The baseball landscape is changing within our state as top prospects in recent and current classes have decided to "take their talents" to Nevada universities or colleges instead of the out of state alternative. Nevada prospects are already at a disadvantage, compared to our surrounding states (California - 135, Arizona - 18, Utah - 6), with only 3 in-state collegiate options after high school. In recent years, choosing a local program was AN option for the top players in the state and now we are seeing that they are becoming THE option with incremental increases in Top 10 ranked prospects choosing Nevada programs to further their baseball careers. Recent high round MLB Draft picks coming out of our in-state institutions has played a role in athletes opting to stay home and create something special with players they have grown up playing with and/or against during their prep careers.

Prep Baseball Report Nevada Scouting Director, Brett Harrison (BH), sat down with first year UNLV assistant coach, Cory Vanderhook (CV), to discuss the new trend in of top prospect in Nevada deciding to stay home and how they have played a major role in the recent shift.

BH: What do you look for in a prospect?

CV: Once a player passes the obvious eye test, we really try to do our homework and rely on trusted resources; such as high school, club ball coaches and now Prep Baseball Report. We also rely heavily on our current players that may know or have played with a current recruit. I have said it for years and I believe its more true now than ever; Your programs current players are by far your best recruiters.  Not only does that show them your trust in them, but it also and more importantly gives them ownership in the program.

BH: What are some "Non-Negotiables" prospect could expect when they become a Rebel?

CV: Take care of our business in the classroom, Everything we do on and off the field is for the betterment of the team and of the program not the individual. And lastly, be prepared to grind with passion and professionalism. 

BH: What has been your approach to recruiting local Nevada talent?

CV: We want to get to the place where UNLV is the number one choice for all Las Vegas area kids. This state and especially this city has a lot of pride and grit, period. We want our baseball program to be a main source of pride for the community. What we are doing from a recruiting standpoint, is trying to identify and lock down the best talent in town and the ones that represent the fabric of Las Vegas. Above all, we want the kids that want to be Rebels, and make history in their home town.

BH: Do you believe recruiting top Nevada talent could take you to Omaha?

CV: That is the goal. Las Vegas/Nevada has become such an outstanding hot bed for college baseball recruiting (credit to the development by High School/Club Baseball Coaches Statewide). As long as we get the right Nevada players for the program and sprinkle in a High School/Juco kid here and there from bordering states that fits our core values, yes. I truly believe Omaha/CWS is a realistic destination for this program.

BH: What are your thoughts on the 2021 recruiting class?

CV: We love our 2021 class. It is made up of extremely talented baseball players and great young men that really want to be a part of something special! 

BH: What would you contribute the success of the ’21 class to?

CV: The 2021 class that everyone loves to highlight definitely deserves the attention it is getting. This class is a combination of years of hard work by Coach Stolte and Higgins. In addition to that, the support of our administration and donors have been able to make the necessary improvements to the baseball facilities for us to continue to compete in all aspects with the top college baseball programs.

BH: What is your vision for UNLV baseball?

CV: Celebrate our past players and achievements. Develop our current player into outstanding student athletes and leaders in the community.  Build on our future by continuing to work tirelessly at recruiting future players and well rounded young men that want to #BeARebel.

The 2021 class is where the tide really began to turn making Nevada programs their number one choice to play their collegiate baseball. The class is highlighted by three of the Top 10 prospects in that class choosing UNLV over other big name out-of-state programs that had expressed interest in each of their talents. Basic Academy product and #4 overall 2021, Hunter Katschke, is a prospect that could attract some national attention next year as a prospect that projects to be able to both hit and pitch at a high level. Next, you have an electric athlete in Santino Panaro, a quiet kid who carries a ton of confidence, committing to UNLV. The #6 overall 2021 prospect projects to be a top of the order bat with his ability to spray the ball to all fields as well as dropping down the occasional bunt to put his 6.39 speed on display. Then you have another two-way prospect in Sam Simon, #7 overall 2021, is a polished arm on the mound, who can also play multiple position in the field and has big time power potential that should shine through at the launching pad that is Earl E. Wilson Stadium. Liberty's Chase Gallegos is another multi-position prospect that's bat could help him find a way into the Rebel lineup early in his career. And just recently, UNLV got a commitment from, Gavin Mez, #11 overall 2021 and the top ranked catcher in the class, brings a mature approach at the plate with the ability drive the ball to all fields and an excellent receiver and game manager behind the plate.

This rise could be attributed to the commitment by our local collegiate programs to upgrade facilities in recent year to compete with the rest of the country in that category giving players in their programs every resource possible to excel in their time on campus. Today, not only do players have to "pass the obvious eye test", but now schools also have to "pass the obvious eye test", with the facilities, atmosphere, culture and even uniforms coming into play in a prospects decision making process beyond the desire to play for the coaching staff. This effort by our Nevada collegiate programs to improve each of these areas does play a factor into the recent recruiting success and should continue to play a role in the years to come.

#ForNevadaByNevada

--

The Upperclass Top Prospect Games is an INVITE ONLY event featuring top 2021 prospects from around the state. The event will take place on Tuesday, July 7 - Wednesday, July 8 at UNLV Players will participate in a pro-style workout, followed by simulated game-play. 

The event is limited in the number of participants.  Pitchers will be evaluated/videoed during live game action. Rosters will be organized/built by specific positions to maximize playing time/exposure for each player. If you want to take advantage of this opportunity, please get your registration in as soon as possible, as roster spots are limited, both by total quantity and by position.