Juco transfer to D1

I seem to remember reading a post or two when you son signed or something of the sorts right after I joined this forum.  Mine too will be heading JC at a Top 20 as a LHP for the same reasons you have noted.  Certainly not the case for every freshman D1 as I believe many do get chances to throw although limited innings.  I am of the opinion a pitcher needs to touch the ball in game situations.  There is no substitute for experience even if it's against lessor talent as you climb the ladder.  Don't get me wrong, if my kid could has signed at a dream school he would have did it.  Good for your boy.  

I wonder how many of these younger freshman are thinking about the Juco's coming in ? 

An important part of the recruiting process for an incoming freshman prospect is checking rosters, box scores and stats (including archives) for a coach's history of bringing in and playing JuCo players versus freshmen.

Hahaha, yeah right. They're so excited and naive and think they're ready to contribute right away. Oh, the surprises...

I agree.  It was something we checked with nearly every school 9 talked to during his recruiting.  He also asked many coaches the question during visits.

Some of the most necessary pieces of information a player needs in order to make a prudent college choice are the hardest to obtain:  an awareness of how ready he is to compete as a college player, how well that readiness matches up with the school he is considering, and whether the school will give him the time he needs to develop.

Recruits to major conference D1 schools need to be ready to compete against top level competition including seasoned JUCO and other transfers.

Recruits to top-level D2 schools need to be ready to compete against "drop down" transfers who left major conference D1's after not getting the playing time they wanted but who still bring elite talent to the field.

Recruits to top-level D3 schools should generally expect to serve long apprenticeships as they climb a deep depth chart.

Recruits to JUCO need to be ready to win playing time and perform well, understanding that most JUCO players do not find slots at four-year schools.

Everyone needs to be looking for a place where they can play or where the coaches are committed to stick with them while they develop and refine their game.  But if everyone chose prudently, no team would have the bench and bullpen depth the coaches need.

There are risks at each level, and there are opportunities at each level. 

My son played at a top 50 D1.  He transferred in as a soph from a solid D1 JUCO.  While he did earn a starting spot as a soph. many JUCO transfers didn't.  They may have thought they would, and may have been told they will, but they didn't not unlike freshmen who thought they would start as true freshmen.  All I am saying is don't count your chickens til they hatch.

Corn,

Definately, not counting the chickens ..... 2013 has worked for every inning since middle school and he knows hard work got him this far.  I would also mention that while he was good in HS he was not the stud, and while good in his first year of Juco he was not the stud......

However, having seen a few years of this college ball, and having a few sons going through the process, it is more difficult for freshman.  They are unproven on the field, in the classroom, living on their own, managing their time, studying and many times feel as if they know what working out is all about only to find out how hard college ball really is. ....

For most JUCO transfers that I have seen going D1, they obviously have the upper hand in these areas as well as maturity...

I'm sure every situation is different.

I transferred from JuCo to Auburn University, a D1 school in Alabama.  The coaches told me the same exact thing.  They expected me to come in and contribute right away and that is why they recruit JuCo players to balance out the Freshman recruits.  With that being said, one of the freshman when I was a senior was Josh Donaldson (current 3rd baseman for the Oakland A's).  He came in as a freshman and contributed right away while some of the other freshman red shirted.  So, I guess it just matters on what the coach sees and how he wants to play it out. Personally, I don't think as a player you should worry about how many freshman vs how many JuCo transfers are coming in.  Just know that you are fighting for a spot and you have to do your best to earn those innings.  If you approach it that way, I'm sure you'll have better results versus worrying about things you can't control.