NCSA College Athletic Scholarships Blog

by Matt Luckett, NCSA Recruiting Coach

Experience comes in so many different forms for college baseball players.  The biggest jump for baseball players is from high school to college.  This is why so many players take the Junior College (JC or JUCO) route, as it is the best fit for them.

When a four year program gets a JC transfer they are getting a player that is polished and is ready to compete.  Unlike most high school players who do not hone the skills to step in and make an impact as a freshman. Not only are players mature physically but they are more mature mentally.  One of the biggest successes in a transfer is their character.  They will prove it on the road, as well as, on and off the field. Players with grades from 2.0 – 3.0 GPA find the transition to a JC much easier.  This is a great way to get adjusted to the college academic schedule and demand.  Also, when transferring the academic requirements is much lower then a high school student, making it easier to get into a four year school. Many players get overlooked because there are so many ballplayers.  Many JC programs duplicate that of major DI programs.  Thus making the player prepared to make an impact right away.  As JUCO coaches are more reputable than high school coaches when it comes to judging player talent. By attending a JC and proving yourself you may get the opportunity to play at a higher level program then offered out of high school.  Many college coaches have stated that they prefer to take a transfer over a high school freshman.

The one of the most important parts of the recruiting process is doing research and making sure you are on a four-year school’s radar.  Looking at college program’s roster and player bio’s will give you an idea of where you might fit.  Whatever your decision becomes, the junior college is never a bad way to go.

This entry was posted on Thursday, May 22nd, 2008 at 10:41 am and is filed under Athletic Scholarships, College Baseball, The Recruiting Wire, Transfers. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.