Most Valuable Agent with Matt Hannaford

Episode: SEC Recruiting Myths Busted: What Matters To A College Baseball Coach

Date: September 10, 2025
Guest: Brock Bennett (Georgia Recruiting Coordinator, former Alabama player and Giants draftee)
Host: Matt Hannaford

Episode Overview

This episode provides a deep dive into college baseball recruiting, with a focus on the realities behind recruiting in the SEC. Matt Hannaford sits down with Brock Bennett, the Recruiting Coordinator at the University of Georgia, to bust common myths, discuss the evolving landscape of recruiting, and reveal what truly matters to elite college baseball programs. The conversation traverses topics including what coaches look for in players, the pressures and expectations of playing in the SEC, communication during the recruiting process, and the qualities that make both players and recruiting coordinators successful.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Brock Bennett’s Unique Perspective on Recruiting

[01:10–02:33]

• Bennett draws on his experience at every level—junior college, travel ball, Division I, and professional baseball—to relate to players and families.
• He stresses that not every player will end up at an elite program like Georgia, but there is a "fit for everyone."

  “Not everyone’s going to go to Georgia or in our league, but there’s a fit for everyone.” (Bennett, 01:52)

2. The Culture & Intensity of the SEC

[04:13–07:29]

• The SEC is described as the "Premier League" of college baseball with an environment akin to high-pressure pro markets (Yankees, Red Sox).
• Traits needed: determination, grit, and dedication.
• SEC is compared to Double-A baseball for intensity and talent, with more pressure to win than in minor league pro ball.

  “It’s like playing in the big leagues. It’s like playing pro baseball. Anything that’s challenging—you gotta find a way to fight through it.” (Bennett, 04:19)

3. Trends in National Recruiting

[07:30–08:55]

• More nationwide talent is migrating to the SEC, reversing old trends.
• Exposure from TV, social media, and increased investment have made it the destination nationally.

4. The Shift in Freshman Expectations

[09:00–10:50]

• Players are expected to compete from day one; there is no "wait your turn" culture.
• Maturity, readiness, and the ability to "add value" immediately matter as much as raw tools.

5. Evaluating Talent and Maturity

[10:51–11:26]

• While talent is critical, coaches assess everything: on-field performance, off-field behavior, and interactions.
• Maturity and fit are later-stage evaluations—initial focus is on talent that fits the program's needs.

6. College vs. Pro Scout Evaluations

[11:26–12:10]

• Close collaboration exists between college recruiting and pro scouts—ideas are constantly exchanged, particularly concerning player makeup.

7. Role of the Recruiting Coordinator

[12:09–13:10]

• Primary responsibilities: identify talent, compile and filter prospect lists, prioritize fits based on evaluating needs, and collaborate across the staff.

8. Social Media & Video in Recruiting

[13:11–14:40]

• Coaches do notice videos parents and players post on social media, which can spark further interest or deeper research.
• Social media isn’t everything, but it’s a valuable way to get on a recruiter’s radar.

  “We all scroll through Twitter, you see a swing that looks pretty good… you’ll do a double take and research a little more.” (Bennett, 14:00)

9. Building Target Lists & Filling Needs

[16:04–17:04]

• Wide net cast initially, then narrowed down based on position needs and fit.
• Flexibility is necessary due to draft fluctuations and transfer portal uncertainty.

10. Defining a “Georgia Bulldog” Player

[17:24–18:47]

• Offensive and pitching power are prioritized, driven by both the ballpark and current trends.
• Role players with speed or niche skills are also valued, but power is king.

  “If you look at the overall landscape, it’d be power on both sides of the ball.” (Bennett, 18:41)

11. Navigating Overlapping Recruiting Visits

[21:39–23:00]

• Many players take multiple visits; coaches try to discern genuine mutual interest.
• Honesty and direct communication are encouraged to clarify intentions on both sides.

12. Advice for Families and Recruits

[23:05–24:32]

• Be honest—don’t simply tell coaches what you think they want to hear.
• There’s no shame in not being interested or committing elsewhere.

  “Just be yourself. For me, there’s no hard feelings… Go on your way.” (Bennett, 23:39–23:49)

13. The Changing Nature of Recruiting Commitments

[26:00–27:01]

• Coaching staffs rotate regularly, so players should choose schools (not just coaches).
• The new August 1st rule for juniors helps slow down premature commitments.

14. Effective Communication During Recruitment

[29:36–30:11]

• Direct phone calls help coaches and players build real relationships.
• Text-centric communication can feel less genuine; coaches appreciate proactive, personable contact.

