“We are only responding to invites where the coaches introduce themselves, mention of recent event, and provide contact info etc… ask to fill out questionnaire etc. Or is this very common?”
That’s very common and often maybe pretty much always indicative of a mass email.
I haven’t seen you mention where your son’s coaches peg him. That is the most important information and the most useful in terms of targeting the right schools. If he is high D1, I’d expect you already know that. Those players are outstanding as 9th graders.
My own son is not a high D1 player (though he plays with many). For him, D3 coaches were in touch – minimally, though personally – his sophomore year. Now that he’s a junior the recruiting interest has ramped up. We are taking the approach of sending lots of emails/casting a wide net. All of a sudden (January) it is becoming hard to manage. I’ve had my son ask where the schools are in the recruiting process to know if he is actively being considered. (He is focusing on D3, with a few conversations with D1 coaches)
That’s all a little off topic, but I include it in case it’s helpful for someone.