They also have to want to play at the next level.
Too many in the area talk like it, but when it's presented to them to do it...they won't. The excuses come out. A load of other reasons -- some can be legitimate, others are just words because a kid is too scared to step out of a comfort zone. The DI pursuit is truly real in the area, but largely overvalued and overhyped. Many of the local/regional DI programs have less resources and opportunities than some of the DII/DIII programs around.
I would have included NAIA, but those in the region are becoming less and less, plus not exactly great places to land (for the most part).