How many years early do soccer recruits commit? I'm trying to gauge the impact this season would have on recruiting, especially if they go deep in the tourney. Seems like they're already recruiting for 2019 to me, so the immediate impact would be with potential transfers?
To directly answer your question, I'd say the coaches are probably mainly recruiting for the 2020 class now, and that will be where most of the next commit announcements come from (although of course things change in recruiting, and there probably still will be a few 2017-19 commits that come up before those classes formally sign-on). As to transfers, Coach Sanchez and his staff seem to be as active as anyone at CU in picking up quality transfers (usually Colorado or regional players "coming home"), so that definitely could continue, although I could see it lessen some as more of his recruited players populate the roster***. Just eyeballing the starters in this Utah match, I believe at least 4 were transfers and, at minimum, that doesn't include senior Khalia Hogg, who would have been a sure starter if she hadn't been injured quite awhile ago. (It was great to see her get to play a little for the 1st time in over a month yesterday!)
***Did also want to mention that it seems like, in general, the last couple classes already in Boulder (2015 and 16) have already seen an uptick in overall quality (although there are also some great players on the team from the 2012-14 classes), and 2017-19 also look strong (to the extent anyone, let alone an ignorant general fan like I, can tell). With the long lead time in most "Olympic sport" team recruiting, even though he is now in his 5th year leading the Buffs, the 2015 class (or maybe even 2016?) was probably the 1st that was totally (or mainly?) a result of Coach Sanchez and his coaching staff's efforts.
Going forward, the Buffs look to already have an experienced and proven base for the next few years, even as I'm sure more players come in to challenge the veterans and replace the seniors. Again, looking at the Utah match, only 4 starters were seniors, with the remainder all underclassmen (4 sophomores and 3 freshmen).
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Also, forgot to mention in my earlier post. Although the season isn't over yet, as of now redshirt-freshman goalie Jalen (J.J.) Tompkins evidently has the highest save % in CU history. Congrats to her and the teammates who have helped her achieve this (and of course keep it up during the NCAA tournament!)!