Just thought I would chime in on this subject. I would assume that there are no College coaches on this forum telling us exactly what they are looking for in a ball player or what their recruiting criteria is and where they recruit from. We can all only go by what we here as far as G.P.A., how the girls conduct themselves, who carries the bags, how hard they throw, how fast they run the bases, and what geographical region they are from. I am positive that all coaches have their own requirements and differ greatly from one to another. I can only speak from our experience with a dozen or so D-1 coaches that we have dealt with over the last year or so and knowledge of others directly associated with the subject and their experiences. So lets just say that nothing else matters except the actual softball ability and you have an Ohio kid that has that ability to play for an OSU or any other major D-1 school regardless of conference. We all know the statistics and percentages for D-1 as it has been posted many times. Lets just also say that all of these girls dream to be a Buckeye whether it stems from the softball program specifically, the HOME team factor, or maybe, like most, because it has been bred into them via Saturday’s and the Football team. Dressing the part with flags, jerseys, and toilet paper from the team up north along with taking pictures when they were babies with Buckeye cheer outfits on, etc.
My opinion is that this staff absolutely lets good OHIO kids get away. They string them along thinking that they can have them at anytime because they are TOSU and everyone wants to play here. They seem to want to throw lowball offers at local kids too as it is my understanding from others. When these good kids are shown love from others, they move on. It’s as simple as that and therefore, OSU is letting them go!
In addition, it is my opinion that California kids are important to THIS coaching staff AND the previous one too. Goes hand in hand with my first opinion.
Speaking of Cali, I also believe that, in general, the Cali girls are not the top ones. Let’s be real, only California, Texas, or Florida kids come to OSU for the football. I have asked a half a dozen Cali kids that are currently on various teams what brought them all the way from California. The answer is always the offer. Why not USC or Arizona?!! It may have been the case in years past about them playing better competition but it is changing very quickly. There are some top-notch organizations right here in Ohio/Midwest that are producing great talent for playing in the Big Ten and other major conferences. They are also playing and competing against the best competition right here in the Midwest, East, and South……and not spending 4 grand for player fees. I know, I know, that last bit belongs on another thread or two that has been beat to death!
Once again, my opinions. However, this page is full of them I suppose!
