MCCOMB - Will DeMasse has hopes that improved strength will translate onto the field and with it more interest in the recruiting process.

“I’ve definitely gotten stronger,” the 14th-rated 2023 right-handed pitcher in Michigan pointed out. “I’ve gained 10 pounds and my velo has gone up four to five miles an hour since September when it was 82. I’ve been working out at Prime Time Velocity which has a great environment to train in.”

Camps at Central Michigan and Grand Valley, phone calls with Calvin and emails with schools like Akron and Northern Kentucky have taken place for the Dakota High School junior.

“They like me as a pitcher, my projectability and my work ethic,” noted the 6-1 195-pounder about the schools he has had interaction with to date.

Aaron Wilson, PBR Michigan Director of Scouting, has strong praise when it comes to DeMasse and his potential future as a pitcher.

“Will is a guy that works steadily at his craft,” Wilson said. “He has continued to make strides in his game. One thing you will notice about him is he's better each time you see him perform.”

The drive to play at the next level is strong for the 16-year-old.

“I was in eighth grade when I decided I wanted to play baseball for as long as I can,” DeMasse reflected. “Ever since then I’ve worked as hard as I can.”

The realization that college baseball could be in his future has only developed, however, over the past month or two.

“Recently I’ve discovered I can do this and play at a high level,” DeMasse explained. “When I was throwing 82 I wasn’t sure, but I’ve been up to 86-87 and now I believe in myself more.”

The 44th-ranked 2023 in the state is now trying to make a believer out of college coaches.

“I’m someone that is a hustler and shows good body language,” DeMasse related. “I wasn’t great at that before, but now that I’ve gotten a lot better I understand the importance of it. Now I’m a leader picking up teammates.

“One thing I believe is I’ll outwork everybody,” DeMasse added. “I know I want it that bad.”

His adoration for the game is genuine.

“I love being out there with the guys and having fun,” DeMasse said. “I love throwing and hitting so much. There’s just something about it.”

Brenden Kell and Eric Bezel with Prime Time Velocity, along with his mother, have been the biggest influences in helping DeMasse get where he is in the game today.

“She pushes me every day to work as hard as I can,” the seventh-rated uncommitted 2023 RHP in Michigan said of his mother.

That strong work ethic is giving a kick-start to the recruiting process.

“It’s starting to take off right now,” DeMasse noted. “It was kind of slow, but now I’m sending out 15 to 20 emails a week consistently. I’m surprised just how many schools there are. There are just so many opportunities out there.”

DeMasse, whose immediate goals are to win first-team all-conference this spring and hit 90 in the summer, knows what he is looking for in a college.

“I want a school that would appreciate me,” DeMasse said. “I want a place with a good business school. I’d like to go to a big school that takes care of its players.”

DeMasse pointed to PBR with providing help throughout the process.

“They do a good job of getting you exposure and getting guys to the next level,” DeMasse said. “The showcases are well run.”

DeMasse, who carries a 3.9 GPA at Dakota, is hoping a college decision can come in 2022.

“Hopefully, I’ll decide by late summer, that’s my goal,” DeMasse concluded. “I want to do it by the time senior year starts.”