's not the best player for the job. Doesn't stop him from working hard though.

I also wonder if he wants that D1 offer just to say he got one...like so many other kids he knows who already have them.

Does that make sense?

Just want to add to this that there is really no guarantee that you will play much as a freshman at a D3, especially if we are talking an elite nationally competitive D3.  Did a fair bit of roster searching at schools that we were considering, including D2 and D3 schools,  just to get a feel for this sort of issue.  Though frosh do break into he line up at some D2's and some D3's (and even some D1's of course) at many highly  competitive D3 or D2's lineups are junior and senior heavy.  Sometimes sophomores are slated to be heavy contributors if they played well in their limited frosh role.  So If playing time as a frosh is the deal breaker for you, that may leave out many fine schools. This seems especially true of D3 schools --  since they don't regularly lose their top juniors to the draft, so sometimes have a very strong senior class.  Plus there doesn't seem to be nearly as much attrition along the way at D3's  (not sure about D2's --since most of those schools weren't real great fits for the kid).  That would make sense, since sports at D3's schools are supposed to be more, not less compatible with academics.

Just to give you an example at my son's school, he will be playing behind three all conference upper classmen outfielders, one of whom is also first team all region. Plus the last year's fourth outfielder is also returning.  Of the four only one of them them seems to have gotten significant playing time as frosh.   ( Fortunately, there are hardly any outfielders in the sophomore class just ahead of him. So second year the outfield should be less crowded with returning studs.)    I think this is sort of a  pattern at strong D3.  That is, they  recruit not just for the immediate present impact, but take more of a developmental view and recruit guys they expect to develop into impact players by sophomore, junior, or senior year. 

Bottom line it's not at all straightforward to break into the line up as a frosh at a strong D3 either.   Don't go in assuming that's true.  Talk to the coach about it and see what he expects from you as a frosh.  

It does seem to happen sometimes over the course of season that a frosh proves himself and earns more PT.  Not saying that can't or won't happen.   But it seems pretty hard for a frosh to just flat-out outperform returning players off the bat. So even if the kid goes the D3 route, he has to be prepared to go in there  and compete his tall off. 

I think it's a form letter...Son got something with almost the same wording...Doubt it's legit...sorry

Have you talked with the admissions and financial offices at the D3 school?  They should be able to help you figure out aid.  My oldest son (does not play baseball) was sent a letter along with his college acceptance spelling out any scholarships they were planning on offering him.  He decided to change schools after his jr. year so we just went through the application process again.  Same thing.  Along with every acceptance letter was another letter letting him know what they were offering in the way of scholarship money.  In some cases it was followed up a couple of weeks later with an offer of additional money.  Im assuming this happened because he did not complete the acceptance offer into these schools.  

If you are unsure of what they are offering or if you need some help the schools admissions office can help you out, or can at least point you to the right person in the financial aid office.  

Now when it comes to financial aid, I can not help there.  We do not qualify for anything other then standard loans.  But again the schools financial aid office can help.  Once you fill out the FAFSA they will be provided with the amount of the families expected contribution to your sons education.  They can then use that number to give you a pretty good estimate of how much financial aid, in the way of loans or grants, that you will qualify for.

Rover - yep. That's what I'm thinking too.

You know what will show up at that camp? A lot of bad players who fall for it.

Sluggerdad - it only seems natural that it'd be hard to outplay a junior or senior at a D3 school. He's 18 (or will be). They are 21-22. And you are correct. We are finding that to get the top level academics you jump straight to Ivy or D3. Not qualified for Ivy. D2s just don't have the academics he's looking for and really there aren't that many or am I wrong? Too bad a lot of players he knows think D1 or nothing. Even his school puts the preferred walk ons and D3 athletes in a different pile. Kind of a shame.

I have found the Net Price Calculator to be pretty realistic. I'd be interested to hear if others have had the same experience.

http://studentnpc.collegeboard.org/

Thanks joe. He is doing some tours later this month at a couple of these schools. FAFSA just filled out and accepted last week. Will hopefully be back with some info for others really soon!

