Before my son went into his senior year, I asked our our high school coaches for their evaluation and opinion. What should we realistically shoot for? Their response was high level NAIA/DIII or could possibly work into an offer from a DII.
That is what we focussed on. We inquired to about every DIII and NAIA school in Iowa, Nebraska and bordering states within a 4-5 hour drive. He did hear from a few DII schools and got offered at a couple. Neither were a good spot for him.
He did get a visit at Northwest Missouri State, but never got an offer. The position coach wanted him, but the HC said he didn’t meet their size requirements for the DE position. Ironically, that position coach took a HC job after NWMS’s season was over and called right away to offer him.
We ended up at Morningside. He made the traveling roster his Freshman year and got a NAIA NC ring. He’s now entering his senior year. Personally I don’t have any regrets. Mside has been good for him. I do think, and I know he thinks, that he could have played at a higher level. That doesn’t mean we didn’t make the right choice.