NCSA Expert Notes:

Division I catching recruits are evaluated on several levels, most importantly, college coaches will look at the defensive and leadership skills that the catcher possesses. Prototypical Division I catching recruits are developed physically and usually stand anywhere between 5’10’’ and 6’4” and weigh between 185 and 220 pounds. While pop time is important, coaches will take a closer look at the catch and throw mechanics the catcher possesses as well as the arm strength shown while throwing to 2nd and 3rd base. While defense comes first for a catcher, Division I coaches will also look for a player that demonstrates outstanding leadership skills and has the ability to work with an entire pitching staff. Another important factor in evaluating a Division I catcher is hitting. Division I recruits at the catching position swing the bat well. Catchers are usually guys that can hit for power or average at a high level.

NCSA Expert Notes:

Division I first basemen are generally very developed physically before getting to college. The biggest factor in evaluating a Division I first baseman is the ability to hit for power and drive runs in. Coaches evaluating a hitting skills video of a first baseman will look for a short, compact swing, quick bat speed, and a load or hitting mechanism that generates a lot of power. Fielding ability is not as important for a first baseman, as long as he can make the routine play on a regular basis.

NCSA Expert Notes:

Division I middle infielders are evaluated first from a defensive standpoint, and then from an hitting standpoint. The most important factors when evaluating a Division I middle infielder defensively are speed, quickness, good hands, and arm strength. Coaches at the Division I level will look for middle infielders that display outstanding defensive ability in all of these categories. While having a fast 60 time is important, college coaches will also look for an agile middle infielder that can cover a lot of ground laterally, this is often referred to as range. Having great range allows the middle infielder to field ground balls that may deep in the hole or up the middle. Division I middle infielders will also be able to hit at a high level. The prototypical Division I middle infield recruit can hit for a high average as well as steal a lot of bases and occasionally hit for power.

NCSA Expert Notes:

Division I recruits at third base must possess a mixture of skills both defensively and offensively. Important factors on a defensive basis are arm strength and footwork. While Division I third basemen do not have to be particularly fast, they do have to show the ability to move side to side quickly in order to cover a lot of ground at third base. Being able to field the ball and also being able to throw the ball at a high velocity can give the recruit a chance to play at the Division I level. From and offensive standpoint, third basemen must show the ability to hit for power and average. Division I third base recruits are often times looked at as power hitters in the middle of the lineup. 

NCSA Expert Notes:

Division I corner outfield recruits are usually outstanding hitters. Some corner outfield recruits will hit for power, others will hit for average and steal a lot of bases. Qualities in a hitter’s swing that Division I coaches will look for are: bat speed, a short, compact stroke, and balance with the ability to hit all kinds of pitches. The ability to hit the ball to all fields is also important for a Division I hitter. If a Division I corner outfielder does not hit for power, then he must hit for a high average and run very well. 

NCSA Expert Notes:

The typical Division I centerfielder is very, very fast. Division I centerfield recruits must also possess a strong arm. The Division I centerfield recruit must also be a leader, so communication with other outfielders and middle infielders will be key. In terms of hitting, the Division I centerfield recruit is viewed more often than not as a top of the order type of hitter, with the occasional outlier being a centerfielder that hits for power and fits in better in the middle of the lineup. The ability to get on base, steal bases, and score from first on extra base hits will be important for Division I centerfield recruits. Size is not as important for centerfielders, but a prototypical Division I centerfield recruit is generally between 5’9’’ and 6’2’’ while weighing between 175 and 210 pounds.

NCSA Expert Notes:

The first thing a Division I coach will look for when evaluating a pitcher is fastball velocity. Prototypical Division I pitching recruits throw anywhere between 87 and 95 MPH on a consistent basis. It is important to remember that coaches are looking for pitchers to consistently throw at this velocity, not just touch it every once and a while. While velocity is very important in evaluation, for a Division I pitcher, command and control are also factors that determine if a recruit can play at this level. Division I pitchers must also display command of at least 3 pitches. Having a great fastball will only get a Division I pitcher so far, having a repertoire of three or four pitches gives the pitcher the ability to keep hitters off balance. Pitch movement will also be important for pitchers with aspirations to play at the Division I level. Throwing a fastball at 87 MPH with a lot of movement can often times be more effective than throwing a straight fastball at 90 MPH. In terms of statistics, Division I pitching recruits have an ERA below 2.00, average at least one strikeout per inning, and walk less than one or less batters every two innings. On average, they have the ability to throw many innings, and most often they are only used on the mound and rarely as position players.