I don't think that giving a verbal in 8th grade is really so bad. Sure, you might get hurt, might not keep improving, but there is no written commitment. The kid or the coach can choose not to honor the agreement. Also, there might be a new coach at the school by the time the kid goes off to college - and new coaches don't always take the former coach's picks.

And I don't understand the comment in the NYT article that middle school verbals are somehow against NCAA rules. Prior to 9th grade, kids can talk to college coaches anytime, anywhere. I have told my HS kids to say nothing more than, "Hi" to anyone they think might be a coach in their sport(s).

In any case, high SAT/ACT scores and a high GPA are a better bet to get some great (merit) scholarships.