Senior year is notorious for being one of the most stressful in terms of college; one must determine where they want to go, if they can attain an academic or athletic scholarship, and what to major in. Fortunately for some students, they no longer have to worry about two of those things.

These students include volleyball players Ebony Nwanebu and Shannon Connell committing to the University of Southern California and Stephen F. Austin, respectively, and also baseball player Tanner DeVinny committing to Texas Tech. All of the aforementioned are receiving scholarships and have committed to a school prior to their senior year.

Before one commits, though, they must make sure they are a right fit for the program.

“I believe athletes commit when they feel comfortable with the University and the coaching staff, so I don’t believe athletes wait until they are seniors or not,” Athletic Director Jim Bob Puckett said. “I believe it depends on the offer and the timing.”

However, for some of the athletes that commit early, this could pose as a problem if the program they intend to attend undergoes changes.

“If the coach that recruited you ends up leaving that college and taking another job this places the student/athlete in a very concerning position on if the offer will still be available from the new coach and if there will be a comfortable fit with this new coach and program,” Puckett said.

Even though some athletes are committing early, that does not mean they haven’t taken the time to think their decision through.

“Before I committed in July, I talked to my dad then called both my high school and club coach to get some advice,” Connell said. “I thought about it for about 2 months and just had a feeling that it was where I should be.”

Nevertheless, due to scholarship and outside pressures, some believe that athletes occasionally rush to commit.

“It has always been competitive for scholarships. There are only so many available and athletes have to qualify for them,” Puckett said. “Some athletes may rush to commit, but I believe each situation is different and it depends on many factors of when and where to commit.”

Parents, though, are there to help ensure student-athletes fully realize the consequences of verbally committing.

“My parents told me it was my decision. But as soon as I committed, that was it. No turning back,” DeVinny said. “I had to feel deep down in my heart that I wanted to be there and I was going to have to plan on living there for 4 years so I better like it.”

DeVinny, who received a 50% baseball scholarship, was still considering attending other colleges, but Tech’s offer was too good to resist.

“Nobody else’s offer was going to be as good and it’s close to home and I just felt in my heart that’s where I want to go,” DeVinny said.

Whatever the reason, committing to colleges early has its benefits.

“I liked that I was able to commit early because I got recruiting out of the way and I don’t have to worry about going to show cases and camps anymore,” DeVinny said. “And I can possibly help them recruit a little more.”

An early commitment can also take pressure off the athlete.

“It definitely takes a huge weight off my shoulders. Knowing where I am going to school before my senior year helps a lot, so I can have a lot more fun!” Connell said. “I don’t have to spend my senior year worrying and wondering where I am going now.”

Athletes understand that even though they have committed to a college early, they must still prepare for the upcoming season.

“I really don’t see it affecting it much. I’m still going to play baseball the best I can and still work as hard as I can in the weight room, the cages, and in practice,” DeVinny said. “This just means that I know where I’m going, it doesn’t mean I can stop working hard.”