Lots of good information here! On the issue of speed, how fast does a 3bman
need to be?
Under 7 in D1 unless they are such a great hitter that they might get drafted. In D3 7.3-7.4 is doable but then you better be able to really hit for power, or at a lot of schools you’ll sit behind a converted Shortstop. The best hitters in D3 hit .400+ with a .600+ SLG
Its important to really have the defensive fundamentals together to play 3B successfully in College, at all levels. In D3 there are a lot of players whose speed and/or arm strength aren’t sufficient enough for D1, but who have plenty of exit velo, and that ball gets on you quickly at 3B!
And in the SEC? You better have elite hand/eye coordination and a 90+ mph arm (preferably 95+) to hang at 3B! Oh, and also be able to crush the ball (or, again, they’ll find 4 other guys who can do that or put a 6.5 60 Shortstop at Third)