akjmkm

I am new to athletic recruiting. My son is a junior and is an elite soccer player. I keep hearing about early commitment and that my son wants to commit early. I also hear about juniors who have already committed and say they have a full ride. Can anyone give me your 2 cents about all of this? What should my son do? He does have colleges contacting him and we are currently on an unofficial visit. That reminds me of another question. How important are these unofficial visits. I am told they are very important and I am worried that I am going to spend a fortune. Help me please!

OldbatesieDoc

I recommend you read some of the other threads. Sherpa has posted some very good info on htis very complicated topic. The more you know, the better!

keylyme

You can verbally commit early (even before junior year) as coaches are allowed to talk to recruits if they are on their own campus. That is one reason why unofficial visits are so important. This is a non-binding commitment and is dependent on the athlete's acceptance at the school...which can also be done fairly early (end of junior year). "Official" signing does not happen until November of Senior year.

pacheight

if the college coaches don't know him already then go visit the soccer schools he's interested in, which will most likely be the top 10 rated soccer schools in the country if he's at the elite level in soccer. Call or email the coach first let them know you're coming. Check the NCAA rules for soccer and coach contact dates, but Junior year should be fine for the coaches to A) send and receive emails, and B) receive phone calls from athletes, 1 per month...something like that.

since he's elite the "love" from the coaches who want him should start in earnest by April or earlier. If no real attention is being received by June then there's a problem.

keylyme

^^There are over 200 DI soccer schools, so even top 25 or 30 includes schools who have won NCAA's and will probably be schools he is interested in. Actually, probably even deeper as there are many "elite" soccer players (aka USSDA Academy) in the states, and the schools also recruit internationally. I think many of the creme de la creme players are scooped up summer of sophomore year, but these are usually National Team types.