I'll weigh in on this.
Full disclosure, I have at least three recruits in the last five cycles, and as many as a half dozen without much of a stretch that I could have picked up a telephone and called. (Without much research or effort.)
Instead, I've gone out of my way not to meet with, talk to, or even run into them casually. Why?
A) I am pretty secure with myself.
B) I don't think the weight of the western world, or the future of ND recruiting, rests in my hands.
C) I respect and love some of these kids. So much so that I want them to make the best decisions for themselves, regardless of what I want.
D) I have seen these kids (especially those that are really good ND prospects) understand that, and are intent on making really good decisions for themselves.
E) Anyone that has a concern about a kids decision making process can relate it to, 1) the board here, 2) the kids coach, 3) ND's staff or compliance, or if really you have to, 4) his parents.
It is my lesson that you never talk adult issues with kids. No matter how big the decision, or how close to adult they are. You leave that to the adults that are in their lives 24X7, their whole lives. It is their responsibility. It is their lives.
This is what I insist on with my kids. When we need information we will get it.
Now the exception to contacting kids, or their parents, etc., is if you are a member of the press, media, etc.
If you have a legitimate subscriber base interest, that is a whole different thing. But that should make any contact inquiry based. More or less. And that still needs to be done with precaution, and care.