Every serious youth soccer player asks the question without the benefit of a definitive answer.

What’s the best way to prepare for the college level - what can I do to give myself the optimum opportunity to succeed?

Well, one player has successfully answered the question for himself.

Goalkeeper Cody Mizell, a star out of Concorde Fire SC and one of our Top 100 prospects, decided to expedite his route to the next level by graduating high school early. So while his peers are wading through the final phases of Senioritis, Mizell has long reported to his school of choice, Clemson, months in advance.

Already two months into training with his new program, and having played in his first spring match, it’s clear to see the advantages in Mizell’s approach to readying himself for the transition.

“I wanted to be able to get ready for the fall season,” explained Mizell, who graduated from high school in December. “Before the beginning of the 2010 season I need to work on my left foot – it is getting better as of late but I want to be able to knock a 40-yard ball with ease.”

Mizell certainly couldn’t have addressed this while sitting in high school chemistry, or waiting in a cafeteria line, but by leaving early he’s getting a head start.

And for all the railing against the college recruiting process and the early dilemma it puts on young people – specifically on the girls side – Mizell is an example of how advantageous it can be to address the decision early. Not everyone can take Mizell’s path, but it’s certainly working out for him.

He took his Clemson visit back in October of 2008 and quickly fell in love with the idea of playing for the Tigers, beating out other courters like North Carolina, Wake Forest and Virginia.

“I loved the whole Tiger atmosphere and the way the school carried itself,” Mizell said. “Also, I felt that Clemson gave me the best opportunity to reach my full potential as a student athlete and help me excel to the next step in my soccer career.”

Mizell has been a big name for some time now, a recognized player and national team participant while playing alongside guys like Harrison Petts, Steven Palumbo, Dylan Renna, Donny Toia and Korey Veeder.

One of his greatest assets is his knowledge of the game. Mizell knows how to organize his teammates, how to distribute and what decisions to make at the right time.

But, given the recent decision he made concerning his college career, I suppose you already knew that.