tequila posted:I second the camps and showcases comment.
The coaches from the school my catcher ended up at (D3) recruited and invited him to the team based only on video, phone/email conversations, and one visit to campus. The HC's exact statement when my son asked about what they were looking for in a catcher was "We are looking for someone who can defend the field above all else. Ability to catch, throw and block as well as control the game from a defensive standpoint are paramount." That said, I agree with C2019 about hitting, whether the coach comes right out and says it or not. You see it all the time, especially college and above. Austin Hedges is a great example. By most measurements he is the best defensive catcher in all of baseball but his 2019 batting average is below .200 currently and he seems to have planed out to a level that most analysts think he will not end up an everyday catcher if something doesn't dramatically change with his offense.
Also - my son was recruited by a top 10 D1 Juco - one of Top jucos in midwest -
when they contacted him . They wanted for him to come down for a visit . We asked does he need to come to camp Or bring his gear ? Coach said no , we have lots of video on him already and he’s our guy . Granted he had interest from D1s but we felt that Juco was the route for him. Also Note - just cause you go to Juco doesnt mean you cant redshirt - my nephew did that and it wasn’t fun for him .
I would also say be honest with yourself - and don’t be caught up with false hope that rankings give . My son committed Nov of his SR year . I personally know top 10 kids who sat there 1st year at d1 or ended up transferring to a Juco