High school prospects should begin the promotion process ASAP

Our scouts across the globe often encounter this statement from parents, “It’s too early to begin the recruiting process.  My child is only a sophomore (or freshman).”  It’s a philosophy wrought with problems, not the least of which is that college coaches are constantly searching for the prospects which will help their programs to improve, shine and win titles, regardless of their age.  Coaches are now identifying prospects as early as the eighth grade.

This misconception of when to start the recruiting process is born from by-gone times.  The college recruiting culture has taken a turn and parents and prospects that cling to antiquated ideas all too often get left out and wanting.  It’s a new era in recruiting which clearly dictates that high school athletes serious about playing sports at the next level must enter the fray as soon as possible.  Today is not premature for any prospect in any sport.

The NCAA is opening up opportunity windows earlier than ever before for prospects.  In Division I basketball and all of Division II, coaches may now begin making initial, personal contact on June 15 following athletes’ sophomore year.  But even with this full year of permissable contact, which is groundbreaking to say the least, athletes and their parents must understand that from the moment they enter the eighth grade the race in on for scholarship offers.  Yes, the eighth grade.  Coaches may, in fact, make oral offers at anytime.  And athletes may in turn accept offers at anytime, too, even though these verbal agreements are not legally binding until the athlete is permitted to sign a National Letter of Intent at various, designated times during their senior year.

So, the key question must be asked and answered by parents and prospects:  When is the best time to jump in?  The answer?  As soon as an athlete indicates that he or she wants, or even has a slight desire, to play college sports.  Waiting is no longer a viable option.  Doing so offers no advantage whatsoever.

The clock is running, always.  College coaches are in the prowl.  They are sifting through hundreds, if not thousands, of prospects every day regardless of the prospect’s graduation date.  They are not waiting.  And once they find the athletes they are certain will enhance their program, they home in on them like a laser beam, sometimes to the exclusion of other equally, or more, talented prospects than those that choose to wait because “it is too early.”