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Coaches Q&A: Early Signing Period - Division 1 Recruiting Class Breakdown

Practice has started for the upcoming college baseball season. Soon, most of the teams in Ohio will be heading to warmer weather to begin real play.

It is just part of the college scene. Recruiting never ends for the coaches, which just recently announced who would be part of the next class to head their way.

Another signing period is just around the corner come April.

With that, let’s take a look at what Ohio’s Division I college coaches had to say about their most recent recruiting class as well as what lies ahead.

To view the commitment spotlight tracker with interviews with commitments from around the state, please click here.

* Schools are listed in alphabetical order
** Below we talk in-depth about each in-state prospect

Bowling Green State University Falcons

Overview: The Falcons in-state 2018 recruiting class focuses on the guys who touch the ball the most. Recruiting coordinator Rick Blanc added two right-handed arms and a catching prospect.

Name	State	High School	Position
Tyler Haas	OH	Eastwood	C
Tyler Hays	OH	Copley	RHP
Andrew Oehmke	MI	L'anse Creuse North	RHP
Griffin Parrill	OH	Perrysburg	RHP
Jay Ward	IL	Carmel Catholic	LHP
Mike Malewitz	MI	East Grand Rapids	INF

• Total Commits: 6
  
• # Top 50 Ranked Players (Ohio): 1
  
• Immediate Impact Player: Tyler Hays
• Sleeper of the Class: Griffin Parrill

Rich Blanc, Associate Head Coach - Recruiting Class Q&A

PBR: What is your overall view of this latest recruiting class?
Blanc: I feel that it is without a doubt a very solid class. We focused on pitching for the most part. All of the arms will fill a role as freshmen. We were able to bring in a proven winner with a leadership mentality at the SS position. We also rounded it off with some depth behind the dish.

PBR: What are the biggest needs you feel that you addressed with this class?
Blanc: Solid strike throwing arms. I feel that all of the arms we brought in do that and all of them have the potential to become power arms. We also wanted to bring in a MIF that will be able to sit behind some good guys his first year and learn and catch up to the speed of the game so he is ready to roll come his sophomore year (Mike Malewitz). 

PBR: Do you see a potential for any of the new players making an impact as freshmen?
Blanc: We really feel that with key departures on the pitching staff that Tyler Hays and Griffin Parrill both have a chance of making an impact right away as freshmen.

PBR: Were there any showcases that played a key role in your recruitment for this class?
Blanc: Tyler Hays (PBR Futures Games). Griffin Parrill (BGSU Fall Prospect Camp). Jay Ward (I can’t comment on yet due to NCAA rules. Former player recommendation saw in Cincy Flames Tournament). Tyler Haas (I can’t comment on yet due to NCAA rules, saw in a summer Legion Game). Andrew Oehmke (BGSU Fall Prospect Camp). Mike Malewitz (saw in summer ball).

PBR: What lies ahead in your recruiting plans once the next signing period arrives in April?
Blanc: We would like to bring in a JC arm to give us some experience. We will be losing 2 of 3 weekend starters after this season. Possibly another true athlete that is versatile.

Tyler Hays RHP / 1B / Copley, OH / 2018 Rankings  StateRank: 25 / POS: 11 Scouting Report: The top rated prospect in the Falcon class is RHP Tyler Hays (Copley). Hays has been regarded as one of the top arms in the state over the past few years, participating in both the Top Prospect Games and PBR Future Games for Team Ohio. Currently ranked No. 24 in his class, the 6-4, starter type is a strike thrower that will fill up the zone with above average stuff. He possess a mid-80s fastball that touches into the upper-80s. Expect his velocity to tick upwards as he adds strength to his frame. He offers two above average secondary options, highlighted by his 11/5 shaped curveball. The pitch gets better each time we see him, currently at 70-72 mph and can see it ending up in the mid-70s as velocity rises. His changeup has depth/fade to it, using fastball arm speed. Given his frame, offerings, and pitchability, all signs point to him being used as a starter.

Tyler Haas C / RHP / Eastwood, OH / 2018 Rankings  StateRank: 58 / POS: 8 Scouting Report: A lanky 6-1, 145-pound catcher, Haas projects as a nice catch and throw prospect behind the plate. Showcases good receiving skills with an above average arm and release from the catching position. At the plate, Haas shows a linedrive approach while staying up the middle with the ball. With added strength, Haas could provide a punch at the plate while continuing to impress behind the dish.

Griffin Parrill RHP / 3B / Perrysburg, OH / 2018 Rankings  StateRank: 69 / POS: 25 Scouting Report: The Falcon’s signed Hays’ summer teammate, RHP Griffin Parrill, to add another quality pitching prospect to the class. At 6-2, the right-hander has a fluid/low effort delivery and he pounds the zone with all three offerings. His mid-80s fastball has touched up to 88 mph and he has shown the ability to locate both off-speed pitches for strikes. At present, Parrill won’t overwhelm opposing hitters with his stuff but Parrill, the youngest son of Findlay HC Steve Parrill, knows how to pitch and is very effective with his ability to use all three offerings consistently in the zone.

Cincinnati Bearcats

Overview:
It didn’t take long for the new Bearcat staff to create a buzz in Cincinnati. Led by reemergence of recruiting coordinator Jonathan Heilmann, Cincinnati quickly landed two of the state’s top prospects in the class of 2018.

Name	State	High School	Position
Drake Batcho	OH	Champion	LHP
Brennan Dolwick	WI	Lake Mills	LHP
Gage Hughes	KY	Greenup County	SS
Griffin Merritt	OH	Lasalle	3B
Nate Meyer	OH	Bishop Watterson	SS
Nick Murray	MA	St. Mark's	RHP
Evan Shawver	OH	Amherst Steele	OF

• Total Commits: 7
  
• # Top 50 Ranked Players (Ohio): 2
  
• Immediate Impact Player: Drake Batcho, Evan Shawver
• Sleeper of the Class: Griffin Merritt

Scott Googins, Head Coach - Recruiting Class Q&A

PBR: What is your overall view of this latest recruiting class?
Googins: We're excited about this new group of Bearcats and what they will bring to our program and our University, both on the field and in the classroom. We think this is an outstanding group of student-athletes. It was very exciting to get to know these players and their families. Our entire coaching staff is looking forward to welcoming them into our program and working with them.

