Recruiting help

It is absolutely OK. No one would ever take offense at your telling them they are your top choice. The only thing you need to be careful about is, don't go spreading the news around on Facebook or generally to the whole wide world. You don't want the current offeror to find out about it.

E-mail: "Dear Coach _____,

"As you know I have long been very interested in your school and your baseball program. I have appreciated your taking the time to evaluate me and to consider me.

"Recently, I received a substantial offer from another school's baseball team. They have asked that I respond to them by _____.

"I would greatly prefer to come to your school and come to your program. However, if you believe that you are not heading in that direction, I would need to take advantage of my next best opportunity.

"If you could let me know candidly whether you foresee any opportunity for me with your program, I would greatly appreciate it. Thank you again for your consideration and for your help with this difficult decision."

How much contact has the boy had with his "first choice" or is that school simply the boys first choice?