So when do mid major and low d1 start recruiting hs kids? It’s crazy how it went from recruiting 8th graders to not really recruiting hs kids (ie portal). I know they can officially start talking to kids the August after sophomore season. But all the talk lately seems like it might be more like after junior, during senior season. Also, if there are specific questions about specific schools, is here the place to ask?
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Also, thoughts on a school with a bad record, such as 18-34, are those worth considering?
Dadof3,
So it depends on how you define recruiting. It can be direct which means the college has to follow NCAA definitions and guidelines or it can be indirect such as through a travel or high school coach. The travel coach typically reaches out to his network of college coaches to let them know he has a guy that he thinks would be a good fit for their program. My son's travel coach did this for him, and (4) D1 schools ended up offering him a year or more later. In my experience (years ago), my son's high school freshmen & sophomore class was (initially) overwhelmingly through the travel coach as underclassmen. As time went by, the indirect recruiting continued but direct recruiting took over for high school sophomores and junior class through camps, showcases, combines, etc... What it comes down to is where is the event. If the recruiting is on campus the coaches have few rules to follow. It is not on campus, the coaches follow NCAA guidelines about contact and follow a specific NCAA timeline. I posted these in another thread:
NCAA College Bound Athlete Guide - http://fs.ncaa.org/Docs/eligib...t_Resources/CBSA.pdf
NCAA Recruiting Calendars - https://www.ncaa.org/sports/20...iting-calendars.aspx
Given the way things are today, I think it is best to go to your travel or high school coach to see who they know and what they think about playing D1 baseball at the low to mid-major level. There may be other options you've haven't considered as well. Again, things have changed dramatically over the last couple years. D1 recruits out of high school seem to be struggling to keep their positions and scholarships. Asking and getting help is a great way to start this effort so you aren't wasting time and money.
Specific schools are often discussed in a private messages. I've found it doesn't take too long before someone will offer information in a private setting.
As always, just my opinion and experience. Good luck!
@Dadof3 posted:Also, thoughts on a school with a bad record, such as 18-34, are those worth considering?
Does your son want the opportunity to play and turn the program around or does he want to play for a 34-18 team that goes to an NCAA Regional where he is shagging foul balls? There is no right answer. That is a question for your son to answer.
My son's answer to that question was that he wanted to play, turn the program around and win a conference championship. Look at each school for the combined educational and athletic opportunity not the baseball record the previous year.
Again, JMO.
