Signing Period - Division II, III, and JUCO Breakdown
December 3, 2018
*North Carolina Class of 2019 Rankings – HERE
*North Carolina DI Signing Period: Private Schools – HERE
*North Carolina DI Signing Period: Public Schools – HERE
*Commitment Tracker Database - HERE
The NCAA Signing Period began on November 14th. For players signing with a Division I or Division II school that is a National Letter of Intent school, they can make their commitment binding by singing the NLI. For players attending a school with out an NLI, or for players that are not receiving athletic aid, schools can still have them sign a form, pledging their commitment.
Earlier this week we took an in-depth look at the North Carolina Division I schools and their 2019 classes. At this time over 250 players from across North Carolina have committed to play college baseball. While many are playing Division I, there are a lot of talented players that made the choice to go to a Division II, III, or Junior College program.
When looking at the scope of college baseball across North Carolina you will see teams at multiple levels competing for national championships and producing MLB Draft picks. As much as it is the talent at the high school level, it is the continued development at players at all levels. In any given year, North Carolina can be represented in the DI, DII, DIII, or JUCO World Series.
Today we dive into some of the recruiting classes at the various levels of college baseball across North Carolina. Many of these schools are looking for pieces that may allow them to continue to compete for championships. The talent in the 2019 class may allow a lot of schools to have a lot of success in coming years.
Signing Period – Division II, III, and Junior Colleges
Catawba Valley CC
- Classification: JUCO
- Conference: Region X
- Total Commits: 7
- # of Top 250 Ranked Players in NC: 3
- Impact Player: Noah Burnette
- Sleeper in the Class: James Goodwin
Catawba Valley is coming off a great 2018 campaign and have begun their recruiting for the 2019 class early. Noah Burnette (1B, Pisgah HS) has the potential to be pro follow entering the 2019 spring. A physical 6-foot-2, 215 pound frame, the righty generates serious bat speed and power. James Goodwin (SS, Home Schooled) is a good athlete who may be able to stick in the middle of the field. In the box he has good feel for the barrel.
Guilford College
- Classification: Division III
- Conference: Old Dominion Athletic Conference
- Total Commits: 7
- # of Top 250 Ranked Players in NC: 0
- Impact Player: Elijah Knight
- Sleeper in the Class: Josh Sadler
Elijah Knight (OF, RJ Reynolds HS) has athleticism in a lanky frame. His best baseball is ahead of him and the Quakers could look up in a few years with a Knight being key cog to a lot of success. Josh Sadler (LHP, Clayton HS) is still maturing in a very thin frame. Up to 78, more velocity may come as strength is added. Overall the Quakers have been aggressive early with their 2019 class and seem to be finding players that fit the overall plan on the field and off.
Lenoir-Rhyne
- Classification: Division II
- Conference: South Atlantic Conference
- Total Commits: 16
- # of Top 250 Ranked Players in NC: 11
- Impact Player: Caleb Fluno
- Sleeper in the Class: Bryce Stober
The staff at Lenoir-Rhyne has been extremely busy building their 2019 class. At this time, it is the largest class in North Carolina with 16 total players and 15 of them are from North Carolina. The talent is deep as well with 11 inside the current PBR top 250. Caleb Fluno (3B, Home Schooled) has an intriguing frame that will continue to handle strength. A big power threat, Fluno may excel early, especially if he finds the barrel consistently. Bryce Stober (Utility, Hickory HS) is on of the PBR NC staff’s favorites in the 2019 class. A super-utility player, Stober can catch, play the infield, and play the outfield. A high motor player, look for Stober to find his way into the lineup early.
Mid-Atlantic Christian
- Classification: USCAA
- Conference: N/A
- Total Commits: 5
- # of Top 250 Ranked Players in NC: 0
Mid-Atlantic Christian is in the process of building their first roster. Coach Jason Goetz has five commitments already and is beginning to build his list as he gets into the spring season. Look for the Mustangs to continue to work to build their brand within their home borders of North Carolina.