You don't 'get' a blueshirt, just like you don't 'get' a gray shirt. Just a term to describe how one is being afforded a scholarship. The LOI has been the tradition, but in actuality a player does not have to sign a LOI.
The benefit of a LOI is that per NCAA rules a player can no longer be recruited by any other D1 schools once they have signed. So, if a player does go the blue route, then they can still be recruited up until they are enrolled and scholarship papers signed. A pretty big risk if you ask me.
Are you personally connected to Vic?