Freshman can technically be recruited by college coaches, but it is much less common compared to recruits in their sophomore, junior, and senior years. The reason for this is that college coaches typically prioritize recruiting older players who have had more time to develop their skills and showcase their abilities.
However, there are always exceptions to this general rule. In some cases, exceptionally talented freshmen who have already made a name for themselves in their sport may receive early attention from college coaches. These recruits may have already competed at a high level, such as in national tournaments or showcases, and have caught the attention of college coaches through their impressive performances.
It is important to note that while freshman recruits may receive early attention from college coaches, they are still not eligible to receive verbal scholarship offers until August 1 of their junior year. This is due to NCAA recruiting regulations that aim to protect young student-athletes and give them enough time to make informed decisions about their college choices.
In my own personal experience, I have seen a few instances where freshman athletes received interest from college coaches. These athletes were typically exceptional talents who had already established themselves as top prospects in their sport. However, it is important to remember that these cases are not the norm and that the majority of college recruiting takes place during a recruit’s sophomore, junior, and senior years.
While it is possible for freshman athletes to be recruited, it is much more common for recruits to start receiving serious attention from college coaches starting in their sophomore year. It is important for young athletes to focus on their development and continue to work hard to showcase their abilities to college coaches as they progress through high school.