Recruiting Clock is Ticking for High School Seniors (Sponsored by NSR)

The following article is sponsored by National Scouting Report. Visit NSR’s web site at http://www.nsr-inc.com/

RECRUITING CLOCK IS TICKING FOR HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS

By Gary Silvers

The NCAA’s one-week early signing period is history.

Thousands of high school seniors, including dozens of Suburban One League athletes, recently signed National Letters of Intent to play sports at NCAA Division I and II schools.

But what about the thousands of high school seniors who didn’t sign early? Is there still hope for them?

Absolutely.

Most high school seniors don’t sign NLIs until the regular signing period. The regular period for football and soccer doesn’t begin until Feb. 3. The regular period for all other sports begins April 13.

Football players have a two-month period in which to sign. Basketball players have one month to sign with Division I universities and 3 ½ months to sign with Division II schools. All other athletes have 3 ½ months.

Yes, you still have time. However, time is running out.

Here’s some advice:

If you have made a verbal commitment, you should be in good shape. But keep in mind that neither verbal commitments nor verbal offers are binding. Both you and the coach can change your mind before you sign an NLI, a legally binding contract between you and the university. Hopefully, that won’t happen.

If you have received verbal offers but have not yet committed, you need to narrow your choices as soon as possible. Once you find the best college fit – academically, athletically and financially -- you should commit.

If you have not received verbal offers, you should be in constant contact with college coaches. Call them. Set up campus visits. Arrange interviews. You need to convince those coaches why they should make you an offer – if they still have roster spots and scholarships available.

If you are not speaking directly with college coaches, you are not being recruited. It doesn’t matter how many emails you have received or how many questionnaires you have filled out. You need to be proactive. Again, call, visit, interview and sell yourself to coaches.

Good luck!

High school athletes who have not signed with colleges or have not received verbal offers from college coaches should contact National Scouting Report, the world’s oldest and largest high school scouting and college recruiting organization. NSR has received hundreds of requests from college coaches seeking qualified prospects (2016-19). More than 95 percent of NSR’s prospects receive scholarship offers. For more information, contact NSR Area Director Gary Silvers at (215) 480-8764 or gsilvers@nsr-inc.com.