Versatile Davis Brings Silent Leadership To The Game

Joshua Davis SS / OF / Princeton, OH / 2026

SPRINGDALE - Versatility is a big part of what Josh Davis can bring to the table on the ball diamond.

“Playing multiple positions helps,” the Princeton High School junior said about his recruitment. “By showing my athleticism from around the field, coaches know they can trust you.”

The 12th-rated 2026 shortstop in Ohio, who is an outfielder on his travel team in the summer, has even more he can provide colleges at the next level according to Kyle Weldon, Prep Baseball Ohio Director of Scouting.

“Josh is a toolsy hitter, not lacking in bat speed,” Weldon explained. “He can play multiple positions across the infield and he tracks balls well in the outfield. He also has sneaky pop for his size.”

The 5-10 180-pounder is of the belief he can be an asset wherever he lands at the next level.

“I’m not a loud guy,” Davis noted. “I’ll bring silent leadership and help with what you want to happen, what should happen. If a guy needs encouragement, if they’re feeling down, I’m the person that they can talk to. I’ll provide energy in ways some people might not see.”

Admittedly, the recruiting process brought some uncertainty leading up to Aug. 1 when college coaches were permitted to make contact with players in the 2026 class for the initial time.

“I was a little anxious,” related the 48th-ranked junior in the state. “But now I’m feeling way better. It was just the timing.”

Schools from the Division I through D-III levels now have Davis on their radar.

“The main thing on Aug. 1 was that a lot of emails came through,” Davis explained. “It was overwhelming. I wasn’t expecting it.”

Prior exposure helped the cause according to the 17-year-old.

“With Prep Baseball the main thing was going to tournaments and the Top Prospect Games Trials,” Davis said. “I hadn’t been to an event of that caliber. Getting ranked up in the top 50 also helped.”

Davis has a good idea of what he is looking for in a college.

“I want a program that likes my benefits, my tools,” Davis pointed out. “I want a school where everyone meshes well. I want a school that has what I want to do for my future.”

Davis, who carries a 3.95 GPA at Princeton and is planning to major in kinesiology in college, believes a strong work ethic is proving beneficial.

“Throughout the winter I’ve been going to the weight room a lot,” Davis noted. “The main focus is to bulk up. I want more arm strength and to swing with more intent. I just want more power. I’m working on staying through the ball and not pulling off the ball.”

Confidence in his skill set has helped overcome the anxiety that can come in the recruiting process.

“Growing up recruitment seemed way different,” Davis explained. “Now a lot of things happen where you have to go through somebody to get to the next person. It’s definitely different, not easy.”

There is no specific type of school Davis has in mind at this time.

“It doesn’t have to be a big D-I school,” the Princeton junior related. “I wouldn't mind playing at a smaller school with all the changes going on in baseball right now, even a smaller JUCO school.”

Davis, who plays soccer at Princeton in addition to baseball, which is his first love when it comes to a sport, is in no hurry to make a college decision.

“It’s not a matter of rushing this,” Davis explained. “I’ll know when it’s the right time. For now I’m just hoping to have more talks with coaches.

“My junior season of high school is coming up and I’m coming off an all-city sophomore season.” Davis concluded. “I’m hoping to do even better than last year. I’m excited about that and playing for Don Sullivan’s Legends Scout Team in the summer which I just joined over the fall.”