For High School Athletes, Coronavirus Provides Additional Recruiting Headache

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By Keith Edmonds
Fort Wayne Ink Spot

As the entire sports community had to make difficult decisions in response to the coronavirus pandemic, student-athletes and coaches wonder what these changes mean for the future of college athletic recruiting. The NCAA, NAIA and NJCCA have ruled that athletes currently competing in college are eligible for an additional year of competition, which is great for them. But how does this change affect high school kids locally as well as nationally?

Traditionally, a student-athlete has five years to play four years of their sport. An extra year means a current college student-athlete would have six years to play four. Student-athletes can compete in all or a portion of the 2020-21 season, but it will not count against their years of eligibility depending on their division level-specific eligibility rules.

For example, an NCAA Division I freshman athlete, whether they compete in the 2020-21 competition season or not, is eligible for an extra year of competition. Starting their sophomore year, this athlete competes in 100% of the season through senior year.

After their senior season, this athlete’s eligibility count is three years, and they decide to enroll as a fifth-year senior to compete in their fourth collegiate season. Upon the completion of their fourth competition season, this athlete has the option to compete for one final season, the fifth year, because the NCAA has granted all 2020-21 athletes an extra year of eligibility. If this athlete returns for a fifth year, they will have been a member of the team and eligible to receive financial aid for a sixth year, because their first year of competition didn’t count against their eligibility.

Now, in theory, I get it. Indeed, I applaud the various college athletic administrations for their effort. But there will be ripple effects.

For college coaches, this extra year of eligibility means roster could change how they approach recruiting for the next few seasons. If 50% of the 2020-21 senior class decides to return for an additional year of competition, coaches will need to fill fewer roster spots and possibly re-evaluate the positions they are recruiting. Not only does this mean more competition for roster spots — fewer scholarships available — but playing time for committed recruits may be curtailed.

In my opinion, high school students and their parents need to take an even closer look at the schools that are recruiting them and ask questions as to where they fall in regards to needs and wants in these college programs. Ask very pertinent questions about scholarship longevity and how their roles may change concerning whether seniors are leaving or staying.

If you want to be sure about your opportunities, then do some research and ask questions. That’s the only way you’ll hopefully get straight-up answers and feel some peace as you make your college 4-year decisions.