Julio posted:SS . . . 5-10, 160 lbs just turned 16, has tools and plays lights out . . . 84 mph across the diamond, 7.2 60 yard dash . . .Will hit for ave, with a few doubles.
There are lots of shortstops with these kinds of numbers who can really play (my now-D3 son was one). Then there are a fair number, even in his grade, who are 6'+, run a 6.6 60, and/or hit for power. The latter are the ones being recruited by top D1s right now (Florida D1 shortstops have PG ratings of 9 or 10, 60s of 6.8 and lower, check out the 2020s). Presumably your son will get faster and stronger; do you expect him to get taller? I have to assume that the reason the HS coach thinks he should go to a JUCO is that he thinks your son has no shot at a D1 out of high school (given that 2021 MIFs are being recruited right now), but that after JUCO he will then have another shot at a D1. Has he phrased it like that? Does he tell you that this JUCO is good with that kind of training and placement?
Is D1 your son's main goal? Is it about the money, or the baseball opportunity? What would he do after JUCO, if D1 doesn't work out? Would he then go to a D2, D3, etc.? Does he want a job for which he needs an AA? You know all of this, we don't, it could all work as long as you know what you want out of it.
No-one ever answered your question, can you ask the D1 where he stands?