Verbal Commitment /Early Decision Advice

I’m in the same situation, as my son’s school doesn’t offer athletic money,  but he turned down ones that did (blah).  While there’s a risk he doesn’t crack the squad, we haven’t considered applying to other schools.  There’s no harm in applying EA to other schools, aside from the work to do so.  

If something goes south for us, I suspect we’d grovel and reach out to the schools who also offered.  Guess we’ll be in limbo until February 2020, when spring rosters are final.  Man, I thought it was wrapping up soon.  Ugh...

ED is binding so if he is accepted you have made a decision.  If there is some reason he is not accepted ED then having EA applications at other schools provide you options.  If it is the school he wants to go to then I would apply ED and you will here back in Jan if I remember correctly.  The early process give you certainty, which can help to get focus on a specific direction.  I would be cautious in assuming a roster spot is guaranteed.  No roster spots are ever guaranteed so it may be helpful to ensure your son is aware.  I think it is safe to say if a roster spot is going to get cut due to over recruiting it will be a non-scholarship player.   A coach cutting a player with a scholarship would probably run into a lot of scrutiny with an AD.  i.e. "Don't you know the talent or character you are recruiting?"  Recommend digging into the real numbers with regard to invited players.  It isn't that your son isn't one of the best 35, but there are numbers games involved when it comes to filling out the roster. 

On my son's team probably two to four starting players on any given day are non scholarship players.  There are some with scholarships that contribute very little.  In the end the coach wants the best talent to win on the field.  But separating Freshman who often have a lot of developing over the next year or two is a bit dicey.

Thank you so much for your help, I really appreciate the advice. BASEBALLFAN1965, it sounds like you've done this a few times and it's wise advice you give.

We have decided to go ahead and apply ED at the desired school and see what happens, if things don't work out he'll apply regular decision and like CTBBALLDAD said go crawling back to the other schools that were interested. I realize it's a risk in regards to the roster spot but academically and financially this makes the most sense and was the best offer on the table. I'll keep everyone posted and best of luck to you  and your son CTBBALLDAD. 

2Thousand,

Sounds like a good question for your son to ask the HC.  My read, is that no, he should not have to as long as the HC is supporting him through the admissions process.   If HC has not already gone to admissions on your son’s behalf and got him an admissions slot, then there might be some risk involved.  

Bit im guessing he should be good to go for the school he committed to.