Everyone is always looking for the next big thing, and it is no different in the world of sports. Scouts and coaches are always looking for the next Great One - the next Manning, James or Crosby.
The process of recruiting players is a complicated one. As a recruiting assistant at Ohio University, I know there are rules to follow, certain dates to be aware of and plenty of forms to fill out. It is not something anyone takes lightly.
In most sports, colleges can't formally start official recruitment for a player until the end of his or her sophomore year of high school. Even then, there is still a limit on phone calls and visits a team can make. It is a very detailed and lengthy process with little wiggle room.
Lately, coaches have branched from the traditional, accepted means of finding players through high schools or club teams and are starting much, much younger. This forces me to ask the question: When is a kid not a kid anymore, but a prime piece of recruiting material?
David Sills is a 13-year-old from Bear, Del., and at first glance, looks like an average middle school kid. But watch him throw a football and you will see why many experts already are saying David is going to be the next great NFL quarterback. University of Southern California and head football coach Lane Kiffin are ahead on the future of this phenom and already offered David a scholarship to play for them, which David committed to verbally.
Nick Ciuffo is a 14-year-old baseball player from Mt. Pleasant, S.C., who got his break before he ever played in a high school varsity game. Nick already has committed to play baseball at the University of South Carolina when he graduates high school in 2013.
Money is a major factor to consider when it comes to these early commitments from kids. The amount schools are investing in these barely teenagers is ridiculous. It is hard enough to sign players who
coach feels is going to benefit his or her team at a prime-signing age. But someone who might not have even hit puberty? Really? These kids are making life changing decisions before they can even get their driver's license.
It is great to have faith in people, and most coaches are pretty good at spotting talent. But to recruit kids at these young ages?
Shame on them.
I'm sure these kids love knowing they already have a place
to continue their athletic careers, but what kind of kid needs that burden at 13 years old? There are news outlets to talk to, constant write-ups, cameras in their faces all the time - even most pros can't handle the press well, and they have had lots of practice.
Not to mention the fact every decision the recruit makes after signing an agreement now not only affects the player and his or her family, but also the university where they committed, the staff and the fans who already have instilled their faith.
What if David broke his arm or tore his ACL? If he were a regular 13-year old, it would be just another football injury. But he's not.
What if Nick woke up one day and didn't want to swing a bat anymore? If he were any other kid, it wouldn't be a big deal. But he's not.
Because of David's status as the next great quarterback
he's not just a regular athlete with an injury. He's the future of a football machine. He has the weight of Los Angeles on his shoulders, and he hasn't even finished growing yet.
Nick is set to attend one of the country's baseball powerhouses. The Gamecocks down in South Carolina would not take it lightly if he suddenly changed his mind about his future.
In some ways, it must be a relief not to end your high school career without knowing where you're going to play next, but recruiting happens when an athlete is older for a reason.
Childhood is supposed to be the most fun and carefree time of a person's life. Although these early commitments could bring fame and big careers down the road, for now, let the kids be kids.
Courtney Cohen is a sophomore studying journalism and Wednesday columnist for The Post. Send her your list of grade school prospects at cc363207@ohiou.edu 4
Opinion
Courtney Cohen
