Wouldn't it be great if we could jump into our Delorean and go back in time to when the college decision was made by seniors. Believe it or not, 20 years ago High School senior student-athletes used to make their college decision. And then over time, it was juniors, sophomores, freshmen, and even some 8th graders who were verbally committing to a college. Crazy right? And then a few years ago, a couple sport specific coaching groups pleaded to the NCAA to try and slow it down by tightening restrictions on college coaches and their programs. And they complied, working together they adopted rules that would restrict any contact, incoming and or outgoing between prospective student-athletes and coaches prior to junior year, which in essence would prevent early commitments. But today, we are in a different world due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Many states have shut down youth sports, college seasons were cancelled, college programs cut, and recruiting as we know it came to a screeching halt. And for the classes of 2021 and 2022 that was a devastating blow. These student-athletes have had limited opportunities to be evaluated, visit college campuses, and have face to face interactions with college coaches. The 3 most important things to do in order to be recruited. There are actually high school seniors who have committed to schools without ever meeting their coach in person, only over a screen via face times and zoom meetings. But the hit that these two classes are taking might bring the recruiting cycle back to how it should be, when a senior, typically a 17 or 18 year old student will be making the biggest decision of their young adult life, rather than a 15-16 year old. I believe those two years make a world of difference. The responsibility a senior carries is much more than that of a sophomore. They might have a job and have their license. It only makes sense that a 17 or 18 year old is more equipped to make a decision about college than a 15 or 16 year old. In no way I am saying that the pandemic arriving and shutting down recruiting is a good thing for anyone but it just might relieve the pressure of the current 2023, 2024, and 2025’s who have aspirations of playing their sport at the next level. I am a proponent that high school freshmen should not have to start worrying about college and what they want to study, etc. They are just beginning to make the transition of adolescence to young adulthood. They should have some time for that adjustment. This is a time to enjoy getting to this part of their life, making new friends and experiencing new things and ideas. There will be many life lessons along the way that will prepare them for making this big decision in a couple of years. But not now! In their first couple years of high school they will begin to be molded into the person they are to become. They will begin to discover their interests academically, athletically, and socially. The kids don’t need the added pressure of thinking about college before they barely get their feet wet in high school. With all of that said, I am for student-athletes to be educated about the recruiting process before they jump right in. There are so many factors and aspects to consider. It is important to understand the intricacies of academic eligibility, the recruiting rules, what coaches are looking for, how to market yourself, and then how to stand out from the crowd. And these are things that can be taught and learned prior to starting the process. From a college perspective, being able to primarily focus on Juniors and Seniors might relieve some of the added stress and pressures a coach might face in the world of recruiting. The recruiting cycle is never ending for a college coach and his/her staff. They are inundated with hundreds, if not thousands of emails and videos to watch of potential prospects across a variety of recruiting classes. I can only imagine how relieved a coach might be if they didn’t have to focus on identifying freshmen and sophomores who aren’t fully matured yet, physically or mentally and could just focus on identifying and evaluating juniors and making final decisions on the seniors on their list. I bet life would be grand! In an ideal world what would my recruiting cycle or timeline look like for a prospective student-athlete. Spring of Sophomore Year Begin Recruiting Education Process Summer prior to Junior year Attend ID Events, Showcases, Camps, and Clinics Fall/Winter of Junior Year Build a List of Schools (20-30 minimum) Research School and Programs Contact College Coaches Attend College ID Events (Showcases, Camps, and Clinics, etc) Winter/Spring of Junior year Begin prioritizing communications with college coaches Narrow List of Schools (8-10 schools) Start setting up unofficial visits to top choices Attend ID Events Summer prior to Senior Year Narrow list of schools (4-5 schools) Attend college specific camps and clinics Make Verbal Commitment Fall of Senior Year (If not committed) Set up Official Visits Begin Weighing options The Decision We obviously do not live in an ideal world but there would be huge benefits to the next generation if the recruiting cycle returned to the way it was 20 years ago. Benefits of the Recruiting Cycle Returning to the 2000’s Relieve the amount of pressure on freshman and sophomores to perform at high levels to impress college coaches. Freshman and Sophomores can focus on learning ,loving their sport, and improving. Limit the burnout rate of elite level student-athletes. Allows more equipped young adults to make a life altering decision. Save parents time and money invested into the college process Allow college coaches to focus on 2 recruiting classes , not 4. College coaches will be able to identify and evaluate more physically mature athletes, rather than projecting where a student-athlete might be in 2 years. In the end, we need to do it for the mental health of the student-athletes. There are so many challenges academically, athletically, personally, and socially they need to deal with. We don't need to pile on the added pressure of college talk at 14-15 years old. It is hard enough just being a kid and making the transition from adolescence to young adulthood. They are not equipped to begin thinking about college and the rest of their lives. Let’s give the decision back to Seniors!