PBR: What are the biggest needs you feel that you addressed with this class?
Googins: We have signed some outstanding athletes who, with hard work and dedication, can make an impact on the program. All of these student-athletes will represent UC in a positive way moving forward, and we are thrilled to call them Bearcats.

Drake Batcho LHP / Champion, OH / 2018 Rankings  StateRank: 16 / POS: 1 OverallRank: 344 / POS: 37 The Bearcat class is led by the No. 16 ranked player in the state, LHP Drake Batcho. Batcho is 6-4, with long limbs and room to add. After a standout performance in the state semi-finals, he quickly became one of the hottest prospects on the recruiting trail in June. The southpaw will sit in the mid to upper-80s and has gotten up to 90 mph. His breaking ball is a playable offering and shows potential of becoming an above average pitch down the road.

Evan Shawver OF / LHP / Amherst Steele, OH / 2018 Rankings  StateRank: 19 / POS: 3 After two-way prospect Evan Shawver decommitted from Nebraska, the Bearcats swooped in to add one of the state’s top overall prospects. It will be very interesting to see how Coach Googins and staff decide to use Shawver, as he has the ability to impact the game in many different ways. The former Future Games participant is an exceptional athlete, who runs 6.69 60-yard dash and has a mid to upper-80s fastball. The Lake Erie Warhawk product has as good of chance as any to play both ways at the next level.

Griffin Merritt 3B / 1B / Lasalle, OH / 2018 Rankings  StateRank: 60 / POS: 4 The signing of corner infielder Griffin Merritt will add depth to the Bearcat lineup. Merritt, who is also a standout quarterback, has an impressive hit tool, projecting as a guy who can hit for average and some power at the next level. He is a two-sport standout at LaSalle that has competed on the biggest stages PBR has to offer, representing Team Ohio at the Future Games and being named a Top Performer at the Top Prospect Games.

Nate Meyer SS / 2B / Bishop Watterson, OH / 2018 Rankings  StateRank: 78 / POS: 12 Lastly, infielder Nate Meyer rounds out the in-state prospects in the Bearcat class. Meyer committed to the Bearcats previous coaching staff and stayed on board through the transition to Coach Googins. The No. 78 player in the class is a well-rounded prospect who impressed at the 2016 Top Prospect Games. At the plate, he is a fluid swinger that takes a mostly level path to the baseball. Strength and bat speed are both apparent in swing. He likely projects as a second baseman or third baseman at the next level.

Dayton Flyers

Overview: Newly appointed Head Coach Jayson King and his staff have been hitting the ground running with their recruiting efforts. Recruiting coordinator Tommy Chase has put a premium on upside and versatility. The Flyers add five in state commits, four of which rank in the top 100.

Name	State	High School	Position
Nick Angel	IL	Libertyville	OF
Warren Clarke	OH	Badin	OF
Dylan Keller	OH	Howland Local	RHP
Kyle LaCalameto	OH	Kings	LHP
Bryce Roberts	OH	Edison	SS
Jake Silverstein	OH	Turpin	RHP
Zach Watzka	WI	Green Bay East	RHP

• Total Commits: 7
• # Top 50 Ranked Players (Ohio): 0
  
• Immediate Impact Player: Kyle LaCalameto, Jake Silverstein 
• Sleeper of the Class: Bryce Roberts

Jayson King, Head Coach - Recruiting Class Q&A

PBR: What is your overall view of this latest recruiting class?
King: We like the class that we brought in for 2018. We have 11 total players that we committed since our arrival in July with some athleticism and size which will mesh well with what we already have.

PBR: What are the biggest needs you feel that you addressed with this class?
King: Athleticism, size and speed are some of the major things we addressed as well as depth.

PBR: Do you see a potential for any of the new players making an impact as freshmen?
King: Yes, probably one or two position players and the same on the mound.

PBR: Were there any showcases that played a key role in your recruitment for this class?
King: Players from all different places (8 states) found at tournaments, our prospect camps, showcases

PBR: What lies ahead in your recruiting plans once the next signing period arrives in April?
King: We are still looking for impact 2019 guys probably one or two that can contribute immediately.

Jake Silverstein RHP / OF / Turpin, OH / 2018 Rankings  StateRank: 63 / POS: 22 The Flyers class is led by two-way prospect Jake Silverstein. Silverstein is an athletic prospect with two-way potential at the next level. He stood out at the Southern Ohio Prospect Games, earning an invitation to the Top Prospect Games where he put together another strong performance. He is a solid defender with above average foot speed (6.72 60-yard dash) and above average arm strength that allows him to play multiple spots in the outfield. At the plate, he consistently finds the barrel, generating easy gap pop. He use both sides of the field and has good strike zone awareness. On the mound, he is a strike thrower that will sit in the mid-80s with his fastball. His curveball has a solid combination of action and depth on an 11/5 plane. The pitches has shown the ability to be a swing and miss type offering. In his inning of work at the Top Prospect Games, Silverstein struck out five out of the six batters he faced.

Bryce Roberts SS / RHP / Edison, OH / 2018 Rankings  StateRank: 65 / POS: 11 Next up is SS Bryce Roberts, the 64th ranked prospect in the state. He is a 6-3, physically built prospect with loud natural tools. At the Top Prospect Games, Roberts ran a 6.72, showed off 86 mph arm strength across the diamond, and was up to 89 mph off the tee. With a high ceiling to his game, Roberts will be an interesting follow as he develops once he arrives on campus.

Dylan Keller RHP / SS / Howland Local, OH / 2018 Rankings  StateRank: 75 / POS: 27 UD added another two-way prospect signing RHP/UTL Dylan Keller. The No. 74 ranked prospect in the class features a low to mid-80s fastball that can get up to 86 mph accompanied by a sharp breaking ball. As a position player, Keller the jack-of-all-trades type. We have seen him show adequate to above average abilities in the infield, outfield and behind the plate. At present, his ceiling looks to be highest in the outfield where he has shown 89 mph arm strength to home plate. At the plate, the right-handed hitter is line drive type hitter that has more in there as he cleans up mechanically and adds strength.

