The real answer: rake, rake, rake if you're a position player and you will start. If you're a catcher and an all-American is in the class above, you will play 1B, 3B, DH, right field. BUT, YOU WILL PLAY.
A friend/former teammate’s son (a top ranked catcher) committed to one of the top programs in the country. They recruited two other top ranked catchers that year. The coach switched an outfielder with great hands and a big arm to catcher. The following year he recruited another top catcher.
They all started by soph year (c, 1b, 3b, rf, lf, dh) because they could hit. They were all drafted.
The issue my friend’s son had was he played nowhere but catcher (facing the field) until he got to college ball. It was an adjustment to learn to play first and third.
I asked my son his perspective of the roster during fall ball freshman year. His view was there were six to eight studs at the front of the roster. There were eight walk ons (no scholarship) hoping it works out. He felt there were about twenty players plus the walk ons fighting for about ten spots with playing time.
Those who win the battle will be the most physically prepared and mentally tough players.
Relative to the level of competition everyone on the roster is capable of starting. Everyone was a high school star. But for a lot of players college will be the first time it won’t be easy. It’s when you find out who the mentally tough kids are. They don’t make excuses. They don’t whine and compare themselves to teammates. They stay physically and mentally prepared for the one moment that might make a difference so they get a second opportunity. Then they build on their opportunities.
If a JuCo player arrives next year and the player is back battling for playing time again the process starts all over.
Another friend/former teammate’s son (a shortstop) headed for the same top ranked program as the catcher. The all conference shortstop came back for his senior year. The kid played first freshman year because he could rake. He moved to short soph year.
This scenario applies no matter what level of college ball a player selects to play. Thirty five (or more in D3) choose the program because they believe they can get on the field.
There aren’t any angles or secret sauces. It’s all about talent, hard work, mental toughness and a little bit of luck.