Nick Puccio walks through his coaching journey to Penn State and how major investments — new facilities, nutrition and recovery centers, and a strong player-development staff — are shaping the program’s identity.He explains the recruiting focus on Pennsylvania high-school talent, the balance between analytics and simplicity, and the cultural traits (work ethic, competitiveness, teammate-first energy) that the staff values as they build toward sustained regional and national success.

Will Craig walks through his playing career from small-town Tennessee to Wake Forest, the MLB, and overseas, then explains his rapid transition into coaching at Duke. He discusses the challenges of rebuilding a roster in three weeks, Duke’s strict admissions and recruiting constraints, what he looks for in hitters and pitchers, the role of mental makeup, and how he uses modern analytics and video to evaluate and project players.

Arizona pitching coach John DeRouin shares his coaching journey from private-sector development to pro and college roles, explaining his data-driven approach to pitch design, player development, and in-game strategy. The episode covers recruiting, building pitching culture, preparing freshmen for college baseball, and how focused adjustments and staff development helped Arizona reach Omaha and sustain success.

A concise interview with Northwestern Recruiting Coordinator and Hitting Coach Tyler Rost covering his coaching journey, Northwestern’s recruiting philosophy, the role of data (Blast Motion, motor preferences) in player development, portal strategy and academic fit, and why the freshman fall matters for on-field roles.

Auburn Associate Head Coach Carl Nonamaker walks through his baseball journey to Auburn and explains how summer, fall and the new realities of the transfer portal, NIL and the draft shape roster-building today. He outlines what scouts look for in hitters and pitchers (athleticism, swing quality, command, and in‑zone effectiveness), how Auburn evaluates high school vs transfer recruits, the pressure points in August recruiting, and why communication, character and program fit matter.

Ryan Forrest discusses his path to Boston College, the pitching staff’s development approach, and how the program blends analytics with traditional scouting.He explains recruiting priorities (speed, competitiveness, academics), the August 1st timeline, daily life for freshmen, BC’s facilities, and the team’s unique small-ball offense.

Welcome to the Baseball Recruiting Deep Dive podcast! In this episode, we are thrilled to have John Toppa, a distinguished member of Cornell's baseball coaching staff, joining us. John shares his fascinating journey from his playing days at UConn to his transition into coaching, revealing the pivotal moments that led him to Cornell. Throughout the conversation, John discusses the influential figures in his life, including the remarkable coaching staff at UConn, and how they shaped his coaching style. He also delves into what he looks for in prospective players, both in terms of skills and character, providing valuable insights for aspiring college athletes. John emphasizes the importance of adapting to the speed and challenges of college baseball, sharing experiences from his freshman players at Cornell. Whether you're a player or just a fan of the sport, this episode offers a captivating look into the world of college baseball coaching and recruitment. Tune in to gain insider knowledge from one of the sport's emerging coaching talents!

Join us in this episode of the Baseball Recruiting Deep Dive podcast as we chat with Sean McSheffery, the Director of Player Development at Arizona State University. Sean shares his journey through various coaching roles, including his time with the San Diego Padres and Chipola College, leading up to his current position at ASU. Dive deep into the new strategies implemented at ASU, including the institution's groundbreaking decision to offer 34 full scholarships. Sean discusses the challenges and opportunities this presents, along with the innovative use of technology in player development. Learn about the importance of selecting the right recruits and the impact of culture and character in building a successful team. Sean also offers valuable insights into the realities of modern baseball recruiting, the role of metrics and data in evaluating talent, and the shifting landscape of college baseball from his unique perspective. Whether you're a coach, player, or baseball enthusiast, this episode provides a wealth of information on navigating the competitive world of baseball recruiting at the Power 5 level.

In this episode of the Baseball Recruiting Deep Dive podcast, we welcome Thomas Hughes from Kansas State. Thomas shares his journey through the world of college baseball recruiting, offering insights into the evolving landscape over the past few years. We discuss the challenges coaches face with the transfer portal, the importance of evaluating both high school and transfer players, and the significant impact of roster limitations. Thomas also sheds light on the changing timelines and expectations for both players and coaches, highlighting the critical aspects of scouting and player development. We dive into the significance of culture and communication within a team and the role they play in maintaining a successful program. Additionally, Thomas offers valuable advice to aspiring college baseball players and their families, emphasizing the importance of hard work, adaptability, and making informed decisions about their future in the sport.

Welcome to another episode of the Baseball Recruiting Deep Dive Podcast, where we're joined by Josh McDonald, UConn's esteemed pitching coach and recruiting coordinator. With a storied career that includes a notable honor as the 2022 D1Baseball.com Assistant Coach of the Year, Josh offers a deep dive into the dynamic and often chaotic world of college baseball recruiting. In this episode, we explore the tumultuous summer recruiting season, often likened to 'portal hell,' and discuss strategies for identifying and nurturing high school talent in an increasingly competitive landscape. Josh shares candid insights into the ever-evolving challenges coaches face, the importance of building a resilient team culture, and the rigorous evaluation process that separates promising recruits from the rest. Whether you're an aspiring athlete, a coach, or a college baseball enthusiast, this episode provides an invaluable behind-the-scenes look at the intricacies of building a successful college baseball program. Don’t miss out on Josh’s expert advice and unique perspectives that illuminate the path for future baseball stars.