Kyle LaCalameto LHP / 1B / Kings, OH / 2018 Rankings  StateRank: 88 / POS: 7 The lone southpaw thus far in the Flyer class is LHP Kyle LaCalameto.  His delivery is efficient and his arm is loose/fast. He is a low to mid-80s prospect who projects for more. His breaking ball shows big, sharp action showing the potential to be a solid weapon. He also offers an above average changeup. The No. 87 prospect in the state should be an early impact match-up guy out of the bullpen with the potential to be a starter as his time in Dayton progresses.

Warren Clarke OF / RHP / Badin, OH / 2018 Rankings  StateRank: 183 / POS: 24 Rounding out the in-state commits is OF/RHP Warren Clark. Similar to previously mentioned prospects, Clark is a big, athletic prospect with upside that will need to be developed for the next level. His biggest asset at present is his speed and arm strength. It will be interesting to see how the Dayton staff chooses to mold Clark. The right-hander has been up to 83 mph off the bump but has also shown tools as a position player. He ran a 6.88, threw 87 mph from the outfield, and has been up to 91 mph off the tee.

Kent State Golden Flashes

Overview: Coach Duncan and the Kent State staff added a little bit of everything with their 2018 in-state recruits. And, even more impressive, three of the five are former Future Games participants.

Name	State	High School	Position
Luke Albright	IN	Fishers	RHP
Joe Capretta	OH	Aurora	C
Ryan Kircher	PA	Plum	LHP
Devan Nail	OH	Elyria	SS
Alex Neff	OH	Oakwood	OF
Nick Thwaits	OH	Fort Recovery	RHP
Brant Vanaman	IL	Hall	C
Grant Vera	OH	Tiffin Calvert Catholic	SS
Blake Wasson	WV	Frankfort	RHP

• Total Commits: 9
• # Top 50 Ranked Players (Ohio): 4
  
• Immediate Impact Player: Nick Thwaits
• Sleeper of the Class: Grant Vera

Jeff Duncan, Head Coach - Recruiting Class Q&A

PBR: What is your overall view of this latest recruiting class?
Duncan: This is a very good class for us. We had some needs on the mound and I feel that we have some impact arms coming in, especially in Ryan Kircher, Nick Thwaits and Luke Albright.

PBR: What are the biggest needs you feel that you addressed with this class?
Duncan: We wanted to get a center fielder that could run and hit from the left side. These type of guys can bring so much value to an offense. They can bring the dynamic of speed and bunt and that can keep your offense consistent.

PBR: Do you see a potential for any of the new players making an impact as freshmen?
Duncan: I think all of them can have an opportunity to making an impact early. There are some good prospects here. There are big arms and athletes like Devan Nail who is very athletic and just scratching the surface of how good he can be.

PBR: Were there any showcases that played a key role in your recruitment for this class?
Duncan: Underclass Top Prospect Games has been great for us. Early on in the summer that has been great for us as well as Future Games.

PBR: What lies ahead in your recruiting plans once the next signing period arrives in April?
Duncan: We have a good idea what we are bringing in. We are bringing in key athletes that play in the middle of the field as well as a couple high-profile arms.

Nick Thwaits RHP / OF / Fort Recovery, OH / 2018 Rankings  StateRank: 4 / POS: 2 OverallRank: 134 / POS: 60 The Flashes class is led by standout right-handed pitcher Nick Thwaits. Thwaits, who was selected for the East Coast Pro team this summer, is the No. 4 ranked prospect in the state. This coming spring, MLB scouts will once again be drawn to Northwest Ohio as Thwaits is one of the state’s top high school draft prospects. Year after year, Thwaits, whose makeup is well beyond his years, has showed improvement in his velocity and secondary offerings. His fastball will sit in the upper-80s to low-90s, and we’ve seen him up to 94 mph. He uses multiple breaking balls and an above average changeup. While Kent State always is always loaded with arms, expect Thwaits to compete for time in the rotation or a back-end bullpen spot as a freshman.

Devan Nail SS / 3B / Elyria, OH / 2018 Rankings  StateRank: 21 / POS: 3 OverallRank: 400 / POS: 69 The Kent State plucked two Future Games teammates, Devan Nail and Grant Vera. This talented duo figures to pair up the middle during their time at Kent. The No. 21 and No. 22 prospects in the class complement each other well and are two of the top defenders regardless of position in the state.

Grant Vera SS / 2B / Tiffin Calvert Catholic, OH / 2018 Rankings  StateRank: 22 / POS: 4 The Kent State plucked two Future Games teammates, Devan Nail and Grant Vera. This talented duo figures to pair up the middle during their time at Kent. The No. 21 and No. 22 prospects in the class complement each other well and are two of the top defenders regardless of position in the state.

Joe Capretta C / 3B / Aurora, OH / 2018 Rankings  StateRank: 61 / POS: 9 The latest in-state commit for the Flashes is catcher Joe Capretta, the No. 61 ranked player in the state. Each time we’ve seen him, Capretta has really impressed with his ability to block and his well above average catch and throw skills. At the plate, he has run producer potential with well above average natural tools through the zone. A strong kid with easy gap pop and some pull side power.

Alex Neff OF / Oakwood, OH / 2018 Rankings  StateRank: 37 / POS: 5 Lastly, the Golden Flashes have a commitment from Oakwood outfielder Alex Neff. Neff is a big, 6-4 205 pound outfielder with some pop from the left side.

MIAMI (OH) Redhawks

Overview: The Redhawks went heavy on in-state position players for their 2018 commits. New recruiting coordinator, Justin Dedman, along with pitching coach Matt Davis, helped add a top catching prospect and a pair of corner infielders.

Name	State	High School	Position
Cole Andrews	OH	Bishop Watterson	C
Sam Bachman	IN	Hamilton Southeastern	RHP
Tyler Bosma	MI	West Ottawa	LHP
Bryce Haberthier	OH	Springboro	3B
Steven Hamer	IL	St. Charles North	OF
Ethan Hoffman	MI	Bishop Foley	LHP
Stephen Krause	OH	Wilmington	1B
Nicholas Laxner	IL	Huntley	RHP

• Total Commits: 8
  
• # Top 50 Ranked Players (Ohio): 1
  
• Immediate Impact Player: Cole Andrews
• Sleeper of the Class: Stephen Krause

Daniel Hayden, Head Coach - Recruiting Class Q&A

PBR: What is your overall view of this latest recruiting class?
Hayden: We really like this class. We got more athletic as a team which continues to be a point of emphasis for us in recruiting. We were also able to get commitments from some very talented arms that can be big impact guys.

