Watch for Your Blind Spot During the College Recruiting Process

The Occasional Glance Over Your Shoulder Should Keep You Safe

Ever drive down the Interstate, start to pull into the left lane to pass a slower car and hear the blaring horn of another vehicle cruising behind on your left in the “blind spot?”  If a college athletic prospect is not careful and ever watchful, the mere possibility of a scholarship offer can develop a blind spot in the prospect’s vision. 

The excitement of being on campus, meeting the coaches and watching the team practice or play can be overwhelming.  The prospect is suddenly thrust into the future and the encircling influences can drop the prospect’s guard.  Little, yet important,  things get overlooked — the school’s overriding philosophy, social underpinnings, condition of its amenities, academic fit and quality.  Any or all of these can easily be ignored.

At National Scouting Report, we work closely with prospects and encourage them through our scouts and other communication options to remain objectively grounded in reality on college visits and throughout the entire recruiting process. 

Our advice, which is a key reason many clients choose to work with us, is focused on helping prospects and parents to give equal weight to each opportunity.  Keeping a running sheet of the pluses and minuses of each college visit and interaction with coaches and administrators is a baseline expectation.  Considering each situation for what it genuinely offers in terms of quality of life, education and athletics is at the forefront of our counsel. 

We understand the heady nature of recruiting for our clients.  Being openly courted by a group of highly motivated, impressive people is a true honor which few high school students have a chance to experience.  But, it is paramount to be fully aware of everything around you.  Taking a glance over your shoulder for hidden objects can result in a safe arrival home, and well-founded decision.