Commitment Spotlight: David Utagawa, RHP, Corona Del Sol
February 21, 2019
David Utagawa
Class of 2020 / RHP
Player Information
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Graduating Class: 2020
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Primary Position: RHPSecondary Position: 1B
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High School: Corona del SolState: AZ
- Summer Team: Canyon Thunder
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Height: 6-3Weight: 200lbs
- Bat/Throw: R/R
Statistics
Videos
(10/14/18)
PBR: Why did you choose the school you did?
DU: Northwestern is a great fit for me both academically and athletically. I really like the programs that they offer and the campus is amazing. I feel that I have a really good relationship with the coaching staff.
PBR: What other schools were you considering?
DU: I had an offer from the Air Force Academy and was actively talking to a number of other schools.
PBR: Did PBR help your recruiting process? If so, how?
DU: PBR was really helpful in providing opportunities to participate in local showcases and having a PBR profile/ranking for coaches to access information. I got to know the former scouting director, Jordon Banfield, when he first established PBR in Arizona.
PBR: Where did the coaching staff first see you? How did your relationship develop?
DU: They first saw me live at the Junior Fall Classic last October. About a week later, I participated in a local showcase camp so they had a chance to see me play in different settings. I kept in touch with the pitching coach over the phone and then visited the Northwestern campus for a prospect camp earlier this month.
PBR: Do you feel relieved now that the process is over and you can just focus on baseball and not deal with everything that goes into picking a school?
DU: Yes, since I feel that Northwestern is a great fit for me!
PBR: Was there one deciding factor that put your choice over the top?
DU: One of the most important factors was that they allow players to choose any major or field of study. The academics at Northwestern are top notch and coaches and faculty make it possible for student athletes to pursue a wide range of interests. I’m also excited to compete in the Big 10 conference!
PBR: Who has helped you the most to get to where you are today?
DU: In baseball, definitely my youth coach Jeff Carter (All9 Baseball) and my high school coach Dave Webb. I have also been lucky to play with a group of talented friends over the years and they help me strive to be better.
PBR: What were your expectations about the recruiting process? Was it easy/difficult?
DU: I think it can be time consuming if you don’t target the right schools. I had to be organized with notes and follow-up emails since I was talking to several different schools.
PBR: What plans does the coaching staff have in store for you in your freshman season?
DU: They are looking for me to contribute from the get-go, whether in the bullpen or in the weekend starting rotation.
PBR: What is your most memorable baseball moment to date?
DU: Pitching a complete game in the PG National Fall Championship semi-final game with my club team, Canyon Thunder. We went on to win the championship!
PBR: Who is the best player that you have competed against?
DU: I can’t specifically think of one, I would say that Carson Tucker, Maurice Hampton, and Hunter Haas are some of the top players I’ve competed against.
Scouting Report
10/14/18 - 6-foot-3, 200-pound prospect. Worked out in the outfield and on the mound. Clear future on the bump. Has always intrigued with his physical presence, strong lower half and short, clean arm action. He has battled some inconsistencies in the past, but if this performance is any indication he has absolutely turned the corner and was without a doubt the breakout performer of the entire event. Utagawa pounded the zone with a heavy 84-87 mph fastball, tight 73-74 mph curveball and flashed a 76-77 mph changeup that has the look of a solid third offering. He was completely under control during his bullpen and if this sort of stuff/command continues D1's will be lining up to sign the Ivy-level student. Line drive hitter. At the plate has a strong lower half, hangs and sits on load. Calm and consistent approach. Stays inside balls well. Ran improved 7.46 60-yard dash.6/5/18 - 6-foot-3 200-pound frame. Tall, strong build with thick lower half. Interesting combination of skills posting an 88 mph exit velocity while also throwing 85 mph off the mound, but Utagawa’s future appears to be on the mound at this point. At his best, Utagawa’s fastball ranged from 80-85 mph with downhill plane and some life to his arm side. Impressive arm spiral and arm speed. Lead leg hyper extends into ball release causing back hip to pop up. Change up was thrown at 71-74 mph with some fading action. Curveball worked 67-69 mph. Continued development of the secondary will help further solidify Utagawa’s prospect status. Also posted a 7.45 60-yard dash and 82 mph infield velocity. Projects as a first baseman defensively.
10/29/17 – 6-foot-3, 200-pound frame with broad shoulders and a developed lower half. Two-way player showed best on the mound with an ideal pitcher’s body. Compact, on-line delivery with short, clean arm stroke. Gets on top of the baseball quickly in back with short action and just above ¾ slot. Fastball sat 80-82 mph, touching 83 and was mostly straight. Breaking ball pops up out of hand at 65-67. Changeup flashed fading action from 67-71. Offensively, hits from relaxed setup with low hands and easy rhythm. Uses lower half well with aggressive backside, turning in 88 mph exit velo. Arms works well at 1B with 75 mph velocity and short action. Tends to field the ball deep with some stiffness in hands. 7.76 60-yard dash.