It makes perfect sense, but it is something you should also caution him on.  Suppose he secures this DI and gets to tweet to the world and his friends that he's committed.  Then what?  So he's landed the prom queen only to find out that joy was in the landing and now that the chase is over . . . .

You certainly know your son better than any of us anonymous posters.  It sounds as though you know what's best for him and understand all of the extraneous circumstances around what he may think he wants.  It's probably a good time to sit across from him and lay all these cards on the table.  Ask him point blank if it's the thrill of the chase or what's actually at the end that he's seeking.  Tell him you recognize these good work traits in him and don't doubt that, but wonder if he'll be happy if he catches what he's after.  Is it ego to a degree?  Be honest with him.  The best comparison I can think of is the dog that chases cars.  Once he catches one, now what?

Welcome.

The best way to figure some of this stuff out is for you to read through some past threads here. Type "D3" "D3 recruiting" and some other variations and there will be tons of information. 

Regarding the email. It is just a canned email to get your son to their camp so they you can help fund their program. Unless you get a personal call or email it is all about getting players to come to their camp. 

As a great contributor here, Coach May says: "you will know if they really want you". ...actually go read some of his posts for a great perspective.

As far as D3 academic and needs based support they all are different and the best way to get the straight scoop is to call their financial aid department, most are very helpful with the process.

Good Luck.

I count 15 in Georgia. Academics varies.

http://web1.ncaa.org/onlineDir...sion=2&sport=MBA

The one D2 school he's considering is FIT, but it's obviously not in GA. I don't want anyone to think we are slighting those Ga D2 schools. It's just not the level he's looking for.

Certainly the email is a “mass email” most probably looking to raise their camp enrollment.

 Who has been recruiting your 2016 up until now?  In most cases after a player has marketed themselves via video, showcase and tournaments, the division/schools that show interest and are recruiting him with the most interest will make it clear.

D3 recruiting is tough. Not all D3 schools have “merit” financial aid and you may have to rely on “needs based” financial aid.  You can find this out on the school’s website or the financial aid office.  Based on your son’s scores/gpa admission should not be an issue but depending on the school he still may need “coach’s help”.  When you take a visit to the school and speak with the coach ask them their process. Many times they can have you fill out a pre-read form for financial aid and admission. After submitting to the respective dept. the coach can get an idea on what money you may qualify for and if admissions in likely.

I constantly reminded my son during his recruiting process, don’t be concerned which Division and go where you have the best opportunity to play while getting an education.  

My two cents: PIck up the phone and call the Recruiting Coach to find out their interest level and what they truly know about your son.  Leave no stone unturned in this process especially at this time of year.  If they know something about your son then it was worth the cost of a phone call and your time.  If you find out they can't recall anything about your son, you've lost nothing.  If your son is a 2016 you need to know where to spend your time, money and resources.  Adding a program to your list or crossing a program off your list can give you focus to the programs that are looking for your son's skill level

As BOF suggested, D3's are a diverse group.  You need answers to your specific situation. Use the "SEARCH" function in the top upper left of this page.  I guarantee you'll find a treasure of information.  If you don't get your question answered, post a specific question on a new thread or use this one since you are the OP...balls in your court.  Again, I guarantee it will get answered and possibly you make a connection with someone who has been in your shoes.  Lastly, if you are expecting an offer from a school you really should know more about their process and what to expect.  This is the time of year when D3s get very active with their recruiting.  Good luck.

If you live in Georgia, I would definitely look into staying in state.  Georgia has some of the best scholarship programs in the country.  Chances are that is where you will find the best financial package.  

I'm with Fenway. Call and figure if they know about the player or are blowing smoke for a fundraising camp. Also find out if the camp is considered a prospect camp or instructional. You may have to do some research rather than ask the coach.

This is a letter to get you to come to the camp, I doubt very much their interest (at this point in time) is anything but that.

I may have missed it, but has your son been evaluated? 

