Posted by pyt100 on 1/11/2013 7:38:00 AM (view original):
I have one scholarship to fill and read the help guide and it mentioned getting FSS at least in the same state, I don't have a problem getting more seasons just was surprised. Kinda reminded me of going to Vegas the more you spend the more you get.
If you are only recruiting for 1 open schollie, then FSS may not be very helpful. You'll need it next season (w/8 openings), but it won't do you much good for you this season. As a new coach with only 1 open schollie, you have the least recruiting budget possible. I would look for ways to avoid spending it on FSS in order to send more effort to the recruit that you want.
Here's my precise suggestion: Look for a transfer or Junior College player with 2 seasons remaining (i.e. a Junior); probably a perimeter scorer that might be able to help you this season and fills a need for next season. FSS would work for a JuCo player, but FSS provides no information on transfers anyhow. You might send a scouting trip to a JuCo before deciding to pursue him, but you are really looking for a player that already has the ratings that you want (for my suggestion - speed and perimeter ratings).
There are several benefits to this strategy: you may end up targeting a recruit that others will avoid (e.g. no work ethic); you will avoid having a class of 1 scholarship player; the worst thing you could do with 8 open schollies next season is redshirt a freshman this season; leaving a couple classes with zero scholarships will give you more flexibility later to decide how, or whether, to balance your classes; & you leverage all of your available cash into actually signing a recruit.
[Note: transfers often pop up in the afternoon before the signing period starts; between 2pm - 8 pm est as coaches cut player to make room to sign one or two more players...that can make having some cash at 7:30 pm est very helpful. So, be patient. Also, players that are considering other teams often become available overnight after signings. If you have the money left in your budget, then you may be able to pick one up that appeared to be locked up by another school prior to signings.]