Norton Looking For That Perfect Culture, College Program

Jake Norton SS / 2B / Rochester, MI / 2025

ROCHESTER HILLS - There was a time not long ago that Jake Norton did not have college baseball on his mind.

“I never really thought about playing in college, it was just for fun,” Norton reflected.

That is …

“Until coaches started reaching out to me,” the Rochester High School junior said. “Now I want it in my future.”

Seeing teammates being recruited only added to his desire.

“During high school my skills have really picked up,” Norton explained. “I’ve improved a lot as a player. A lot of kids on my travel ball team are committed and that inspires me to do better, be better.”

While no offers have been presented, camps at Akron and Ball State and texts with Cincinnati have the seventh-rated 2025 shortstop in Michigan on the radar of college coaches.

“There have been some surprises with schools reaching out, it’s just crazy,” Norton admitted. “I had an idea two years ago this would happen with the interest those on my travel ball team were getting, so I knew it was coming, but I didn’t know so quickly.”

The 16-year-old has made strides in his game to help gain attention.

“I did a three-month throwing program from August into December,” Norton noted. “I’m lifting a lot and hitting whenever I can after basketball.

“Basketball really gets you conditioned,” Norton added. “My goal now is to gain weight and put on muscle mass. I’m kind of small so I’ve got to do all I can to use my strength hitting and be more consistent.”

Those the 5-10 155-pounder have conversed with have been impressed.

“They really like my infield and defensive work, and my hitting, too,” Norton related. “I’m a quicker infielder and have a pretty good arm across the diamond.”

Adam Goodwin, Prep Baseball Michigan Director of Scouting, sees a bright future in front of Norton.

“Jake is an intriguing athlete that encompasses athletic movements, quick release and smooth footwork in the middle of the diamond,” Goodwin said. “Jake’s best baseball is in front of him. He will be an anchor for his high school team this coming spring season.”

Interest has the 53rd-ranked junior in the state figuring out what he wants at the next level.

“A lot have reached out to me, that’s my que to visit,” Norton explained. “I’m exploring different colleges and seeing what fits me and checking out the culture of the school.”

More exposure ahead will, hopefully, mean more college interest in the future.

“I’m super excited about the PBR All-State in June,” Norton continued. “I did one last winter, the Preseason ID, and was 86 across the infield which really stood out to some people. Then I was 88 at a West Virginia camp in the summer. My 60 time has improved, too. I was 6.76 at the West Virginia camp in July and 6.72 at an OU camp in August.”

Norton believes he can make an impact in whatever program he chooses.

“I’ll do everything I can to do what they need,” Norton said. “No matter what I’ll do it, like it or not, I’ll do my role as a player. I’ll help others out and try to make the team better and make myself better.”

A program with those types of players is what Norton is hoping to find.

“The team,” Norton said about what will help determine his college decision. “I really enjoy my travel team. We’ve been playing together for a couple of years and have a big bond. That’s what I want on a college team. I want relationships and bonds, while improving at baseball of course.”

Engineering or business will be the college major for Norton, a 3.8 student excited about what lies ahead as his recruitment enters the critical stage.

“My goals now are to get bigger and stronger, more consistent hitting wise and get ready for the high school season which is big,” concluded Norton, who played at Avondale his freshman and sophomore years before moving to a new house and changing schools. “Winter training has started and I really like the coach at Rochester. I think he’ll have a big impact on me.”

As for making a commitment, Norton is waiting for that right fit.

“There’s no timeframe,” Norton said. “If I get an opportunity to play somewhere the next four years and it’s a school that fits me and I like the culture and program, I’ll make the commitment.”