A Bit Overlooked, Byrd Flying Under The Radar

Gavin Byrd SS / RHP / Lakota East, OH / 2026

LIBERTY TOWNSHIP - Gavn Byrd has found the recruiting process a bit challenging thus far.

“It’s a lot different than I thought,” the Lakota East High School junior admitted. “All the stuff I heard before with how many calls guys got or schools offering the first day or within the first week… it’s not been that way for me.”

The ninth-rated uncommitted 2026 shortstop in Ohio has gradually received interest as time has gone on since Aug. 1 when college coaches could reach out to players in his class for the initial time.

“I was excited to see what it would look like for me,” related Byrd, who did not hear from any coach on day one. “I wasn’t too worried about the first day, I was just excited to see if I’d get anything. I was expecting a couple of smaller schools to reach out and start a conversation.

“A week after (Aug. 1), the first school shot me a text. So far I’ve received a couple of texts from Ivy League schools and been to a couple of camps. The only coach I’ve talked with is Miami.”

That would fit what Byrd is looking for in a college.

“Personally, I just want to play,” the 52nd-ranked junior in the state said. “A smaller D-I school like in the MAC would be perfect. I also would like to stay fairly close to home. Another pro would be an older coach who could help me develop as a player.”

Young for his class at just 16 years of age, exposure for Byrd came through Prep Baseball.

“I went to the Junior Future Games my eighth grade year,” noted Byrd, who won’t turn 17 until July 18. “I went to the State Games as well. I think it was more to get my name out with posts since schools are actively on the Prep Baseball page.”

Kyle Weldon, Prep Baseball Ohio Director of Scouting, sees a bright future ahead for the Lakota East junior. 

“A versatile player, Gavin is a good runner that can impact the game in a number of ways offensively,” Weldon noted. “He also has a strong arm across the infield with good actions.”

Improvement is being made in his game.

“I’m consistently training,” Byrd said. “I’m trying to put on weight and overall get better. I’m seeing a hit coach and my average exit velo and max velo have gone up as I’ve progressed with my coach. I have an infield coach as well.”

Now 5-10 and 170 pounds, the 14th-rated 2026 shortstop in Ohio is excited about what lies ahead, including a camp at Ohio University.

“The biggest thing for me is sending out my schedule for coaches to come watch,” Byrd explained. “I think that will help me with my recruitment. If I send more emails maybe I can receive something.”

Byrd, who is even being looked at by one school as a pitcher at the next level, is of the belief he may be a bit under appreciated.

“I’m not saying I’m being overlooked, but maybe a little,” Byrd pointed out. “I’m just not a huge kid. In a game is where I do my best. I’ve never been a huge showcase guy.”

There is a lot he feels that he can bring to a program.

“I’m a hard worker who wants to get better,” Byrd explained. “I like to win. I bring positive energy. I’m a good teammate. I always do the best I can, whatever it takes to win.”

Byrd, who has a 3.8 GPA this school year to boost his cumulative grade point average to 3.5, is considering business, psychology, maybe sports psychology, as potential majors as he looks ahead to making a college decision.

“Nothing is set in stone as far as a timeframe when I would like to decide,” Byrd concluded. “I hope, maybe, by the end of summer.”