TAKODA
Starter
I know what you are trying to do. But, I think you would find that there would be EXTREME pressure put on kids my coaches to sign and some will end up signing and it not being in the best interest for them. I believe just before signing day, there is a dead period. This is for that reason. It gives the kid at least a little time to think before he actually signs a binding document.Not sure the NCAA wants to put too much pressure on the student athlete where they have to do anything (if they just verbally) saying they are going to a school. However if they just leave the option on the table that there is open signing throughout their Sr. High School year (X date through LOI day) and make sure the kid understands that if they commit (sign) they are on the hook until that school says otherwise or releases. If they don't sign, then they are free game to everyone and this would take the non-serious commits out of the equation. IMOThat's what I'm getting at, is there a way the NCAA can make it actually mean something but still give the kid and school some flexibility before they actually sign on the dotted line?
Like I said early, there is no easy solution to this issue. I think that the kids would understand that they can verbally commit and all that means is they have interest but if they sign, they are in. The only change I am prescribing is one that would aid the coaches and put some integrity into the recruiting system. If I was a young stud athlete, I would go on my visits and I would understand that my verbal is just a commitment of interest but if there was no other place I would rather be, I am going to sign. If there are other potential options that could come up and I am that valued of an athlete that other big schools may come knocking, darn it, I am not signing until I feel I have reviewed all my options. I would also understand that if I don't sign, the school has the options to fill their needs elsewhere or continue their recruiting process and possibly fill the position I was being considered for. At least this way, the kids will not be playing the schools up to the last minute and it would allow the NCAA to tell all schools that if the kid has not signed, you can still contact him, if he has signed and you contact him, then consequences can be administered.
I am not sure where in my thought process it would be something that would cause the kid to act improperly. Life is full of risk and at 17-18; it is time to understand that your signature is your word. Want to play games? Then do it at your own peril. Don't forget, these kids are getting a pretty darn good monetary value (education) by signing on that dotted line, it's not like the poor kid gets nothing out of the deal.
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