SEC- Recruiting Too Young

On February 23 in Tuscaloosa, Nick Saban, the head football coach for Alabama, extended a scholarship offer to current 8^th grader Dylan Moses. The 6-1 215 lb. 14- year old impressed Alabama’s coaching staff at their annual Junior Day. Although this is not the first time BCS schools have offered an athlete prior to their junior year, it is the first time for an 8^th grader. Many would assume that this would be illegal under the NCAA regulations however it is not deemed an official contact (which can’t start until the junior year of high school) because the offer was extended at a sports camp.

There is no doubt that Alabama’s coaching staff is one of the best evaluators of talent. Yes, this 8^thgrader has the potential to be at the top of the 2017 signing class, but what is this verbal offer accomplishing? Alabama has given themselves the best opportunity to recruit this athlete once Moses’ junior year arrives. Other colleges across the nation have little hope to woo and recruit Moses now that this verbal offer has been made. In today’s social media and news soaked culture, this young man has made headlines as the most talked about 8^th grade football player in America. One can only imagine what emotions this 14-year old must feel ---excitement, fulfillment, super star, and a sense of arrival..

Alabama has nothing to lose in providing a verbal offer to Dylan Moses. But, on the other hand, Moses has everything to lose. What is going to happen when other kids his age catch up to his athleticism and strength? What would happen if he gets hurt or fails classes and becomes ineligible? Moses already has an offer from the best college football program in the nation; what would happen if he feels a sense of entitlement and loses his drive to become the best football player and young man that he is capable of becoming? This is a lot to put on the shoulders of a 14-year old--- no one wants to be known as the one that lost it all.

 

I believe the NCAA should regulate verbal offers prior to the junior year for the overall benefit of the young athlete.  What do you think?