The holdback argument is not an excuse. It’s a valid concern. A 2023 player should be competing against kids at that are all about the same age, ~all within a year.

If a player is really a 2022 or a 2021, this gives that player an advantage. If everything is equal as far as talent and resources, the older kid wins.

Congratulations to your son and his D1 recruitment. This is an oddity. My guess your son has a very early birthday.