Recruiting Questionnaire

We're behind you in the process, but I do remember reading a suggestion once that stated you should put the college asking for the questionnaire, as well as 2 others in the same conference.  Interesting thought.

Nolan, tell the truth on the first question but note your son is definitely interested in their school.  For the second question, list the school that sent an email stating he's an "active prospect".  Don't list the schools that sent camp letters.  For the last question, for pete's sake, answer it.  Why not?  Of course the school needs feedback on the best prospects, but I doubt your answer will get them onto the next flight to go see them.  Not answering may seem uncooperative, IMHO.

We're going through the same thing.  I think it pays to just be straight forward.  Sooner or later the truth will most likely come out concerning schools of interest, athletic ability, etc.  I don't think it pays to get too creative in answering these, as the more you do, the likelihood of inconsistencies will surface.  If you're straight each and every time, that won't happen.  Just the advice from someone in the same shoes as you, and I'm no expert.  Best of luck.

Assume all the coaches talk to each other. Then decide what you want to do.

1)  Yes, list the school that sent the questionnaire and one or two in the same conference.  A recruiting coach told us that they want to see if the player is interested in their competition!   They will quickly look at your question #2 to see if they are recruiting your son.

3)  When keewartson was asked this question regarding the top recruits in his area, he listed the top players that had already committed! (Don't leave it blank).  One was a legit pro prospect.   Rather than thinking that they want to recruit these players you list, it is more likely they want to see if you have played with, or against, these good players.

I'm not tracking here. Seems like y'all are saying our sons should definitely list the school that sent them questionnaires as one of their Top 3 choices.

What if it's not true?

2016 JP is getting a lot of these, too. Here's how he's handling:

- Not interested: Ignore them.

- Might be interested but not likely - Complete the forms but leave that part blank.

- On his list of Top 5 schools (has only heard from two) - Fill in top desired schools.

We could be missing something, but based on all I've read here, the key is honesty, isn't it?

What am I missing?

And Bum -- I rarely disagree with you, but I do disagree about responding to question 3: Please list the best college or professional prospects in your area.

What's the upside?

If my son develops a relationship with someone -- be it a school, a coach, a select team, whatever, fine. But to just put another young man's name on a form like this? I don't see it.

But again, you've been there. What am I missing?

Keweert above made the point that they want to see if your player went against other good players.  I hadn't thought of that--and it makes sense.  As for upside, I don't think there has to be an upside, but if there are other prospects the coach can see in the area I would think the "trip" would be easier for the coach to justify.  I guess it's a matter of choice, jp.  Not a biggee.

If the player does something as simple as respond truthfully he'll never get caught playing games with the answers. 

I don't think you are missing anything.  Yes, be honest.

When keewartson went on unofficial visits at the request of the school, he most definitely listed the school he was visiting as one of his top choices (and another in the conference...since this is what we were told by the recruiting coach on our first unofficial visit).

Also, I think keewartson sent in every questionnaire that was sent to him.  The questionnaires that he received that were unsolicited, he may not have listed other conference schools as ones he may be interested in, if he truly wasn't, but he was pretty open to look at most schools. 

I just asked, and keewartson said he didn't receive any more questionnaires after he gave his verbal commitment.  Posting the commitment on the PG website may have contributed to that?   (But it didn't stop the emails....once you are in a schools data base, you stay in for a while whether you are committed or not.)

No - We have not filled out any questionnaires yet.  These came out of the blue.  Haven't made any contact with any schools yet.  He plans on sending out introductions over christmas break.  He had a good showcase recently where he had a good velocity jump.  Somehow that got out and he's getting a lot of interest.

Want to thank everyone for their responses!

Nolan Ryan...I wouldn't hesitate to answer the third question, unless you're nervous that coaches will pass your son over for one of the other local recruits?  My son didn't mind mentioning the other standout players in the area, as we felt that it was additional opportunities to be seen on the field.  There's been plenty of times that a scout/coach has gone to see one player and someone else stands out....enjoy the ride. 

Nolan - Had you heard from any of these schools before getting the questionnaires?  Had you had any conversation or contact at all?