Baseball Recruiting Confidential

What does it mean to have a great college baseball experience? Some players never ask themselves that question. It’s personal and everyone has their own answer. This episode reveals how to focus on the experience instead of the superficial benefits of a school and baseball program. Host Justin Musil is joined by Liberty University Head Baseball Coach Scott Jackson. Justin and Coach Jackson give ideas and insight on how players can land at a school that gives them an experience of a lifetime.

Culture is a word that is buzzing right now. Every college team in the country wants to have a great culture. One of the overlooked aspects of recruiting is “culture fit.” When high school players are taking visits to schools they have a hard time identifying what culture fits them. This episode looks at this topic further. Host Justin Musil is joined by well respected assistant coach Connor Lambert from the University of Portland.

Transferring schools creates challenges that most student athletes would prefer to avoid. Transferring has become so common in college baseball the NCAA has created a portal for all of the players. It’s a very complicated issue and most high school players and parents do not know how to avoid it. This episode looks into the transfer issue and how players can protect themselves, prior to committing. Host Justin Musil is joined by highly respected recruiting coordinator Wally Crancer from Illinois State University.

Becoming a 1st round draft pick is something many kids dream of but very few accomplish. Host Justin Musil had Michael Busch on episode BRC 18 and he shared his journey to the University of North Carolina and what has propelled him to another level. On this episode, Justin goes through his 5 key factors in Michael becoming a 1st round pick. After Justin's 5 keys, the BRC 18 conversation with Michael is replayed. Many players and parents can learn from Michael and his journey.

Deciding to go to a military school is a big commitment. Many people know very little about the military academy schools and what they have to offer. It’s very different from what most people think. This episode will add clarity to what is typical from a baseball and academic standpoint. Host Justin Musil is joined by United States Air Force baseball recruiting coordinator C.J. Gillman. They discuss the ins and outs of Air Force and what they expect out of their players and why that makes it special.

One of the most important questions in all of college baseball recruiting… Does size matter? It may sound like an easy answer, but it’s not. On this episode, host Justin Musil looks at all angles of this topic. The reality, misperceptions, and ultimately, he gives clarity to this burning question. Justin is joined by University of South Carolina assistant baseball coach Skylar Meade on the epsiode. Skylar gives his insight to this question and offers key points that often get overlooked on this topic.

One of the ultimate failures of any decision is lacking clarity on the expectations of that endeavor. College baseball is no different. Many players want to play at a high level, but they do not understand the slim margin of error and the demand that comes with it. This episode goes into those expectations and what players need to do to be successful at high level programs. Host Justin Musil is joined on this episode by Duke University Associate Head Coach and Recruiting Coordinator Josh Jordan.

Players, parents, high school coaches, and everyone else in the recruiting process needs to know what Prep Baseball Report does and the purpose they serve. On this episode, host Justin Musil has two different conversations to cover all the topics. Part one is with President of Prep Baseball Report, Sean Duncan. Part two is with PBR state director, Rob Allison. You will leave this episode understanding PBR and the value it brings to the process. Rankings, showcases, and measureables are all major topics.

The college baseball recruiting landscape has changed dramatically over the past 10 years. Technology is a driving force behind a lot of the changes but it is still relationship and scouting based. Knowing this landscape can be a difference maker for players. Host Justin Musil is joined by one of the best assistant coaches in the country, Bryan Peters from Saint Mary’s College (CA). Justin and Coach Peters dive into this topic and share tips and examples that every player, parent, and coach should hear.

The levels of college baseball go as follows: Division 1, Division 2, Division 3, Junior College, and NAIA. After knowing what levels there are, very few people know what separates them and makes each so unique. On this episode host Justin Musil dives deep into the levels and the advantages each brings to the table. Justin is joined by American Baseball Coaches Association (ABCA) College Coach Liaison Jeremy Sheetinger. Coach Sheets brings a wealth of knowledge and insight to this topic and you don’t want to miss it.

When it comes decision time, many players are left wondering how they break down their final decision. What happens if they have several schools who have offered and they are all great options? What if it’s only one offer? How does a player know if that is THE school for them? Host Justin Musil adds depth to the information of a previous BRC episode (BRC 6) and brings on Joe Mercadante, Stetson University hitting coach and recruiting coordinator, to discuss the 6 key factors in choosing the right school.  

Some of the most important events in recruiting are showcases and college camps. Many players attend these showcases and camps and have no idea what they need to do to draw attention from college coaches. How do players stand out from the rest of the pack and garner interest from schools? Host Justin Musil is joined by Norberto Lopez, the University of Miami baseball recruiting coordinator, and they give invaluable insight and tips on standing out at these events.

Most high school players and parents struggle to gain accurate information on how college coaches recruit club tournaments. This episode gives clarity with how they recruit those events and what players can do to improve their chances in being recruited at them. Coaches have a strategy and they have a plan, but what is it? Host Justin Musil is joined in this episode by one of the best recruiting coordinators in the country, Dan Fitzgerald of Dallas Baptist University (DBU).

The Southeastern Conference (SEC) is one of the top conferences in all of college baseball. Host Justin Musil goes in depth with University of Missouri Recruiting Coordinator Lance Rhodes on talent evaluation and what he looks for at each position. This information loaded episode gives clarity on what it takes for a kid to make it in the SEC.

Success at the college level is really difficult to find. Every high school or college player in the country, who wants to be successful, should listen to this episode.  On the podcast, host Justin Musil has Cal Poly’s hitting coach and recruiting coordinator, Teddy Warrecker on. In Coach Warrecker’s extensive coaching experience, he has learned successful players have certain traits that make them successful. He reveals them on the podcast.

Players and parents often go through the recruiting process searching for answers on their own, or from the wrong people. Many times they receive poor advice and misinformation costing them thousands of dollars and wasting time. Who does a family turn to? Host Justin Musil has Cooper Fouts, Purdue University recruiting coordinator, on the podcast to discuss this overlooked topic. Justin and Cooper provide key advice for parents and players on where they should turn for guidance.

Host Justin Musil is joined by Lance McCullers Jr. of the Houston Astros. Talented high school players can be faced with the difficult decision of signing a pro contract and giving up college, or turning down the money and opportunity with a MLB team and going to college. This episode takes players and parents through that journey and how to come to a decision. Lance McCullers Jr. was once in the same situation as a high school phenom and shares his fascinating story behind the scenes on draft day.

This episode takes an inside look at possible NCAA rule changes, the best stadiums in the country, the most talented conference in college baseball, and many more hot topics. Host Justin Musil is joined by Kendall Rogers. Kendall is one of the most prominent college baseball writers in the country and he brings his knowledge and experience to the podcast to share his insight.

One of the most difficult transitions from high school to college baseball is balancing baseball with academics. Is there enough study time? Do the players get tutors? How do players play 50+ games and still go to school? How do the players keep up with their school work? These common questions are clarified on this episode. Host Justin Musil is joined by Cory Barton, Rice University’s pitching coach and recruiting coordinator. Justin and Cory know what it takes for players to succeed at this balance.

One of the most misunderstood levels of college baseball...junior college. Many junior college myths are debunked, while many of the benefits for the players are explored on this episode. Host Justin Musil is joined on the podcast by Travis Hergert. Coach Hergert is the Head Coach at North Iowa Area Community College and he runs one of the most successful JUCO programs in the country. Are you considering JUCO? Should you be? Find out on this episode.