@Rick at Informed Athlete posted:This comment may have already been made in this thread, but I didn't read every comment. Anyway, just thought I would add that some D1 coaches will tell recruits that "I'm not allowed to offer an official scholarship for more than one year at a time."
That may be true under their school policy or if directed so by the school's athletic director, but if coaches are telling recruits "it's an NCAA rule that I can only offer a scholarship for one year at a time" that's not true in Division I. It is for Division II, but not D1.
Also, an officially written scholarship to cover multiple years can't be reduced or cancelled while it's in force simply for reasons of the athlete's athletic performance. That's why some coaches try to run the athlete off or cite some picky "violation of team rules" to cancel the scholarship.
I will add that many do not put it in writing until the NLI. Part of the reason mine committed where he did was because they were the only school who immediately provided a typed out letter outlining the details of the scholarship. The other schools either refused to provide it until NLI or you really had to twist their arm, which was very telling.
So far it has worked out well.
Those who are not going to be playing much are told up front and given the option to remain as part of the program or the coaches will help them find a new school. The ones who have decided to remain part of the program have kept their money and it has not been held against them. They just don't play much, if at all.