it said in the article that the coach wasn't allowed to call the kid or his parents. his dad called once and left a message, but the coach couldnt reply. the dad called again and the coach picked up, so it was ok for them to talk and he offered him the scholarship right there. im pretty sure you have to atleast be in hs to have it official, but i guess if the coach likes him at 8th grade and the kid is searching around the country for a good hs to play at, then hes legit.