PBR: What are the biggest needs you feel that you addressed with this class?
Hayden: Pitching. Catching. Athletes.

We will need to replace a few arms so these 2018 arms were a big need for us. We believed we really needed to address the catching position with the possibility of the draft as well as graduation hitting that position.

PBR: Do you see a potential for any of the new players making an impact as freshmen?
Hayden: I think every guy in our 2018 class should be able to compete for a significant role on our team.

PBR: Were there any showcases that played a key role in your recruitment for this class?
Hayden: No one showcase in particular with this class.

PBR: What lies ahead in your recruiting plans once the next signing period arrives in April?
Hayden: We like where we are at with our 2018 class. I do not anticipate adding at this point. We have addressed what we needed to and we are very pleased with this group.

Cole Andrews C / 3B / Bishop Watterson, OH / 2018 Rankings  StateRank: 31 / POS: 4 The Redhawks in-state commitments are highlighted by one of top catchers in the class, Cole Andrews. The 30th ranked player in the state plays the game with an edge and a high motor. His arm strength is obvious and he continues to improve behind the dish. Over the past year, his bat has really progressed as he hit in the middle of the order on a loaded Bo Jackson Elite team this past summer. Earned top performer honors at Preseason All-State for abilities at and behind the dish.

Stephen Krause 1B / RHP / Wilmington, OH / 2018 Rankings  StateRank: 52 / POS: 3 Coach Hayden received an early commitment from 1B Stephen Krause. The right-handed hitter has obvious power in his swing and he has a knack for finding the barrel. Krause was a staple in the middle of a loaded Midland lineup. In addition, he is a low to mid-80s guy with pitchability off the mound. Krause is just outside the top 50 in the state, ranking at No. 51.

Bryce Haberthier 3B / RHP / Springboro, OH / 2018 Rankings  StateRank: 70 / POS: 5 The Redhawks also have signed 3B Bryce Haberthier out of Springboro high school. The big 6-1, 215-pound corner infielder will look to provide some pop at the plate for Miami, while providing some nice glove work at either corner spot.

Ohio State Buckeyes

Overview: The Buckeyes put together another outstanding class.  Eight out of ten future Buckeyes rank inside the state’s top 30 with all ten ranking inside the top 50. Recruiting coordinator Chris Holick continues to make the most of his trips to the Top Prospect Games and Future Games as nine out of ten commits participated in one or both events.

Name	State	High School	Position
TJ Brock	OH	Cincinnati Country Day	RHP
Garrett Burhenn	IN	Lawrence North	RHP
Nolan Clegg	OH	Toronto	OF
Zach Dezenzo	OH	Marlington	SS
Marcus Ernst	OH	Dublin Coffman	SS
Nicholas Erwin	OH	Grove City	SS
Keegan Fish	OH	Lakota West	C
Mitch Milheim	OH	Olentangy Liberty	LHP
Cole Niekamp	OH	Versailles	RHP
Will Pfennig	OH	Mason	RHP
Bayden Root	IN	Kokomo	RHP
Mitchell Smith	OH	Pickerington North	C

• Total Commits: 12
  
• # Top 50 Ranked Players (Ohio): 10 
• Immediate Impact Player: Zach Dezenzo, TJ Brock 
• Sleeper of the Class: Nicholas Erwin, Marcus Ernst

Greg Beals, Head Coach - Recruiting Class Q&A

PBR: What is your overall view of this latest recruiting class?
Beals: The 2018 class: TJ Brock, Garrett Burhenn, Nolan Clegg, Zach Dezenzo, Keegan Fish, Mitch Milheim,  Cole Niekamp, Will Pfennig, Bayden Root, Mitchell Smith

We are very excited about this group. We have really set up our pitching staff for the future with not just depth but also top shelf stuff.

PBR: What are the biggest needs you feel that you addressed with this class?
Beals: The depth of the pitching staff was the most critical need for this class. We also believe we have added elite prospects in all areas - outfield, infield and behind the plate both offensively and defensively.

PBR: Were there any showcases that played a key role in your recruitment for this class?
Beals: Along with constant contact with high school coaches, summer coaches and watching games - we feel the PBR Top Prospects Games at Prasco Park and the PBR Future Games at Grand Park were valuable opportunities for us to evaluate these guys.

PBR: What lies ahead in your recruiting plans once the next signing period arrives in April?
Beals: This class is sandwiched between a strong group of freshman we have now and very promising group of commitments in the 2019 class - we feel like we have the pieces to do something special here in the near future.

Zach Dezenzo SS / RHP / Marlington, OH / 2018 Rankings  StateRank: 7 / POS: 2 OverallRank: 167 / POS: 23 The highest ranked recruit the Buckeyes landed was SS Zach Dezenzo. If there is an event that includes top prospects, Dezenzo has not only attended but stood out. The 6-3 shortstop has been named a Top Performer at the Future Games, Top Prospect Games and Preseason All-State. At the plate, Dezenzo has always been a guy who can spray the ball around the park with occasional glimpses of power becoming a more regular part of the game. Over the offseason, he added 15-20 pounds of muscle and it has translated to his offensive game. Defensively, he has a third baseman’s frame with shortstop hands. Time will tell which spot he ends up at but with his 91 mph arm strength across the infield he will surely stay on the left-side. Dezenzo is ranked 7th in the state and is a top 200 prospect nationally.

TJ Brock RHP / SS / Cincinnati Country Day, OH / 2018 Rankings  StateRank: 8 / POS: 5 OverallRank: 178 / POS: 76 The No.8 prospect in the class, RHP TJ Brock, is the second highest recruit to pledge his commitment to the Buckeyes. The Cincinnati Country Day product is an impressive arm talent that features an upper-80s to low-90s fastball, running it up to as high as 93 mph. He figures to be an early impact guy once he gets to campus next fall.  It didn’t take long for Brock or the Ohio State staff long to decide that Columbus was the right fit for the talented right-hander. Less than two days after a standout performance at the Top Prospect Games, Brock committed on his visit.

