I have a Division 3 School with a C prestige. I have one scholarship available. There is a player I really want that is listed as division 3 in my search, but may be a division 2 dropdown, since he is only 10 miles away. Recruiting has not started yet, but will shortly. Do you think I should just go all in now, with home visits, campus visits, and guaranteed playing time, and spend most of my money now, in the hopes that he will not consider other schools. My fear is that another team will go after him, but I think I can beat most other division 3 schools because of the distance advantage. My other fear is that if he is a dropdown, a Division 2 school might go after him, and I might not get him, then be without enough money to do anything. Any advice would be great, as recruiting is starting soon.

My suggestion is go for it. You're obviously high on the guy and it's one scholarship, so you may not be able to win it, but then again it's only one scholarship and one walkon won't kill your team and you'll just get that money again next year. Little risk for decent reward.

Thanks - That was kind of my thinking too. This player would really be a perfect fit for my lineup at this time.

Id hold around $700 back if you can. Ive landed very nice recruits late in recruiting for very little cash. When recruiting, the motto that has served me well has been "When in doubt, be patient and have a backup plan."

I would go for it. With only 1 to recruit, taking a walkon would not be that bad since you probably have a good experienced team, so worst case you recruit 1 more next year with better prestige (due to a good season with all you veteran players.)

First off, I don't think he's a dropdown with your C prestige if recruiting hasn't started. For the actual recruiting, I would go with a couple evals, phone calls, and materials to get him considering, and also offer a scholarship. Then send a couple home visits (as longs as he's considering) and if you're willing to give minutes and starts, give them then, but keep enough for about three home visits (about $950). Then send a home visit every cycle before recruiting, or as close to that as you can. That strategy has worked for me in the past, so hopefully that would work for you.