This is a really interesting thread. I think most of what I have read here applies to super gifted athletes. D1 recruited by 2 top ten ranked academic universities and now playing soccer at one (playing about 1/2 of each game) but AI was through the roof 35 ACT GPA 4.0 and a whole lot more. Did start and play every minute on ECNL team, but by no means was the star. Serious recruiting started sophomore year when ACT appeared, D2 now close to committing as Senior in Swimming. Recruiting started at end of Junior Year even though ACT 35.5 was avail soph yr. Also recruited by 3 top ten schools ( 1 university and 2 LAC). Does have great times and competes in National Events, but once again is not the very top of the curve.( AI even higher than D1). I can tell you however that the extremely good academics gets way more important at the end when coaches are trying to balance there AIs.