Ohio Insider: Early Signing Period - Division II Recruiting Class Breakdown
November 17, 2016
By Jordan Chiero and PBR Staff
Ohio Director of Scouting
For insider information and scouting notes from the PBR staff during the 2016 spring/summer season visit the 2016 Ohio Scout Blog by clicking here.
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2016 Recruiting Class Breakdown:
2015 Recruiting Class Breakdown:
+ Division 1 (Part 1)
+ Division 1 (Part 2)
+ Division 2
Uncommitted Rundown:
+ 2017 Pitchers
+ 2017 Catchers
+ 2017 Infielders
+ 2017 Outfielders
+ 2017 Two-Way Prospects
+ 2017 Sleeper Prospects
+ Underclass Pitchers
+ Underclass Catchers
+ Underclass Infielders
+ Underclass Outfielders
+ Underclass Two-Way Prospects
+ Underclass Sleeper Prospects
Ohio Insider: Early Signing Period - Division 2 Recruiting Class Breakdown
*In Alphabetical Order
The NCAA early signing period started November 9th, 2016 and will run through the 18th. With the start of the fall signing period upon us, we look to break down each individual Division 2 commitment, where they are headed and what tools they will bring with them.
We also will look to breakdown the recruiting hauls for the in-state Division 3, NAIA, and JUCO programs as well as out of state programs that have signed players from the Buckeye State. To view the Division 1 breakdown, click here.
If you are a senior, it isn't too late. College programs are still looking. Make sure you check out the list of remaining events this winter by clicking here.
Ashland Eagles
Overview: Coach Schaly and his staff put together one of the more impressive D2 classes the state has seen in a long time. Seven of their recruits participated in the 2016 Top Prospect Games, and all nine recruits are ranked inside the top 200. Versatility was an obvious focus for the Eagles as they signed three two-way guys and several position players with defensive flexibility.
With the amount of talent the Eagles signed it’s hard to predict who will make the earliest impact, but RHP/INF Josh Stover is at the top of that list. Stover has a mid to upper-80s fastball and feel for his off speed. He is also a solid defender up the middle and has potential at the plate. His immediate impact will most likely be on the mound as his stuff ranks among the top, if not the top of D2 commits.
The prospect the Eagles signed with arguably the most upside in their 2017 class is LHP Nathan Fox. Fox has a very projectable, 6-foot-4 frame and was very impressive at The 2016 Top Prospect Games. He showed off solid pitchability with confidence in his secondary stuff. The southpaw will sit in the low-80s with his fastball currently, but has the frame to add strength and is mechanically efficient enough that velocity should continue to rise. Fox should have an opportunity to make an early impact for the Eagles and has the signs of being a front line guy down the road.
Ashland’s highest ranked commit in the class was UTL Dillan Smith. Smith hit third for Pickerington North’s state championship team and has all the tools to make an early impact for the Eagles at the plate. A versatile defender that projects slightly better in the outfield but would be more than adequate in the infield.
The Eagles landed another Top 100 player to solidify their outfield when Matthew Walters committed. Walters was one of the top performers at the 2016 Top Prospect Games, showing his ability to be dynamic at the plate from both sides. The Pickerington Central product has an advanced approach and swings with the intent to drive the baseball when he pulls the trigger. A talented outfielder with good instincts and a very strong arm. Has also shown the ability to play in the infield if need be.
The sleeper of their class is