When to say no thanks?

This one of the hardest things to do in my book because things can change quickly and sometime recruits don't understand the difference between interest and serious interest.  I was just sharing my viewpoint on this with another poster.  Assuming everything is equal with academics (it never is )  if a D3 has done a positive pre-read, and is offering your son a "guaranteed" roster spot you know exactly where you stand with your ED application with that school.  But if the coach is not guaranteeing that roster spot then the recruit needs to know where he stands with that school.  Too often recruits hear what they want to hear not what was said.   That ED application process is huge, and the recruit needs to understand (in detail) what they are getting in return.  So, this allows you to stack rank the schools the recruit is interested in.  I think after 5-6 schools it is probably a good idea to let them know if they ask a direct question about where they rank.  The same can be said for a recruit asking a coach where he stands.  I think it is more than fair on both ends.   The challenge is knowing when you have enough information to pull the trigger on the final decision and letting the other schools know as well. I'd wait as long as I could within reason of those 5-6 schools.

As you stated the ED process has a way of whittling things down quite a bit. 

I guess I really don't understand the question.  If he has "some interest" then why would you consider turning them down now?? Offers are offers and coaches know that he likely has more than 1  

If he's absolutely not interested....tell them....that's only fair!!!  They can look elsewhere and will appreciate the honesty.   As far as the others....I don't think you're doing anything wrong by "waiting"...to see what else comes along.  It would be different if they were D1's and were waiting on you to commit to an offer...they'd probably give you a deadline instead of the other way around. 

I think it is all about the delivery of the message.  I agree with Buckeye; if he does have even the slightest interest, why turn them away?  Let them give you a deadline.  They've played the game enough to read into what is happening.  So, my advice would be for your son to say something along the lines of:  "I've not made a decision yet.  I really appreciate your interest/offer and don't take it for granted.  My parents and I are discussing this almost daily, and I am thinking through my options.  I do have other interest, and I just want to make sure I make the right decision.  I certainly understand and respect your process and timeline.  I think we should stay in communication and be open and honest.  If and when I am leaning in another direction, I will let you know.  If you have another player that you would like to invite into your program in my place, please let me know if that creates a deadline for me."

In the spring of my son's senior year he had to make some decisions. He had offers from 2 very good D3, one with a lot of money the second with a smaller amount of money. He also had an offer from a west coast D1 with a small athletic scholarship and limited academic money.

After visiting all three he decided on one of the D3's. The paperwork went in and the deposit was paid.

The day after the paperwork/deposit happened he received a call from his "dream school" in South Carolina (not one of the three). The head coach called and offered him a small scholarship. He indicated that there top two prospects had backed out which opened the spot for my son. They needed someone like my son and wanted to offer him the opportunity.

My son realized two things; he made a decision to attend a school and that he had given his word and that if he was only the third choice for his "dream school" what are the chances they would do the same thing to him next year.

My point is never cut off your options and until you have made a true commitment your job is to find the best opportunity. It ain't over until the final decision is made.