Nolan Clegg OF / 1B / Toronto, OH / 2018 Rankings  StateRank: 11 / POS: 2 OverallRank: 292 / POS: 41 Ohio State added an athletic, high upside bat with the signing of OF/1B Nolan Clegg. The No. 11 ranked prospect possess an impressive combination of strength and bat speed. He finds the plane well and has natural loft to his swing path. He is a candidate to hit for power and average at the next level. Once in Columbus, he will likely find a home in the corner outfield where he can utilize his 6.7 speed and above average arm strength.

Keegan Fish C / 2B / Lakota West, OH / 2018 Rankings  StateRank: 13 / POS: 1 OverallRank: 334 / POS: 30 One of the first Buckeye commits in the Class of 2018 was C Keegan Fish. Fish was one of the younger prospects at the 2015 Top Prospect Games and caught the eye of the Ohio State staff. The No. 13 prospect brings an above average skill set across the board. He projects as a reliable defender behind the plate and a middle of the lineup type bat from the left side.

Will Pfennig RHP / 2B / Mason, OH / 2018 Rankings  StateRank: 17 / POS: 7 OverallRank: 360 / POS: 144 The second highest ranked arm in the Ohio State ‘18 class is RHP Will Pfennig. The No. 17 ranked player in the state saw his stock skyrocket this summer.  It was never a question of if, but when Pfenning would take the next step velocity wise and this summer it clicked. A year ago he was a low to mid-80s guy with above average off-speed pitches. Presently, he will sit in the mid to upper-80s, topping at 91 mph. Combine that fastball with his impressive breaking ball and feel for a changeup and it’s easy to see why he received attention from schools in most power five conferences. Pfennig likely will find his way into a starter role before it’s all said and done.

Marcus Ernst SS / RHP / Dublin Coffman, OH / 2018 Rankings  StateRank: 23 / POS: 5 The Buckeyes pulled a local, versatile recruit with the signing of Marcus Ernst. A three-sport standout at Coffman, Ernst should see vast improvements in his game when he dedicates all of his time to the diamond. Currently, the two-way prospect is ranked No. 23 in the state. The smooth swinging lefty, who can play several positions in the infield and outfield, was a top performer at the Top Prospect Games and Preseason All-State. He has shown the ability to drive the ball to all fields and show power in the gaps. With time, he should grow into a more authoritative bat as he adds strength. On the bump, the right-hander is a starter type who has advanced feel for all three offerings. Each year, he has shown increased velocity on the mound as he now sits in the mid-80s and has touched up to 88 mph. His low effort delivery from a ¾ type slot  allows him to hold velo well in his outings. His breaking ball is playable and his best secondary offering may be his changeup, allowing him to be effective against hitters from both sides of the plate.

Cole Niekamp RHP / SS / Versailles, OH / 2018 Rankings  StateRank: 25 / POS: 11 RHP Cole Niekamp, the No. 25 ranked prospect in the state, brings above average athleticism (6.84 60-yard dash) and a physical, 6-2 frame to the bump. The Versailles product is mid to upper-80s guy with a hard swing and miss breaking ball. With his athleticism, expect his velocity to trend up as he matures - making his breaking ball even more effective on hitters. Niekamp figures to be an early contributor out of the bullpen for the Buckeyes.

Nicholas Erwin SS / C / Grove City, OH / 2018 Rankings  StateRank: 29 / POS: 6 One of the sleepers in OSU’s class is SS Nicholas Erwin. Erwin looks the part in a showcase setting but really stands out in game. He is a solid defender who is functionally athletic enough to play anywhere in the infield. He makes the routine play consistently and can “wow” you outside of his funnel at times. At the plate, he has always had barrel awareness and a solid approach. We’ve seen him handle velocity well at Top Prospect Games and in the summer playing for the Cincy Flames. A gamer type whose defensive versatility and high on base potential will likely make him an asset for the Buckeyes at some point. Don’t be surprised if it’s earlier rather than later.

Mitch Milheim LHP / OF / Olentangy Liberty, OH / 2018 Rankings  StateRank: 44 / POS: 3 The lone southpaw in the Buckeye’s ‘18 class is local product Mitch Milheim. Milheim continues to get better and made a big velocity jump this summer. With his athleticism, it would be safe to assume that he has more left in the tank as well. The No. 44 prospect in the class will pitch at 82-84 mph and can get it up to 86 mph. Both secondary offerings looked to be above average options as well. The southpaw’s best days look to be ahead of him and it will be interesting to see where he ends up under the tutelage of Coach Stafford and Coach Delucia.

Mitchell Smith C / SS / Pickerington North, OH / 2018 Rankings  StateRank: 45 / POS: 5 Rounding out the Buckeye class is UTIL Mitchell Smith. Smith came onto the scene with a huge summer in 2016. He stood out at the Top Prospect games and earned invitation to play for Team Ohio at the Future Games. He is a versatile defender with a high baseball IQ. At present, he is an above average defender behind the dish with a solid glove in the middle as well. At the plate, he is a line drive type guy who has regular gap abilities and is a power threat to his pull side. Smith currently ranks at the No. 45 prospect in his class.

Ohio Bobcats

Overview: The Bobcats brought in a balanced 2018 class with the addition of two right-handed arms and added depth up the middle of the infield.

Name	State	High School	Position
Zyon Avery	IN	Ben Davis	C
Matthew Brosky	OH	Strongsville	RHP
Randon Dauman	WI	Columbus	RHP
Evan Fromwiller	OH	Aurora	SS
Braxton Kelly	KY	Johnson Central	RHP
Joseph Rock	PA	Hopewell	LHP
Colin Sells	OH	Bloom Carroll	RHP
Ryan Strittmather	OH	Elyria Catholic	2B

• Total Commits: 8
•  # Top 50 Ranked Players (Ohio): 3
  
• Immediate Impact Player: Colin Sells
• Sleeper of the Class: Ryan Strittmather

CJ Wamsley, Assistant Coach - Recruiting Class Q&A

PBR: What is your overall view of this latest recruiting class?
Wamsley: This is one of the deepest classes we have had. We have a good mix of athletic position players and quality arms. We have several players with extremely high ceilings.

PBR: What are the biggest needs you feel that you addressed with this class?
Wamsley: The biggest needs we had were on the mound because of the class we will be losing due to graduation. With the six arms that we signed, we think those guys will be able to help fill some of the roles we will have opening up.

