My sons are both looking at college athletics..... regardless of where they go they will each probably already have a 2 year degree before they graduate from high school. We plan to spend a lot of time visiting college campuses as a side on our vacations in the next few years! Just to walk around and see what it's like.
Both DH and I were college athletes and we spend a lot of time around current programs, so I feel they will be ready for anything. Our biggest hurdle right now is the NCAA Clearinghouse which won't allow credits until they are in 9th grade!! They are 10 and 12 right now and I think they are more prepared than I was when I graduated high school!
Our emphasis will always be academic.... sports may earn you scholarships, but when you graduate from college you must be able to earn a living as you chances of going on are slim!