If you get recruited as a student athlete to a college, do you still have to apply to that specific college?

Of course, they must fill out a college application to the college they were recruited to. They are not the sons and daughters of the President of the United States who have private applications and interviews, nevertheless, have to apply to the college as well.

Otherwise, there is no guaranty that the said recruited athlete would be able to do the academic side of their commitment. If this was the norm, they would all put the brakes on school and coast for up to a full year of senior year and do very little to advance their education. Colleges want great athletes but they still have to graduate with a degree from the institution.

I don't think so (hopefully someone else will confirm) unless you did ED for that college.