PBR: Do you see a potential for any of the new players making an impact as freshmen?
Wamsley: We have several. The most immediate impact guys on the mound will be Colin Sells, Braxton Kelly, Randon Dauman and Joey Rock. However, we would not be surprised if the other two arms, Eamon Horwedel (because of his secondary stuff) and Matt Brosky (because of his ability to throw strikes), found themselves contributing early in their career. From a position player standpoint, Zyon Avery has lots of bat speed with a ton of upside, and Ryan Strittmather is extremely athletic.

PBR: Were there any showcases that played a key role in your recruitment for this class?
Wamsley: The Futures Games.

PBR: What lies ahead in your recruiting plans once the next signing period arrives in April?
Wamsley: We really like the incoming class thus far and certainly could be happy with these above mentioned players. That being said, if we have the chance to add another piece in the second signing period, we are certainly open to doing so.

Colin Sells RHP / 3B / Bloom Carroll, OH / 2018 Rankings  StateRank: 20 / POS: 9 OverallRank: 372 / POS: 150 After re-opening his commitment last week, it didn’t take long for Colin Sells to find a future home in Athens. The two-way prospect is the top ranked prospect in Coach Smith’s recruiting class. At 6-4, Sells is projectable as a right-handed arm or left-handed bat. On the bump, the former Future Games participant has a fastball that will be anywhere from 85-88 mph and he shows feel for his secondary stuff.

Ryan Strittmather 2B / SS / Elyria Catholic, OH / 2018 Rankings  StateRank: 43 / POS: 1 OU added athleticism with the addition of infielder Ryan Strittmather. The Lake Erie Warhawk product can fly, running as low as a 6.54 60-yard dash. Defensively, his skill set is an ideal fit at second base where he project to be a well above average defender. Offensively, he has much more juice than his frame would indicate.

Matthew Brosky RHP / 3B / Strongsville, OH / 2018 Rankings  StateRank: 49 / POS: 20 One of the earlier commitments in the class came from the state’s 49th ranked prospect, right-handed pitcher Matthew Brosky. Brosky, who helped lead Strongsville to a Division I state championship has a starter look to him with an array of pitches in his arsenal and a low effort delivery. He was one of the biggest surprises of this past winter showing a large velocity jump and much improved secondary stuff. His fastball will normally sit in the mid to upper-80s, touching up to 90 mph.

Evan Fromwiller SS / 2B / Aurora, OH / 2018 Rankings  StateRank: 55 / POS: 9 Finalizing the Bobcat class is middle infielder Evan Fromwiller. Fromwiller isn’t a flashy player but flat out performs each time we’ve seen him. He is a reliable defender up the middle who will make the routine play consistently and range to either side well. At the plate, he has feel for the barrel and has shown a solid approach each time we’ve seen him. Fromwiller is an ideal table setter type bat who can do some damage when he finds the barrel. He possess above average natural tools across the board as he is a 6.85 runner, 85 mph across the infield, and 92 mph exit velocity.

Toledo Rockets

Overview: The Rockets added one of the top left-handed power hitters in Ohio while also plucking three players out of the Lake Erie Warhawks summer program.

Name	State	High School	Position
Frank Ciacchi	OH	Brunswick	3B
Darryn Davis	MI	Skyline	3B
Thomas Eitniear	MI	Ottawa Lake Whiteford	SS
Kyle Jones	MI	De La Salle	RHP
Mark Mohnickey	OH	St Edward	C
Jamie Myers	OH	Midview	LHP
Ryan Thompson	OH	Dover	OF
Danny Murphy	OH	Hawkins	SS
Doug Smith	OH	Central Crossing	RHP

• Total Commits: 7
  
• # Top 50 Ranked Players (Ohio): 1
  
• Immediate Impact Player: Ryan Thompson
• Sleeper of the Class: Frank Ciacchi

Cory Mee, Head Coach - Recruiting Class Q&A

PBR: What is your overall view of this latest recruiting class?
Mee: I’m really pleased with the group we signed. We have six position players and three pitchers. From a position player standpoint, we have good baseball players that are athletic, versatile and bring a lot of different things to the table to help on the field and bases. On the mound, we have three guys that we have a lot of confidence in.

PBR: What are the biggest needs you feel that you addressed with this class?
Mee: We added two guys that can play shortstop (Thomas Eitniear and Danny Murphy) and a couple others that can play infield or outfield (Ryan Thompson and Darryn Davis). We have a catcher (Mark Mohnickey) and a player with hitting ability (Frank Ciacchi). I feel we solidified ourselves from a position standpoint. As far as pitching, we have guys we are confident can come in and throw strikes.

PBR: Do you see a potential for any of the new players making an impact as freshmen?
Mee: Every guy we recruit we do so with the idea they are going to compete for playing time. Each will have an opportunity, it will depend on their performance in practice. Because of his experience in college Doug Smith, a JUCO, will have the best chance to make an impact right away.

PBR: Were there any showcases that played a key role in your recruitment for this class?
Mee: We identify players from showcases and video and then go see them play. My two assistants (Josh Bradford and Nick McIntyre) and I all try to see them play and each that we recruited in this class we saw play.

PBR: What lies ahead in your recruiting plans once the next signing period arrives in April?
Mee: Recruiting never ends. We’re really pleased with the group we have and excited to see what happens. A lot about what we do next depends how the team performs this year.

Ryan Thompson OF / 1B / Dover, OH / 2018 Rankings  StateRank: 44 / POS: 7 The highest rated player the Rockets landed is OF Ryan Thompson. The No. 44 ranked player in the state has a chance to be an impact bat from the left side. He swings with intent and doesn’t get cheated. Thompson has really grown over the past few years with his approach at the plate, cutting down on swing and miss while producing more consistent contact in his at bats. The ball comes off his bat just about as good as anyone in the class when he squares it up.

Mark Mohnickey C / 1B / St Edward, OH / 2018 Rankings  StateRank: 57 / POS: 7 The earliest in-state commit for the Rockets came from C Mark Mohnickey, the No. 57 ranked prospect in the class. Left-handed hitting catchers are valued at a premium and Mohnickey ranks amongst the state’s best in that category. His actions are fluid at and behind the plate. The St. Edward product should only get better as he continues to develop physically.

