What status is a prospective student-athlete in if they receive meals while on an official visit?

When a prospective student-athlete receives meals during an official visit, it indicates that they are engaged in the recruitment process and are recognized as an active recruit by the institution. This status occurs when the athlete is being actively recruited for participation in a collegiate sport, and the provision of meals is one of the benefits allowed during official visits.

Official visits are opportunities for student-athletes to explore the campus, meet coaching staff, and interact with current team members while receiving certain permissible expenses, including meals. This further establishes them as individuals whom the college or university is interested in recruiting, as they are taking steps to evaluate the institution and its program in a more personal manner.

The other classifications, such as potential recruits or non-recruits, do not apply in this context since they either lack the active engagement in recruitment or do not receive the benefits associated with an official visit. A secondary athlete designation typically doesn't relate to the recruitment status done for scholarship purposes in NCAA terms. Thus, being categorized as an active recruit accurately reflects their involvement in the recruiting process, highlighted by the provision of meals during their official visit.