  “I love the phone calls too, because you get a feel for the kid… You know the kid a little better, right?” (Bennett, 30:11)

15. Early Exposure to College Life

[31:56–33:45]

• Incoming freshmen benefit from attending summer school, which helps acclimate them before the season and make informed decisions.

16. Team Versus Individual Development

[34:54–36:10]

• College focuses on team success and collaboration, whereas minor league pro ball is more individualized and cutthroat.

  “How can you literally get as good as you can be so the player beside you [does] the same… Then you do that for the team concept.” (Bennett, 35:26)

17. Facilities, Nutrition, and Player Resources

[37:00–40:12]

• SEC programs often surpass minor league pro teams in nutrition, facilities, and support, aiding performance and comfort.

18. Need for Transparency from Coaches

[41:07–43:38]

• Coaches should guide families through the process, explaining steps and setting expectations, not leaving them to guess.

  “If you just communicate it, it makes it easier and they’re not surprised by anything.” (Bennett, 44:03)

19. Managing Disappointment and Mutual Respect

[44:13–48:28]

• Even for non-priority recruits, clear communication about where they stand helps reputations and relationships on all sides.

20. The Realities and Challenges of Recruiting

[49:23–52:43]

• Public perception is the job is easy, but there’s a great deal of subjective evaluation and personal history affecting recruiting outcomes.
• Parents should remember there are many variables, and scouts see hundreds more players than any family does.

21. Role of Data and Analytics

[54:05–55:24]

• Data is useful, but never the whole story; must be integrated with traditional evaluation and context.

  “It’s a fine mix… of the data, what it looks like while he plays, all the old school stuff mixed with the new school stuff.” (Bennett, 55:04)

22. Case Study: Charlie Condon’s Underdog Story

[56:07–58:20]

• Condon came in as a walk-on and redshirt, almost overlooked, but through determination and seizing opportunity (playing in the Northwoods League), he excelled and ultimately became a high draft pick.

  “He wasn’t on the roster his first year… He came back and had a great year for us…” (Bennett, 57:16–57:22)

23. If He Could Change One Thing About Recruiting

[60:10–61:17]

• Commitments would be binding, meaning a committed player is signed—removing ambiguity and slowing down the recruiting frenzy.

24. Advice for Draft-Eligible High School Players

[62:20–66:24]

• Be open and transparent about draft intentions—there’s no way to guarantee outcomes, but communication helps everyone plan.
• Players should prepare for college as a real option: don’t assume you’ll sign; enjoy the process and only sign if it’s life-changing.

  “Buy into the idea that you’re going to school and if it doesn’t happen, someone is buying you out of that opportunity.” (Hannaford, 66:20)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “You just never know when someone’s recruiting timeline might be up.” (Bennett, 46:37)
• “Overcommunication is always better than undercommunication.” (Bennett, 44:03)
• “Honesty is the most important thing.” (Bennett, 27:39)
• “Team success in college is everything—if you’re not happy where you are every day, what’s the point?” (Bennett, 33:24)
• “If you show up at college and you’re disappointed to be there after not signing… for what?” (Hannaford, 66:24)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Unique Perspective from Multi-Level Experience: [01:10–02:33]
• What Defines the SEC: [04:13–07:29]
• National Recruiting Landscape: [07:30–08:55]
• Expectations for Freshmen: [09:00–10:50]
• Talent vs. Maturity in Evaluations: [10:51–11:26]
• Scouting and Collaborating with Pros: [11:26–12:10]
• Role Description of Recruiting Coordinator: [12:09–13:10]
• Social Media & Player Videos: [13:11–14:40]
• Building the Target List: [16:04–17:04]
• Defining a Georgia Bulldog: [17:24–18:47]
• Advice for Recruits and Families: [23:05–24:32]
• Phone vs. Text in Communication: [29:36–30:11]
• Case Study—Charlie Condon: [56:07–58:20]
• Dream Recruiting Rule—Binding Commitments: [60:10–61:17]
• Guidance on Draft Decisions and Planning: [62:20–66:24]

Final Thoughts

This episode is a must-listen for parents, players, and fans wanting honest, practical insights into what truly matters in SEC and high-level college baseball recruiting. Bennett’s advice about honesty, preparation, and focusing on fit (not just prestige) is invaluable. The conversation makes clear: what separates top programs isn’t just raw talent, but clarity, grit, and open, respectful communication on all sides.