Hello, all. Many of you have heard my son's story, and to paraphrase for those who have not, Ryan committed to Air Force, Decommitted, got hurt, played football this past fall & didn't showcase, so he has been in somewhat of a bind on the recruiting trail. At the point of his getting hurt last summer, he had WSU, Gonzaga, Cal St. Northridge, etc. ready to come watch him pitch. (WSU actually came to see him pitch in June, and were scheduled to come see him pitch on the 4th of July.) After his injury, (Partial tear to the Meniscus, which was repaired.) he didn't see much activity.
Through the Fall, he received interest from Juco's, but it was really hard to get back on the D-1 radar without coaches' ability to see him pitch/play. At that point, a JC asked him if he would commit to them if he wasn't going D-1. He agreed.
Over the Winter, Ryan worked hard & attended a few events. This brought quite a bit more JC interest, which he turned down since he had already committed to a JC. In addition to the JC interest, he received a small offer from a Power 5 D-1, a relatively new D-1, and a D-2. His only interest there is the Power 5 D-1.
Fast Forward to this Spring. He has been throwing well. Generally, in the 84 - 86 Range, and he has hit 88 multiple times. Being a lefty, that isn't too bad. Anyhow, the Power 5 D-1 HC flew out a month ago to watch him pitch, and he did awesome. After the game, the HC said he was flying him in for an official visit. My wife & Ryan went on the OV this weekend, and they loved it! It appeared that everyone on the trip was super impressed with him, and that the staff really think he is a "D-1" guy. Where are we at now?? Well, the HC told him that they really want him, but they don't have any money available until they know what happens with the draft. If a couple of their guys get drafted, we would only have to pay for his housing. (That is encompassing the Academic with the Athletic.) They would cover food, tuition, and books. The HC let him know that if they cannot free up the monies necessary, he wouldn't be able to offer the scholly. He also told my wife that he would help him if that happens.
Here is my question: Are there any upcoming showcases that we should send Ryan too? Should we send him to the Stanford Camp, or is it just too late to put money into that sort of thing, since most of the D-1 money is already spent? I wonder since they are concerned whether their guys get drafted, if there are other schools out there with the same issue, and he could take a chance chasing that.
I should add that we all would love for him to attend the D-1 university he visited, but we will follow the "go where you are loved" rule. If there is not money, how much could they really love you? Right?
Hopefully, it all comes together, but I don't want him to miss an opportunity, if we could find one for him. Truthfully, going the JC route isn't the end of the world, but going D-1 would be better for a myriad of reasons.
Thanks in advance...
