So I am recruiting at a new level this season and am very confused by what has happened. Given the issues with the cycles, I thought I'd check in. Don't want to give too much away, but here is the situation:

My top recruits seemed strongly leaning my way. They told me in email, and FSS said the same. I never stopped spending on them, just to be sure. Suddenly, they have both lost interest and are leaning other directions. Here is an example:


5 am tues Coach, you've sold me on Iowa! Unless something changes between now and the signing period, you can count on me playing for you next season.

(a few more positive exchanges)

2 pm Coach, you really sold me on Iowa! Right now you're my primary school.

(Several exchanges at 12:07 am, turned negative)

5 am wed Hey Coach, glad you could stop by. I'm not completely sold on Iowa just yet - my cousin played pro-ball in Argentina and he thinks I might be able to play in a conference which gets more exposure. You did impress my father though.

Is there such a thing as over-recruiting??

Jason

sounds like someone else is recruiting them too

Jafree, you're getting attacked by a lot of people on a lot of fronts.  Expect that to be the norm in high-DI.

Patience is the key in high level D1 recruiting. Looking at your list you have 6 guys considering you with just 4 openings, that's just inviting guys to take your recruits away.

When you first got the positive message, you were probably the only guy in the mix, so he was "strong" on you. Now there is at least one other team, and probably 2 or 3, going after the same guy, so now the recruit has options to pick from. That's why you got that last message. Stick to your guns, to use the phrase and unless the other teams are significantly better in Prestige, he'll still lean in your direction.

Looks like this is how it goes. I'm losing both battles, at least one to a team with less prestige. Guess I will need to figure out how much money is enough for next time (20-30k?) (or accept that sometimes that it doesn't matter what you spend). Thanks to everyone for feedback.

Posted by kmasonbx on 10/5/2011 10:46:00 AM (view original):
Patience is the key in high level D1 recruiting. Looking at your list you have 6 guys considering you with just 4 openings, that's just inviting guys to take your recruits away.

+1

Jafree, those two have it right - when you're not one of the big dogs, you should aim to have n-2 or n-1 recruits or so on your list, then add the extra guys as you get a chance.  Having more considering than you have spots for attracts the vultures.

Posted by jafree on 10/5/2011 11:54:00 AM (view original):
Looks like this is how it goes. I'm losing both battles, at least one to a team with less prestige. Guess I will need to figure out how much money is enough for next time (20-30k?) (or accept that sometimes that it doesn't matter what you spend). Thanks to everyone for feedback.

FYI 20-30k is nothing in high level D1 recruiting. A couple of seasons ago I spent 78k on a recruit and didn't get him. Maybe about 10 seasons ago in Tark I won a battle where I spent 103k and the guy who lost spent 120k. High level D1 recruiting is much different and harder than anywhere else.

Yeah.  Never have N+1 considering you and or be in battles with several teams......makes you look weak. 

Best position to be in is have no battles and N-1 or N-2.  That still doesn't always work though.

Posted by kmasonbx on 10/5/2011 10:46:00 AM (view original):
Patience is the key in high level D1 recruiting. Looking at your list you have 6 guys considering you with just 4 openings, that's just inviting guys to take your recruits away.

Absolutely. If I noticed this I would be all over any of your guys I was interested in.

Posted by reinsel on 10/5/2011 1:00:00 PM (view original):
Yeah.  Never have N+1 considering you and or be in battles with several teams......makes you look weak. 

Best position to be in is have no battles and N-1 or N-2.  That still doesn't always work though.

I usually stay at n-2 for the first 24 hours of recruiting.

what is n-1 and n-2?  only played D1 years ago atleast 3 for 1 or 2 seasons and I was bad.

N = # of openings.

So if you had 4 openings, N - 2 would be 2.

This keeps you from looking weak. Any good D1 coach can spot a weakness and act on it.