When the writing is on the wall for Division I athletics

One subject that I continue to harp upon what seems day after day is how parents, athletes, and families have to be realistic in the athletic recruiting process.  An athlete may have spent their entire life dreaming of receiving a Division I scholarship offer but there has to be a point where you realize that is not going to happen.  It is not easy to deal with but it happens.

I have seen first hand for a football and a basketball player who spent their life dreaming of a Division I offer.  And as of now, neither of these seniors athletes have any scholarships to speak of.  Sometimes there just has to be a point where families become realistic and they are able to realize that the writing is on the wall for not garnering that scholarship offer out of high school.

In the basketball situation, what makes it difficult is that his father played Division I hoops at the highest level.  This athlete has grown up around the game of basketball and there is no doubt at all that he has spent his life growing up with Division I eyes.  And even though there is no doubt that their family could pay for walking-on, the dream has been to get that scholarship.

The football situation is just as tough.  This is a player who has been absolutely dominant at the high school level.  He has been outstanding against great competition.  But just because an athlete is a great high school player doesn’t mean it translate to college.  Coaches at the next level are looking for a certain prospect and will not offer unless the meet certain requirements with height, weight, speed, and potential.  And in this situation, unfortunately, the athlete does not meet these requirements.

So if it is this last in the process (especially in football.  Let me repeat this applies especially in football right now), your Division I eyes may have to make a decision.  Would you be best served attending a prep school for a year or a Junior College for two seasons?  If you want to earn a scholarship at that level, this may be easiest way.

Your other options are to walk-on or look at schools that might be a better fit for your ability in your chosen sport.  For the football recruit, looking at Division I-AA or II schools may be an option.  For hoops, are there any really good Division II or III schools where you could star at during your four year career?

Again, it is nearly impossible for people to be realistic about themselves and their children.  That is why it is important to read the writing on the wall.  If all a bad Division I-A school is offering is a walk on, why would other bigger programs be sending scholarships your way?  And if a lower Division I basketball school ended up pulling their offer, do you think there may be a reason why?

If you have followed all the advice that this site has offered over the last eighteen or so months and there are not Division I schools knocking down the door, it is important for your family to read the writing on the wall and be realistic about the athletic recruiting process.  You may take a pride hit but it happens all the time everywhere.  When you can be realistic, it will be easier to find a school that fits.

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