(TBR Classic) olefty...gotta recruiting question for you

Opinions Needed

First things first. Thanks to all the experts who posts to this board. The information is great. Now for the question. My son fits into the runs 7.0 category, is considered a great defensive OF, has a good bat and can hit with power. He is also a straight A student. He has received a lot of interest from mid tier Div I schools and limited interest from the bigger schools. We have the opinion that is much better to go to a school where you are being heavily recruited than to go to a school where there is some interest, but they are not aggressively recruiting you. There is also some pressure to commit by the end of this month, so the schools will know if they need to look elsewhere. I need any and all honest opinions.

 

I'll address this only in a baseball sense. Go to the school that makes you feel wanted...period.

I'll trade playing everyday at a mid level D1, D2, or D3, then sit on the bench for 4 years at a UNC type school.

 

From reading the posts here select a school he'll be happy at if he doesn't play ball as he may get hurt etc. I think that's good advice that's been given on this site as well as others

 

Will add this

Take him to visit the schools he is most interested in and visit with the Coaching staff and tour the school ect. Let YOUR SON get a feel for what feels right for him.
I agree 100% with Braves for looking at the schools that make him feel wanted. And if you don't visit the schools and coaches how can you make a true decision. JMHO. And like Dawgswood said go where he knows he also feels good about getting the education also incase that freak thing happens and they get injuried.
Let your son have the conversations with the coaches and ask your questions only when you need to address something that hasn't been discussed. Remember they want to talk and discuss things with your son and not your agenda. Just my humble opinion.
Good luck to your Son in this new adventure and have fun!!!!!

 

Atttend their camps, that way you can see how the coaches approach the game.

 

Agreed!!

The one question I always ask any player of mine to consider is this...

If you have a career-ending injury, will you still get the education you want /need for your career?

 

Great Question

This is part of my concern. As part of his growing up experience, we have encouraged him to deal directly with the coaches. We get involved only when a coach wants to meet with the parents. He could get into almost any school he wants based on his academics, but I feel he is making his decision based on where he can play baseball, not where he can get the best education. Please keep the advise coming. Experience is a great teacher.

 

I know of a great school to recommend....and I'm not biased at all

 

Seriously, I understand a coach's position about deadlines and having to move on, but don't allow them to put that kind of pressure on you. Be completely honest with them, but let them know you are fielding other offers as well and give them some reasonable time goal about your decision. If they aren't willing to wait...then I would question their commitment to your son in the first place.

I have had an opportunity to see all of the sides of college recruiting...warts and all. I have found that honesty in both sides of the communication is always the best policy...and you can scratch off the names that don't follow that rule to the letter.

 

We have 6 kids this year playing at what is now a D-2 program, 1st year at that level. Talk about fun. Great academic school and close enough that all the parents still get to go hang out together and pull for the kids. It's gotta be fun or college sports is too much like work.