Committed as a Sophmore?

[DDsNbr1Fan]

This is an article I got from Student Sports.com...it was my understanding that colleges could not even talk, let alone get a commitment from a player until their junior year in HS. Is there something I missed?


Dallas Escobedo, a Class of 2010 prospect from the Arizona Hotshots Gold, has committed to Arizona State University. Currently the No. 1 program in the country, the Sun Devils will be adding a dominant pitcher/first baseman that was the Arizona Republic's Player of the Year as a mere freshman last season. The sophomore standout is currently 21-5 for St. Mary's of Phoenix heading into Wednesday. It looks like the rich are definitely getting richer by adding this key in-state player.

[Sam]

Players can verbally commit to any college they wish. Colleges cannot commit anything to a player until that player's senior year when they write up the commitment for the player to sign.

[Gone in 2.6]

This is an article I got from Student Sports.com...it was my understanding that colleges could not even talk, let alone get a commitment from a player until their junior year in HS. Is there something I missed?


Dallas Escobedo, a Class of 2010 prospect from the Arizona Hotshots Gold, has committed to Arizona State University. Currently the No. 1 program in the country, the Sun Devils will be adding a dominant pitcher/first baseman that was the Arizona Republic's Player of the Year as a mere freshman last season. The sophomore standout is currently 21-5 for St. Mary's of Phoenix heading into Wednesday. It looks like the rich are definitely getting richer by adding this key in-state player.

College coaches can talk to any players. As long as the player initiates the phone call or is on their campus.

After sept 1st of their Junior year the rules for talking with players does not change but coaches "CAN" email and write to players.

July 1st before their senior year, coaches can call players and talk to them in person. At tournaments I believe they have to wait until the player's team is done playing/eliminated.

[Tucson]

I haven't seen Dallas pitch, but I have seen Kenzie Fowler . She is a Tucson area Junior, who committed to UofA, last year. There will continue to be some major competition between the 2 universities, if things play out as planned.

[DDsNbr1Fan]

So I guess in essence any DD that is a HS freshman or sophmore can essentially say they are "committed" to whatever school they want to attend. All without any "commitment" verbal or otherwise from the intended school. Do I understand that correctly?

[Sam]

So I guess in essence any DD that is a HS freshman or sophmore can essentially say they are "committed" to whatever school they want to attend. All without any "commitment" verbal or otherwise from the intended school. Do I understand that correctly?

Sure....a player can choose to take themselves off the market at any time they would like...theoretically, they could commit when they are 6 years old....their commitment doesn't necessarily mean a thing...if she gets injured...if she doesn't make grades...if she doesn't score well enough on SAT or ACT...it is merely the act of a player stating to college coaches that they are no longer available.

It will be interesting in the years to come when college coaches refuse to acknowledge verbals and continue to recruit verbally committed players ....like their football and basketball counterparts.

[Gone in 2.6]

So I guess in essence any DD that is a HS freshman or sophmore can essentially say they are "committed" to whatever school they want to attend. All ]without any "commitment" verbal or otherwise from the intended school. Do I understand that correctly?

Well yes I guess they can "say" anything but that's not what this is (most times anyway). A verbal is a case where a player accepts an offer from the coach. Money is usually discussed but it is a handshake agreement. The coach agrees to hold a spot for the player and a scholarship for X amount of dollars (if they're getting money. Some verbals are recruited walk ons) and the player agrees to take themselves off the market.

The only thing bonding either party to said agreement is their integrity. From what I have observed, integrity wins out a good majority of the time.

[DDsNbr1Fan]

Thanks Sam for the insight.

In the case of this sophmore player mentioned earlier...I believe the player, parents, TB/HS coach has been quite presumptous in assuming she will make the Arizona squad at this time in her softball career and, like you said, taking herself off the market for other schools. Articles like these are misleading to the softball community.

In any case, my 12yr old DD has just committed to UCLA...glad that is done! LOL!

[Sam]

Thanks Sam for the insight.

In the case of this sophmore player mentioned earlier...I believe the player, parents, TB/HS coach has been quite presumptous in assuming she will make the Arizona squad at this time in her softball career and, like you said, taking herself off the market for other schools. Articles like these are misleading to the softball community.

In any case, my 12yr old DD has just committed to UCLA...glad that is done! LOL!

Probably not a big deal for this particular kid...she is phenomenal....a great all-around player.

[Gone in 2.6]

Thanks Sam for the insight.

In the case of this sophmore player mentioned earlier...I believe the player, parents, TB/HS coach has been quite presumptous in assuming she will make the Arizona squad at this time in her softball career and, like you said, taking herself off the market for other schools. Articles like these are misleading to the softball community.

In any case, my 12yr old DD has just committed to UCLA...glad that is done! LOL!

When do you think would be a good time for Dallas to commit?