Jamie Myers LHP / 1B / Midview, OH / 2018 Rankings  StateRank: 64 / POS: 5 Next, Toledo moved pulled the 64th ranked prospect in the state, southpaw Jamie Myers. Myers showed up at the 2017 Top Prospect Games with a noticeably improved repertoire from what we’ve seen in past. His fastball had jumped up into the mid-80s and his secondary stuff was much sharper. He is a prototypical strike thrower that should be utilized out of the bullpen early in his career.

Frank Ciacchi 3B / OF / Brunswick, OH / 2018 Rankings  StateRank: 82 / POS: 7 Rounding out the Rocket class is IF Frank Ciacchi. The power swinging lefty is the No. 82 ranked prospect in the state. Ciacchi possesses an impressive combination of strength and bat speed. His swing has natural loft, allowing him to lift the ball without sacrificing either tool which makes him a regular extra base threat.

Wright State Raiders

Overview: After loading up last year’s signing class with position players, the Raiders collected a heavy haul of pitching prospects - and, all four arms ranking inside the state’s top 40 prospects. In addition, recruiting coordinator Nate Metzger also added a talented catching prospect and an outfielder.

Name	State	High School	Position
Bradley Brehmer	IN	Decatur Central	RHP
Jared Burick	OH	Tallmadge	OF
Wesley Earles	OH	Southeastern	LHP
Tristan Haught	OH	Edison	RHP
Brock Nartker	OH	Anthony Wayne	RHP
Riley Perlich	IN	Carroll	RHP
Cameron Rountree	OH	Springboro	C
Sam Wirsing	OH	Madeira	RHP

• Total Commits: 8
  
• # Top 50 Ranked Players (Ohio): 5
  
• Immediate Impact Player: Brock Nartker
• Sleeper of the Class: Tristan Haught, Sam Wirsing

Jeff Mercer, Head Coach - Recruiting Class Q&A

PBR: What is your overall view of this latest recruiting class?
Mercer: I am very happy with this recruiting class, it was a well-organized and executed recruiting plan. We follow a strict model that’s proven successful and our staff performed very well, I expect this class to be extremely successful over the next several years.

PBR: What are the biggest needs you feel that you addressed with this class?
Mercer: Our greatest needs in this class were on the mound. Over the next two seasons we will lose several high-profile arms to the draft and/or graduation, so our main focus was building the future foundation of our staff.

PBR: Do you see a potential for any of the new players making an impact as freshmen?
Mercer: We’ve won the Conference Freshman of the Year four consecutive years, so we expect freshmen to play a pivotal role in our program annually. This is a talented group, there are several prospects I see having an immediate significant impact on our team.

PBR: What lies ahead in your recruiting plans once the next signing period arrives in April?
Mercer: As the spring unfolds, we’ll evaluate our roster needs, assess how the draft will impact our club and make the necessary moves to ensure our continued success.

Wesley Earles LHP / OF / Southeastern, OH / 2018 Rankings  StateRank: 28 / POS: 2 The Raiders picked up an early commitment from the No. 2 ranked left-handed pitcher in the state, Wesley Earles. The southpaw, who pitches for Midland in the summer, features a mid-80s fastball with good run that can get up to 87 mph. He complements his fastball with two well above average breaking balls. Earles is well polished and has shown the ability to consistently be in the zone with his arsenal.

Brock Nartker RHP / 2B / Anthony Wayne, OH / 2018 Rankings  StateRank: 32 / POS: 14 The Raiders’ most college ready prospect is likely RHP Brock Nartker. Nartker fills up the zone with impressive stuff. His fastball will sit in the 87-89 mph range with some late life when down in the zone. His 12/6 breaking ball is one of the best breaking balls in his class as it shows impressive depth as it drops off the table. Expect Nartker to be an early contributor on the Raider’s staff.

Sam Wirsing RHP / 1B / Madeira, OH / 2018 Rankings  StateRank: 38 / POS: 17 The Raiders added another high upside arm, right-handed pitcher Sam Wirsing. The No. 38 prospect in the class still has room to polish up but there’s a lot to like about a 6-6 prospect with longer levers and a fastball up to 88 mph. While the other arms in the class may be more college ready at this state, Wirsing may have the highest ceiling.

Tristan Haught RHP / 1B / Edison, OH / 2018 Rankings  StateRank: 23 / POS: 10 Right-handed pitcher Tristan Haught was a late commit in August after a standout performance at the Unsigned Senior Games at Wright State. In time, he may be the most notable of the bunch. Haught uses exclusively a two-seam fastball that shows heavy run, sitting in the mid to upper-80s, touching up to 90 mph. The Edison product could have more in there as he learns to utilize lower half and add strength to his athletic frame. Although he is the highest ranked player in the Raiders class, he also has a much room as any to get better.

Cameron Rountree C / 3B / Springboro, OH / 2018 Rankings  StateRank: 48 / POS: 6 Moving away from the mound, the Raiders added a backstop to handle the staff in catcher Cameron Rountree. Rountree made his presence known with a standout performance at the Top Prospect Games. The 50th ranked prospect in the state is a good athlete with impressive natural tools. At the plate, he showed off his strength and bat speed combo by registering an exit velocity of 98 mph. Behind the dish, he brings an above average skill set across the board.

Jared Burick OF / RHP / Tallmadge, OH / 2018 Rankings  StateRank: 67 / POS: 10 The WSU staff made solid use out of the Southern Ohio Unsigned Senior Event. In addition to Haught, they also added outfielder Jared Burick. A well-rounded prospect that is a versatile defender. He will likely find a home in the corner outfield where he can utilize his 88 mph arm strength. At the plate, he produces solid contact and can find the gap to both fields. Burick currently is ranked as the No. 67 player in the class.

Xavier Musketeers

Overview: With Coach Googins moving over to Cincinnati, this will be new head coach Billy O’Connor’s first signing class at Xavier. The Musketeers went for quality over quantity in-state prospects for their 2018 class. Recruiting Coordinator Nick Otte landed two power arms, both ranking in the top 35 of the state’s Class of 2018 Rankings.

