There's a solution to this....Have a early signing period. If a school offers and kid accepts, then let him sign. It should be binding that the school has to accept him and the kid wouldn't be allowed to change his mind. If the kid doesn't sign at the early signing, then both the school and the kid are free to look elsewhere if they want to.
Couldn't agree more! An early signing period will not cure all the ills but it would add more "certainty" to the process.
Early to mid-September would be a good time frame. There would have to be some corresponding changes to rules about OVs, recruiting calendar, etc. to ensure that a kid had an opportunity to visit before signing (e.g., maybe allow OVs after a successful, on schedule JR academic year)? I think it would greatly help schools by limiting their "early offers" to kids they
really want. And if the kid is reluctant to sign the school can say "we have a scholarship for you
NOW but maybe not in January". I have no problem with the "pressure to sign" all being on the player. That's the way this particular life decision works out. I'm a bit fed up with the "hat drama" and signing day choice drama by so many kids today.
From the prospect's standpoint, a so called early offer would "prove" the school's interest in him. If they don't offer him early he can logically assume he is not at the top of their board at that time. Actually, the more I think about it, why even have a signing "period"; just let a young man "sign" anytime both he (and the school) are ready for a binding commitment. I say school because they need some assurance the young man will actually qualify and may want to "wait" for a semester of better grades or a better test score. Naturally, the athlete will still be responsible for getting himself eligible by fall semester. If not, it becomes a "lost scholarship" for that year.
However, I'm inclined to think the "elite recruiting schools" would fight this approach tooth and nail. It is a lot of work and juggling on their part but I'm inclined to think that, by and large, they profit the most from late choices or flips.
Peace