Welcome to another episode of the Baseball Recruiting Deep Dive Podcast, where we're joined by Josh McDonald, UConn's esteemed pitching coach and recruiting coordinator. With a storied career that includes a notable honor as the 2022 D1Baseball.com Assistant Coach of the Year, Josh offers a deep dive into the dynamic and often chaotic world of college baseball recruiting. In this episode, we explore the tumultuous summer recruiting season, often likened to 'portal hell,' and discuss strategies for identifying and nurturing high school talent in an increasingly competitive landscape. Josh shares candid insights into the ever-evolving challenges coaches face, the importance of building a resilient team culture, and the rigorous evaluation process that separates promising recruits from the rest. Whether you're an aspiring athlete, a coach, or a college baseball enthusiast, this episode provides an invaluable behind-the-scenes look at the intricacies of building a successful college baseball program. Don’t miss out on Josh’s expert advice and unique perspectives that illuminate the path for future baseball stars.

In Episode 3 of the Baseball Recruiting Deep Dive Podcast, we sit down with CJ Suarez, the pitching coach and recruiting coordinator at the University of Maine. CJ shares his unique journey from coaching at a prep school to his current role in collegiate baseball. Dive into the complexities of college baseball recruiting as CJ discusses his path from IMG Academy to the University of Maine, highlighting the importance of connections and the unorthodox path he's taken. He sheds light on the process of identifying potential recruits from a crowded portal and how the University of Maine is managing its recruiting strategies to build a strong team. Discover how the University of Maine approaches high school versus transfer recruits and the essential traits they look for in aspiring players, both on and off the field. CJ also talks about the importance of family commitment in the recruiting process and offers valuable advice to high school players navigating their own baseball aspirations. Whether you're an athlete, parent, or coach, this episode offers an insightful look into the world of baseball recruiting at the collegiate level.

Join us in this exciting episode of the Baseball Recruiting Deep Dive as we welcome George Brown, St. John's Associate Head Coach and Pitching Coach, for an in-depth discussion on the evolving landscape of baseball recruitment. Coach Brown shares insights on adapting to new recruiting timelines, evaluating talent, and the importance of adaptability both on and off the field. We explore the intricacies of forming a college team, the significance of athletes' development, and how to handle the mental challenges players face. Coach Brown also reveals the traits that make a player standout and the red flags that coaches watch for during recruitment. Dive into an engaging conversation about the dynamic world of college baseball, St. John's unique offerings, and the characteristics that make an athlete a perfect fit for their program. Whether you're a player, coach, or recruit, this episode delivers valuable insights into achieving success in baseball both on the field and in the classroom.

Join us as we dive into the world of college baseball recruiting with Zeke Pinkham, the recruiting coordinator at Kent State. A former player at Louisville and coach at Georgia Tech, Zeke provides unique insights into the challenges and strategies of college recruiting. From handling the summer circuit to understanding the importance of culture and player evaluation, this episode is packed with valuable information. Learn about the traits coaches look for in recruits and the behind-the-scenes decision-making processes that shape college baseball teams. Whether you're an aspiring player or a coach looking to gain an edge, this episode is a must-listen.

In this episode of Baseball Recruiting Deep Dive, we welcome Navy's pitching coach, Tim Reilly, who shares his extensive journey through various coaching roles, culminating in his current position at the Naval Academy. Tim discusses the unique environment of Navy Baseball, emphasizing the integration of athletic and leadership training that prepares players for both the field and future service to the country. Coach Riley delves into the recruitment process at service academies, highlighting the rigorous academic and character expectations for prospective players. He also offers insight into the daily life of a Navy baseball player, balancing typical college student activities with unique military duties. Listeners will also learn about the opportunities and challenges presented by the transfer portal and how these institutions provide a stable, long-term commitment. The episode concludes with a look at how professional baseball opportunities are managed for Navy players under current policy changes.

Join us for Episode 2 of the Baseball Recruiting Deep Dive podcast by Elite Sports Advising, featuring a conversation with Matt Riebesell, the hitting coach and recruiting coordinator at Franklin and Marshall. Explore the unique aspects of the Division III recruiting process, learn how these coaches scout and recruit talent, and understand how high academic standards influence player selection and development at F&M. In this episode, Coach Riebesell discusses the Division III baseball season’s impact on recruiting timelines, insights about identifying talent in high school players, and the challenges and advantages of recruiting in today’s competitive environment. Hear firsthand about the influence of the transfer portal on recruiting at Franklin and Marshall, and discover what they seek in potential players both on and off the field. This episode is an essential listen for families navigating the recruiting process, offering valuable advice and perspectives to help prepare athletes for collegiate baseball. If you’re considering Division III baseball, this episode demystifies the level’s competitiveness and what it takes to succeed.

This episode features an insightful conversation with Ryan Luke, recruiting coordinator and hitting coach at Lafayette College. Fresh off his fourth season, Ryan shares his experiences and strategies in college baseball recruiting. From transitioning between regular season play and summer recruiting to utilizing the transfer portal, Ryan delves into the complex balancing act coaches face in shaping a successful team. The discussion also explores the impact of recruiting high school players, the role of academic and family considerations in recruitment, and how Lafayette maintains its prestigious academic standards while developing its baseball program. Ryan's insights provide a deep understanding of the recruiting pressures and priorities at a Division I school, making this a must-listen for aspiring athletes, coaches, and baseball enthusiasts.