Recruiting Confidential

You are 18 and extremely talented. Your highlights are all over the web. They’re calling you the next Peyton Manning or Joe Mauer or Candace Parker. Famous coaches beg for face time. (Coolest note ever to get from your principal: “Call back Joe Paterno ASAP. You can use my office.”) Soon the offers begin to roll in. Mom and Dad tag along on your most-expenses-paid campus visits, sit with you at the big rivalry game. And while they check out the library, an attractive hostess (or two) gives you a blue-chip tour.