By:  Brandon Hall
Director of Scouting, PBR NC
Follow us on Twitter: @PrepBaseballNC

Continuing our series on The Recruiting Trail, we take some time to catch up with Middle Creek HS C/3B, Jonathan D'Ercole.  A versatile player that gives coaches some options with their lineup, D'Ercole allowed us to peak at his recruiting process by answering some questions for Prep Baseball Report. 

Name:  Jonathan D’Ercole
High School: Middle Creek
Summer Team: Evoshield Canes organization
Fall Team:  Evoshield Canes organization
Position: C / 3B
Grad Year: 2017

Scouting Notes:  From the State Games of NC, D’Ercole showed the ability play multiple positions with a strong 5-foot-11, 185 pound frame.  During the workout, he flashed pop times of 2.07 with an average arm.  At third, he can play a little high with his hips, but his hands worked clean on balls within his range.  Offensively, the swing plays with a strength over batspeed platform and generates some uphill leverage.  In games, the backstop showed an ability to handle arms and receive, while producing multiple throws on the bag, ranging 2.22-2.39. 

*D’Ercole hurt his hand late in the summer on a play at the plate.  He is hoping to be back in action this fall as his doctors clear him.

Interview: 

PBR: What Schools have you been hearing from?

JD: Over the course of the recruiting process I've heard from Campbell, High Point, and Gardner Webb.

PBR: Have you developed relationships with any particular coaches on the recruiting trail?

JD: Over this process the two coaches I have developed relationships with are Coach Laws from High Point and Coach Steedley from Gardner Webb.

PBR: Have you taken any visits? Do you have any visits planned?

JD: I've taken 2 visits, one from Campbell early in the process and more recently High Point. I do not have any planned but I'm looking forward to the opportunity to visit more colleges in the future.

PBR: Is there a timeline for your recruitment in place?

JD: Understanding that the recruiting process is unpredictable and dynamic, I am open to any time during the rest of my process.

PBR: What has been the most interesting aspect of being a recruited athlete?

JD: I've been able to enjoy seeing different colleges and have enjoyed the opportunity to view coaching styles from different programs.

PBR: Any academic interests that will drive your decision?

JD: I would like to attend an academically challenging environment that offers many different courses of study.

PBR: From a baseball standpoint, what are your top priorities, when looking at potential schools?

JD: A good coaching staff that will help develop my skill set so that I can contribute to my future team and a program that has tradition of developing young men to succeed in life.

PBR: Anything you would offer up to the 2018 & 2019 classes as they begin their process?

JD: Don't put any unnecessary pressure on yourself and don't worry about other people committing before you. If your talented enough, scouts see your potential.