I thought I'd start a thread where advise for the still uncommitted can be shared and discussed. Maybe we parents of uncommitted players can share our stories, frustrations, strategies. Maybe those who successfully committed late can share their wisdom and experience. It would be good to have it all gathered under one thread, perhaps.
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My experience indicates that the answer to this question can vary greatly depending on where you are.
Examples:
In Virginia, the number of D1 slots remaining is limited. There are some openings but not that many. It may be time for an uncommitted guy to start looking at his other options, especially from among the many very fine D3 programs in our state.
In Florida, many, many more players head first to junior colleges, and I think that process is still wide open.
In the northeast, the trend towards seeking earlier and earlier commitments has not progressed quite as far, so players in that region probably have no reason to panic whatsoever. And players from other regions might want to train their sights in that direction if they remain determined to find a D1 fit. The challenge for them will be getting enough looks to garner interest. Narrowing the targets might help in choosing a particular program's camp opportunity.
While it may seem like it is getting late in the process for a 2015, there is still time to go. My 2014 son did not commit until March of his Senior year. Now it wasn't to a D1 school but it is a 4 year school at the NAIA level.
I also know a local kid who was going the JC route who got a late D1 offer (July after his senior year) to a Pac-12 school. The school lost a kid for some reason and needed to fill his spot.
My advice is to try to keep all options open in your son's mind. In our area we have several JC's that end up moving a lot of kids to 4 year schools. Our JC's can give scholarships too.
I have had 2 players commit to D1 schools late. 1 of them in April and 1 of them after he graduated, draft happened and a slot opened up.
slugger dad... I sent you a dialog..
Wondering about what sort of fall showcase, camps, etc are worth attending over the next 6 weeks to 8 weeks or so for my still uncommitted senior. We are attending the Arizona Senior Fall Classic. I assume that is really the last major recruiting event at least for those of us who are out west. Don't know if there are any similar high impact events left in other parts of the country. I believe that Perfect Game runs a showcase in December for uncommitted seniors. Is that worth attending if one is still uncommitted by then?
It seems to me that if you are aiming at a DIII their fall prospect camps may be worth it. Several DIII coaches at schools he is considering have strongly urged us to attend. Seems like it might be worth it. Attending one of those would at least give us a sense of the program and the facilities and the school. Of course no scholarship or offer can come directly out of these type of events, I assume. But I haven't really figured out how DIII "recruiting" works. We've been in touch with a fair number of D3. Some have encouraged us to apply early action. But my son, unfortunately, really needs his senior grades and to complete his artistic profile, to make him competitive for the academically strong D3's. That means regular decision in all likelihood. And just don't see how that figures in with the D3 "recruitment" timeline.
On the other hand, we were thinking about going to a Cal State Chico (DII) prospect camp in October, just after the Arizona Senior Fall Classic. But once we got a look at their roster -- 27 JC transfers, only 4 frosh last year -- it seems that their camps do not represent serious opportunities for uncommitted seniors at this point. They seem mostly to bring in JC transfers every year.
I believe Trosky does a late season uncommitted event and he is in NorCal. Very high quality guy. Agree on Chico, lot's of D1 drop downs and JC players.
There is the PG event in Jupiter, FL in October. Not a showcase, but rather a tournament. I believe PG assmbles some teams for guys not affiliated with a club that is attending. The PG World Showcase is first week of January in Florida as well. I believe that one may be invite only, but you could always try to get an invite.
SluggerDad,
Are you in Cali? Just because you mentioned Chico?
SluggerDad,
Are you in Cali? Just because you mentioned Chico?
Yes, fanogame. I am indeed in Cali.
(Speaking, again, of Chico, we have actually had a very encouraging exchange with them just this AM. They saw my son this past weekend at an all Cal State camp. So I may have written them off too soon.)
That's cool.A friend of my son finished his career there. Only his last year. They went to world series. Always good.
Have you looked at the many JC ? PM me if you have any questions. I know the JC programs in the BIG 8 and the new Folsom program.
Been through this whole thing in this Part of Cali and So Cal.
We are in N.Ca.
