Welcome once again to another edition of Recruitnik 101. If you're unfamiliar with this term and new to following recruiting this should set you straight.
Junior Day - Unofficial visits of high school underclassmen to campus, usually in large groups. Schools usually hold 1-3 each spring, in addition to prospects taking individual trips to spring practice
Purpose: Coaches use these visits to gauge interest in the program (remember these are classified as unofficial visits, the prospect/prospects family is paying for transportation/meals etc). These visits allow coaches to get to speak with prospects and their families, extend offers etc. Occasionally high school coaches also make these trips, which is good for fostering relationships
What happens: Prospects get tours of the facilities, someone is on hand to answer academic questions about departments and varying length of contact with their position coaches and the head coach depending on program interest. Prospects of age who don't receive offers are usually encouraged to attend a summer on campus skills camp for further evaluation
Why is it important: The more communication between prospects and their families with coaches the easier the recruiting process goes. Getting talent onto campus helps forms relationships between prospects which can help provide group momentum. Getting commitments is obviously the goal of Jr Day, but even if they don't pop that day it usually sets the wheels in motion.
Oklahoma's next Junior Day is next week.
