Having worked with a number of recruited athletes over the years, there is a lot of . . . let's say "uncertainty" on the part of candidates and their families regarding the athlete commitment process. More than one has told me that he/she has "verbally committed" to USNA and so it's a done deal. I had one a couple of years ago who applied to NO other schools. When I said that was unwise given that the candidate had no noms and had a medical issue, the candidate essentially shrugged me off. The candidate was eventually sent to NAPS/Foundation.
I agree that candidates need to take responsibility. But unless you've had the conversation with the coach, you don't know what's being communicated and also whether candidates/parents are hearing what's actually said or what they want to hear. I certainly don't. But there's no question that, if you're a heavily recruited athlete (blue-chip), there are all sorts of conversations going on. And, I'm not sure that the coaches and Admissions folks are always on the same page at the same time, which can contribute to the confusion.
HYPOTHETICAL: Candidate is blue-chip athlete for soccer. Does OK in school. Scores are quite low. Coach says, "Don't worry about your scores; you can go to NAPS/Foundation." Kid/family hears: "Your low scores aren't a problem b/c we want you and we'll send you to a prep school." Coach is actually saying: "IF we decide we want you and your scores are low, there is the option of NAPS/Foundation assuming we can get one of the slots from Admissions." Obviously, the former make the candidate/family think all is good . . . when it may not be.