EXAMPLE for 2013 : Player A essentially tells the staff that ND is his leader. ND can then say....well why dont you verbal and call it a deal. Therefore it cuts out any potential visits, and doesnt leave other kids hanging. Benefits everyone involved. When you are playing for a Natl Title..that speaks for itself. Its not potential or a promise that may or may not happen, its reality.
Example for 2012: Player A tells ND they are his leader. But continues to look around. With losses at the end of year it gets in his head whether or not ND can get to the BCS. ND can't really force their hand bc they have so many kids on the edge of committing, but not sold on what ND can do for them. Without being able to pressure, you lose kids.
Now there is a fine line of pressure. But at the sametime kids understand that other kids that will commit are waiting and they all understand the process is intense for everyone. Itll be interesting to see how things wrap up!