With Powerhouse teams, typically if I'm in the top 3 or so, I'll offer a scholarship. If I'm not in Top 3 but still in Top 10, then it will just depend on things but more than likely I'll offer him a scholarship early. For guys that I'm not in their Top 10, I'll try to hide in the grass so to speak until I can climb up his list of schools. After the first half of the season is done and my initial targets start to commit, then I'll start looking around for more players and as I slowly scout them, I'll decide whether to offer a scholarship or not. Also... always offer a scholarship if you're #1. Always a chance to get an instant commit.
For lower tier teams, I'll use the scholarship as a way to get instant interest... if he doesn't have any other scholarship offers, then that typically will at least put me in his Top 8 or so. From there I can slowly build up on him.