Also with Fenway on this. It's late in the process, and there's motivation to cut through the bullstuff to get to the bottom line. Call, call, call...then call again. 

Agreed with Fenway as well. Call.

Be prepared for a general response, that will indicate they really don't know anything about him.

Most, if not all of these email camp invites are disingenuous.

Got one yesterday from a Big East school say they saw him in Georgia.

And that 95% of their roster comes from these camps. What a load of bull.

Save your money for camps of schools he is interested in.

It is illegal for colleges to hold "true" prospect camps.  They can be called prospect camps, but need to be open for anyone that wants to attend.

Obviously there are ways around the rules.  A camp can be open, yet still a few select campers are invited.  Often with underclassmen it works like this.... Recruiter has seen the underclassmen play somewhere.  Recruiter wants to get the player to Make an early commitment.  Recruiter needs to get that underclassmen on campus to accomplish above.  Underclassmen wants to commit, so attends camp and commits to the college.

The actual open to anyone part of the camp, is not expected to produce any recruits.  Those coming to talk about an offer, know it before they show up.  It's not hard to get messages to players legally.  Nothing is illegal, but when a college claims they have recruited a large number of players from their camp, it's because they wanted those recruits before they showed up, in most cases.

So maybe people should look at things differently.  Instead of whether they actually saw you play somewhere, maybe it's a bigger advantage if they have NOT seen you play.  Because if they have seen you play, and they really want you, you will know that before attending the camp.  Seeing you somewhere before hand and wanting another look at you, sounds good, but it also means they didn't see enough to create serious interest The first time.  

It doesn't take college coaches long to figure out who they want.  When they see it, they have to move quickly or lose that player to another college.  Once again, mostly talking about the higher levels here.

Evaluated by anybody in particular? Like PG? As to PG - no. He's been several other places though:

60yds anywhere from 7.1 to 7.5 - I swear I think some runs are 59 yds. and some are 61 yds. so let's call it 7.3 which we've been told is avg. HS.

Arm - I've heard everything from 75-85. So let's call it 80. Avg. low level college.

Bat speed - 96 avg. No clue about level.

Exit Speed - 84 avg Avg. low level college.

6'1.5" if he stands up straight and is around 200 lbs.

Thinking a normal outing for him at a PG event would grade out at around an 8.

Fielding - all the following is directly from a coach recently and not brand new information: needs to create better angles and field in front more. Follow your throw. Accuracy good. Don't drop your elbow. Quick first step, good exchange, stay low and don't stand straight up.

Hitting - finish your backside turn and work through the middle of the ball extending through pitcher. More hip action for more power.

ALL OF THAT. I totally agree with 100%. This kid has a clue at the plate but seems afraid to actually SWING HARD. He is not a contact hitter though. He's either hitting line drives or striking out. He's balanced either way and not falling down or flailing around/casting. Rare pop ups. Rare ground outs. Does fly out really deep occasionally aka "if I'd actually swung the bat it'd have gone out". I think one of the things that hurts him is not putting the ball in play consistently. He's got to do that with runners on though and he's learning it.

I do know that if you give him 100 consistent plate appearances over a period of time he will hit the ball 30 times and 10 will be for extra base hits. Factor in BB, HBP etc. and he's hitting .375ish. Been doing that since 13u. Plays pretty decent competition too. Doesn't walk a lot. Is learning to foul junk off which has been interesting to see this summer.

So I don't know. Not a D1 player on the field and maybe not smart enough to get in a high academic D3 or Ivy. Don't know. Hence my screen name...

Point has been made, but yes, do not read much into this D1 email (but call as many have said).  They cast a very wide net.  They basically will obtain the email address of every player at a tournament (or on a roster) and send this email.  My son received multiple versions of this email after a tournament that his team played in but he did NOT even attend. However, he (and his email address) were on the roster sheet.  Also, not sure if this point has been made, but Volunteer Assistant coaches work extremely hard to get as many players to camps as possible as, in many cases, the only pay they get comes from proceeds from camps.  Either way, money made at camps in general helps fund these programs.