Name	State	High School	Position
Jake Armentrout	IN	Wheeler	OF
Lane Flamm	OH	New Richmond HS	RHP
Luke Franzoni	NJ	Princeton Day School	SS
Jack Housinger	IL	Stevenson	SS
Jackson Kaplowitz	IL	Notre Dame	SS
Seth Klaiber	OH	Badin	RHP
Luke Stephenson	MI	Algonac	C
Andrew Walker	PA	Pittsburgh Central Catholic	OF

• Total Commits: 8
  
• # Top 50 Ranked Players (Ohio): 2
• Immediate Impact Player: Lane Flamm
• Sleeper of the Class: Seth Klaiber

Billy O'Conner, Head Coach - Recruiting Class Q&A

PBR: What is your overall view of this latest recruiting class?
O'Conner: It’s a very talented class that has a number of future pros included in it. My assistants Nick Otte and Matt Reida did an outstanding job of identifying and recruiting this group.

PBR: What are the biggest needs you feel that you addressed with this class?
O'Conner: As with any class, we try to identify the best fits from an academic and athletic fit.  We believe we have added a lot of talent, but even more so, some great people.

PBR: Do you see a potential for any of the new players making an impact as freshmen?
O'Conner: We feel that every player in this class has the ability to contribute early on.

PBR: Were there any showcases that played a key role in your recruitment for this class?
O'Conner: The PBR Future Games is usually a starting point as we start to evaluate any given class.

PBR: What lies ahead in your recruiting plans once the next signing period arrives in April?
O'Conner: We will continue to identify needs as the season progresses and address them with the best available fits.

Lane Flamm RHP / 3B / New Richmond HS, OH / 2018 Rankings  StateRank: 5 / POS: 3 OverallRank: 163 / POS: 70 The Musketeer class is lead by RHP Lane Flamm. The No. 5 ranked player in the state made a big jump in the past year and in the process, became a national type prospect. While he isn’t the biggest guy on the diamond, his arm is fast and on time, generating a 90-93 mph fastball. He has demonstrated the ability to locate his fastball on both sides of the plate. His slider is tight with depth and has proven to be an effective out pitch that should translate over to the college level. He fills up the zone with both offerings, consistently challenging hitters. Flamm could be used in multiple roles inside a staff but whatever the role is, expect him to make an early impact with his stuff/pitchability

Seth Klaiber RHP / 1B / Badin, OH / 2018 Rankings  StateRank: 34 / POS: 15 Following Flamm is the No. 34 ranked prospect in the class RHP Seth Klaiber. The right-hander is physically built at 6-2, 205-pounds. Klaiber’s arm is relatively clean with obvious arm strength. He creates downhill plane on his 86-90 mph fastball and his breaking ball is a big, 11/5 bender. He fills up the zone with the pitch that has room to add depth.

Youngstown State Penguins

Overview: The new Penguin staff is as active as any program in Ohio on the recruiting trail. Recruiting coordinator Eric Smith is a familiar presence at showcases and tournaments, no matter where the trail may take him. As a result, the Penguins’ in-state recruiting class features two talented position players and a right-handed power arm from different parts of the state.

Name	State	High School	Position
Blake Benyo	OH	IMG Academy	OF
Phillip Glasser	OH	Tallmadge	SS
Brandon Matthews	PA	Punxsutawney Area	RHP
Travis Perry	PA	Rocky Grove	RHP
Brett Souder	OH	Kings	RHP

• Total Commits: 5
  
• # Top 50 Ranked Players (Ohio): 1
  
• Immediate Impact Player: Brett Souder 
• Sleeper of the Class: Phillip Glasser

Dan Bertolini, Head Coach - Recruiting Class Q&A

PBR: What is your overall view of this latest recruiting class?
Bertolini: We are very excited to welcome in our 2018 recruiting class. We think this group has a ton of talent and will fill the needs of the 2019 Penguins. Our whole coaching staff including Josh Merrigan, Eric Smith and Ryan Krokos did a phenomenal job identifying not just talented, but great young men to be a part of our program. Our recruiting coordinator Eric Smith is a tireless worker and was a big reason we had so much success in recruiting.

PBR: What are the biggest needs you feel that you addressed with this class?
Bertolini: We have made it a point since we took over to really focus on recruiting locally and we signed all five players from either Ohio or Pennsylvania. We have a small graduating class so the staff was able to address some very specific needs.

PBR: Do you see a potential for any of the new players making an impact as freshmen?
Bertolini: I think any program is always looking for quality arms and we brought in three pitchers that are all in the top of the rankings in their respective states. Travis Perry, Brett Souder and Brandon Matthews all have the ability to get on the mound right away. We added an athletic power bat in Steve D’ Eusanio that has versatility to play infield but could transition to the outfield as well, and a left-handed hitting middle infielder in Phillip Glasser. Phil is a sure-handed infielder that is a relentless competitor. Travis Perry and Brandon Matthew both have an opportunity to be two-way players for us as well. Travis has an advanced approach at the plate and at 6-7 is extremely athletic. 

Brett Souder RHP / OF / Kings, OH / 2018 Rankings  StateRank: 42 / POS: 19 Youngstown State’s class is led by right-handed pitcher Brett Souder. The 6-3 righty has a fluid delivery and a noticeably loose arm. His velocity has steadily increased over the past year, presently sitting in the 84-89 mph range. His breaking ball continues to come along as well. Souder, who played for the Cincy Flames, has the stuff to be used early in his career.

Phillip Glasser SS / RHP / Tallmadge, OH / 2018 Rankings  StateRank: 59 / POS: 10 The Penguins moved to the middle of the infield to get Phillip Glasser. Glasser is a reliable player who gets the job done at the plate and with the glove. While he isn’t a flashy prospect, he is a consistent defender and top of the lineup bat. A member of Tallmadge’s Division II State Champion team, he has shown good feel for the game and shows a high baseball IQ. Don’t be surprised to see him push upperclassmen for early playing time.

Blake Benyo OF / 2B / IMG Academy, OH / 2018 Rankings  StateRank: 195 / POS: 28 Rounding out the in-state recruiting class is outfielder Blake Benyo, who is currently attending IMG Academy in Florida. He will be joining his older brother Kyle as a member of Penguin program. Benyo is a solid player that has gotten better each time we’ve seen him, including a strong performance at the Top Prospect Games. He moves with fluidity in the outfield and plays with obvious feel/confidence. While he still has room to grow at the plate, one can see the natural tools coming along.