The Illinois Class of 2021 Rankings debuted in early September and Nick DeMarco (St. Charles North), one of the state’s top two-way talents, debuted at No. 5 on the board. He re-asserted himself as the No. 5-ranked prospect in the state’s sophomore class in the December rankings update but between the rankings updates, the St. Charles North star had announced a verbal commitment to Notre Dame.

We had seen DeMarco a handful of times in late 2017 and in early 2018, and he elevated his game to another level at the IL/WI Underclass Games in Chicago in July. There, DeMarco was ranked as the No. 2 overall prospect in attendance. He displayed some explosive bat speed and hard contact from the right-handed batter’s box. On defense, he was fundamentally sound and showed off a strong and accurate arm with carry. What’s unique about DeMarco is that he’s also established himself as one of the top 2021 arms in the state, too. He has a quick arm that can sit 85-86 mph with sink and has demonstrated a sharp slider in front of our staff.

DeMarco spent the fall helping out the North Stars’ varsity football team make a run at a state title, providing further evidence of his innate athleticism. Notre Dame has a talented and versatile prospect headed their way in a couple years, but it remains to be seen how he’ll be used at the next level – and that’s a good thing.

LATEST SCOUTING REPORT

Nicholas Demarco SS / RHP / St. Charles North, IL / 2021 7.23.18 - 5-foot-11, 180-pound, strong, athletically-built, two-way prospect. All-around impressive day. On of the top offensive rounds of the event. Right-handed hitter, presence in the box, balanced setup, smooth early load, short stride and good balance. Quick twitch in swing, present bat speed, explosive at times, consistent hard contact, balls jumps off the barrel. Short bat path, gap-to-gap approach and fluid rhythm throughout; 89 mph exit velocity off a tee. Defensively, athletic infield actions, fluid feet, soft hands, works through the baseball and clean release. Loose arm action, high ¾ slot, accurate arm, throws carry and clocked at 83 mph. 4.76 runner down the line. On the mound, right-handed pitcher, one of the top arms of the event. Clean, repeatable delivery, works with rhythm, on-line and finishes athletically. Fluid, clean, compact arm action; works quick out of a high ¾ slot. Fastball, down in the zone, sinking action, sat 85-86 mph. Slider, 10/4 plane, flashed sharp action, thrown for strikes, 74-76 mph. High-follow two-way prospect in the 2021 class.

Nick DeMarco (7.23.18)

OUR Q&A

PBR: What were your expectations about the recruiting process? Was it easier or more difficult than you anticipated?

DeMarco: The recruiting process was easier than I anticipated. I feel it had a lot to do with my coaches and the staff at Notre Dame. My current coaches helped me get in contact with ND, and the coaches there guided me the rest of the way. I went to a camp and received an offer and the decision was up to me and my family.

P: What were you looking for out of a college program to continue your baseball career at?

D: What I was looking for in a college was obviously a program that would give me a good chance to advance to the next level and I felt Notre Dame could do just that. But, I would say more so, if my baseball careers ends after college, a degree from Notre Dame is something special. That played a big factor in my decision.

P: When did the recruiting process really start to heat up for you? When did Notre Dame first see you?

D: Towards the end of the summer before sophomore year I began receive interest from schools. In the fall season, in particular at the PBR Underclass Showcase at UIC and the Silver and Black Series held by Chicago Scouts Association, those were two big events. Notre Dame saw me first at the Silver and Black Series. I began talking with them and got down to a camp.

P: What do you like most about Notre Dame and what were the key factors in making your decision?

D: The coaching staff there was a staff that I trust and is one that will definitely push me and get me to where I want to be. Along with the campus itself, I’ve been an ND fan since I was a toddler and it was a dream school of mine, even before I was old enough to realize the significance of the degree from there.

P: Who is the best player you have faced in your state? What made that player so difficult to play against?

D: There are a number of great players in Illinois that I have both faced and played with and made great relationships with. In my class, guys like Noah Smith, Tyler Fullman, and Eddie King Jr. are my teammates in the fall and we run into each other in the summer.

P: At what point in your career did you realize you were a college-caliber player and became serious about taking your game to the next level?

D: Since I was little I dreamed and aspired to play college sports. As I developed throughout the last few years, I’ve been put in a position to get the recognition and the opportunity to make a commitment to play at a D-I program. It has always been a goal of mine.

P: What advice would you give to young baseball players striving to get where you are?

D: My advice to give a young ball player is to create good habits and a great work ethic because it will help you in the near future – procrastination will hurt you. Get your work in, develop your craft, and don’t be satisfied. You can always accomplish more. There are other players working for your spot.

P: What is the most memorable moment in your baseball career to this point?

D: I’d have to say this commitment is my most memorable moment in my baseball career. Although it is such an exciting time, I have not accomplished anything yet. This is the beginning to the rest of my career.

P: What’s the outlook on St. Charles North this spring?

D: The 2019 team at St. Charles North will have a great season. Obviously, a great group of seniors left the program last year to college or play ball at the next level, but the roster for this year has great potential. This year’s goal is to win a state title and I believe this is the group to do it.

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