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Understanding the Recruiting Process

September 20, 2014

By: Zac Bottoms
Arkansas Scouting Director

As I continue to talk to parents and coaches, I find it a common conversation that people are confused about what college coaches are looking for. So, today I want to discuss this topic. Unfortunately, what colleges and universities want isn't a simple answer. I will attempt to give a quick and a concise rundown that I hope will be very helpful and informative.

1. Amount of Aid Available:
NCAA Division I schools are allowed to give 11.7 scholarships split between 27 players ,and a spring roster limit of 35 student athletes. NCAA Division II institutions are allowed up to 9 scholarships. NAIA institutions are allowed up to 12 scholarships. NJCAA schools are allowed up to 24 players upon aid, each division and region has sub rules that affect scholarships limitation (example: Number of out of state players;)

2. Need over Talent:
Due  to the limitation on roster sizes and scholarships, programs must be disciplined and recruit more on a position needs in mind, over the talent of a specific recruit. Please keep this in mind during the recruiting process. I have seen players give up on their goal to play college baseball because a specific school does not recruit them, it may not be a talent issue at all.

3. What colleges look for:
The way recruiting works is coaches will either see a player while he is recruiting or will be given a players name from an associate. (Understand college coaches have a robust list of contacts from umpires, high school coaches, scouting services, or retired coaches) . They will begin to research the player. Below is in the order of importance to college coaches as they decide if they are going to recruit a player.

A. Eligibility
A coach's first priority will be to find out if you will be eligible to play. The easiest way to provide player eligiblit is to register with the NCAA clearinghouse. Your high school guidance conselour should be able to answer any questions you have on registration.
Here is the easiest way to make sure a player is eligible.You must graduate from high school.You must complete 16 core courses and receive a minimum GPA of 2.0 in those courses. The core course requirements are as follows: 4 years of English, 3 years of Math (Algebra 1 or higher), 2 years of Natural or Physical Science, 2 years of Social Science, 1 extra year of English, Math or Science and 4 years of Religion, Philosophy, Foreign Language or additional years of any of the categories above. Lastly, your core course GPA combined with your SAT/ACT score must meet the minimum requirements as laid out by the NCAA Sliding Scale.

B. Academics
After a player is deemed eligible, the amount of academic scholarship the student-athlete is eligible for can increase the interest from colleges and universities. NCAA Division I schools have a minimum of 8 students on their roster on academic scholarships alone, with zero aid from the athletic department. This being said, the more academic aid you can bring to the table, the more opportunities you may be given.

C. Character
Today college coaches are dealt the hand to win or be fired more than anytime in the history of collegiate athletics. With that in mind understand that if a coach does not feel he can trust a student-athlete they will not recruit them. Character can be reviewed in several categories.( Discipline problems in/ outside of school, emotions during games, or even how business is  handled on a daily basis/ work ethic) If a coach has any questions on character he may pass for a player with similar athletic ability. General rules for players: Do Right, Play Hard, and keep negative emotions to a minimal. Baseball is a game of failure, coaches understand that it happens, the key is how players handle that failure.

D. Talent
Players are graded on five points: Run, Throw, Defend, Hit for average, and Hit for power. This is the portion that is subjective. Each coach has different things they prioritize and look for in a player. The obvious things judged will be speed and arm strength, those are simple and can have firm results. This rest is subjective, unfortunately this is an article and not a book and you will quit reading before I get that portion of the evaluation completed.  My general advice is work to on the raw tools, get in the weight room, work on being athletic, get a throwing program, and become a student of the game.Players that know the game  play the game a little more under control as a result they appear better skilled. Every player wants to hit/pitch/defend, it will give you a huge advantage if you are physically ready to walk on campus and compete.

Hopefully the information provided helps the players and parents with the recruiting process. Prep Baseball Report is here to be a resource for everything high school baseball. Including your questions involving recruiting, eligibility, ect.. Please feel free to contact me with any questions.

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