Early verbals...

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marriard

Not lost - just no idea where I am
Oct 2, 2011
4,312
113
Florida
[video]https://www.facebook.com/NCSAsports/videos/10154466146937967/[/video]

This school verballed an eighth grader just last week and she isn't the only one they have done that with. So this rings hollow to me.

Hey coach - they can't verbal if you don't offer.
 

Cannonball

Ex "Expert"
Feb 25, 2009
4,854
113
A player can verbal anytime that they want. It doesn't mean the university did much at all. I've told the story several times of the young lady in our area that "verballed" to U. of Texas. I don't think that they knew who she was. LOL
 
Feb 17, 2014
7,152
113
Orlando, FL
Here is a very typical scenario -

Coach@BigNameU: We like what we see and can see you as a part of our program in the future. Keep up the work and at some point we can talk more.

8thGradeStud: I am verballed to BigNameU!!!!
 
Last edited:
Apr 16, 2010
924
43
Alabama
I know a girl that committed to an SEC school and is a 2021. Honestly she is a beast and even if she does not grow another inch she can physically compete with girls in the SEC and her talent level has always been ahead of the girls her age. She seems like a very low risk as would a 6' tall pitcher throwing smoke. I can't understand how some have committed that still have a lot of growing to do or are not just so amazing we all haven't heard of them.
 
Nov 18, 2013
2,255
113
Verbals aren’t legally binding, but in most cases players and coaches enter into them with the intent to follow through. Most of the early verbals I’ve seen have resulted in kids attending the schools they’ve committed to. It’s usually much more than a Dad just saying “my kid is verballed”.

That doesn’t mean it’s smart or families should be naïve enough to think once you’re verballed you’re in. Coaching, interests, abilities or goals can change a lot in five years. Enter at your own risk.
 

JAD

Feb 20, 2012
8,231
38
Georgia
Coaches verbal players early because it is non-binding and if the player does not develop into what the coach wants they can lower the scholarship amount or pull it entirely. You would be amazed at how many players have their scholarships reduced right before they sign, and there are a lot of players who sign for little or no money.
 
Nov 18, 2013
2,255
113
Coaches verbal players early because it is non-binding and if the player does not develop into what the coach wants they can lower the scholarship amount or pull it entirely. You would be amazed at how many players have their scholarships reduced right before they sign, and there are a lot of players who sign for little or no money.

What? But their parents always say they got full rides? ;)
 
May 4, 2016
200
28
Just for the record my 11 yr old verbaled to Oregon the other evening. Now they never offered or know who she is, but she has verbally committed to play softball at Oregon. :cool:
 
Jun 12, 2015
3,848
83
Just for the record my 11 yr old verbaled to Oregon the other evening. Now they never offered or know who she is, but she has verbally committed to play softball at Oregon. :cool:

Mine verballed like this in 8U so I've got you beat. Took her to her first college game at KSU, she's all in. lol

Seriously though...I can see how it happens. For those with girls who've been through all this before, what do you suggest? What are the odds of waiting too long as opposed to committing too early?
 

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