Thankfully, unlike baseball, college recruiting doesn't have a “three strikes, you're out!” rule. But it can still feel like you're under a lot of pressure! Here's what NU baseball coach, Spencer Allen, has to say about the recruiting process.

What is the most important quality you look for in a recruit? 

Passion for the game, growth mindset and physical projection. If they are driven to get better, open to coaches pushing them and their body has room to gain strength, speed, explosiveness that often is a good recipe for success.

What is the best way for a recruit to get on your radar?

First off they have to have good grades and be projected to have a quality test score. Intro email with a good quick (no longer than 2 minutes) highlight video. Quick summary of how they are performing as well as how well they did in the past. Lastly is to make sure they are playing during the summer so me or my staff can watch them. The best way is for our camps!

ReRecruiting, NIL, and More: 10 Questions for DIII Baseball Player, DJ Caronlated:

When should an athlete contact you, what is the best way? (age, grade, time of year, email, phone, or other)

Best time I feel is after a recruit's sophomore summer. Two years of high school grades, but is still early enough to get an initial read on their athletic ability.

What are your expectations for incoming players in the classroom, in the weight room, and on the field?

Expectations are pretty easy: I expect a consistent effort and focus in everything that our players do. Consistency is the key and can be very difficult to achieve. Keep it simple and do not put limits on your abilities. After a while you will look up and see that you have accomplished quite a bit.

Related: 5 Reasons Grades are Important as an Athletic Recruit

What are the do's and don'ts of being recruited? 

Don't: Disrespect your parents, blame others for bad performances, focus solely on your recruitment and put nothing into your development and do not be a bad teammate. Do: play really hard, have fun and enjoy the process, work hard in the classroom and always try to focus on your development as a person.

What is the best advice you can offer a recruit?

Develop. Start with someone who will tell you the truth, someone who will tell you what you need to work at and what level he/she feels you can play at. Work tirelessly at getting better, focusing on your weaknesses and creating great habits. These are things that will stick with you through your career and ultimately throughout your life.

What really jumps out to you when reviewing a recruit's highlight tape? 

When highlight tapes are short and sweet. Specifically when players look smooth while performing whether that is pitching, fielding or hitting.

What are the main do's and don'ts for a recruit's highlight tape?

Do: 1-2 minutes max. As much live game video as possible. Short practice clips. Properly labeled at the beginning or ending. Don't: Make your video too long. Show too much video of one drill or skill set. Have loud music or inappropriate music. DO NOT SPEED UP YOUR VIDEO TO MAKE YOURSELF LOOK FASTER, we can tell.

When do you recommend recruits put together and share their highlight reels? Is it best to make their highlight reel during the offseason, in the middle of season, or after each game?

Truly whenever you feel you have the best video of yourself. This could really vary from prospect to prospect.

What advice do you have for recruits who get turned down by their dream schools? What are their options if they don't gain the recruiting attention they desire?

If you go back to my advice in the recruiting process, getting turned down by your dream school should not be difficult because you already had someone tell you that you cannot play at that school. Options are always coming and going. Focus on development and keep working until you must make a decision or you find the right fit. If you are not getting the attention you desire, that is probably a hint that you need to look elsewhere.

How big a factor is social media when recruiting players? What advice do you have for athletes regarding social media? 

Kids are getting really smart now on social. Do not see as many kids making major mistakes as we used to. I look at every kid we recruit just to see if there are any red flags. Watch who you are following and retweeting.That is probably the biggest mistake I see kids make. Retweeting inappropriate messages.

Have an idea for a story or a question you need answered? Want to set up an interview with us? Email us at [email protected]

* Originally published on May 9, 2022, by 2aDays Staff