By: Amelia Landers, Editor
With football season at an end, the curious have begun to wonder where the star Oak Grove seniors will attend college. For some players, that decision has already been made. James McMahon signed to play baseball at Mississippi State during the early period where all sports except football are allowed to make scholarship offers to future students. However, for those players who wish to continue in football, National Signing days begin on February 3, 2010. Until this day, they are participating in the recruiting game.
Recruiting began for many players during their junior seasons. Scouts from various colleges have attended games and watched videos of players’ performances on the field. The NCAA guidelines are very specific on how these players may be contacted by colleges. During the contact period, college coaches will write and telephone players as well as having in-person contact with players and their parents. For example, Robert Johnson, an outstanding Warrior receiver, has been contacted and visited by over a dozen different schools. He has talked to coaches who have visited him at home and he has made campus visits. Johnson continues to listen and consider his options prior to signing day.
A student is allowed to make a verbal commitment to a college prior to signing a National Letter of Intent. While this has become very popular, this “commitment” is not binding to the player or school until the letter is signed. Steve McNair, Jr. is one athlete who has chosen this path by verbally committing to the University of Southern Mississippi.
An important part of this process is for high school athletes to register for eligibility with the NCAA. This is done at the beginning of a student’s junior year. Students who sign letters must also meet eligibility requirements before they can enroll and receive scholarships. As next semester nears, more players will be making their final decisions.
