The 2016 college baseball season is officially underway. We'd like to draw your attention to these top D1 prospects who call third base their second home. These guys are quick, alert, and have no problem handling those speedy ground balls that come rolling their way. Grab some Cracker Jacks, take a seat either on the couch or in the stadium, and take note of the best players at the hot corner this year.[divider]
5. Nick Senzel, Junior, Tennessee
Knoxville, TN born and raised, Nick Senzel is no doubt proud to be a Tennessee Volunteer and he shows that pride on the field. This season, Senzel already has three RBIs and a .308 OBP. This comes as no surprise to those who watched him play in all 50 games of the 2015 season. He led the Vols in batting average (.325), hits (65), and triples (5). Keep your eye on this MLB draft prospect this season.[divider]
4. Mickey McDonald, Junior, Illinois-Chicago
Photo by: Steve Woltmann/UIC Athletics
Mickey McDonald played 47 out of his 48 appearances on the field at third base last season. With more experience under his belt, McDonald is sure to make quite the impression during his junior year at the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC). He ended the 2015 season with a .305 batting average and had the third-most RBIs (37) amongst all UIC players. McDonald hasn’t seen the field yet this season, but he is sure to make an impression when he does.[divider]
3. Will Toffey, Sophomore, Vanderbilt
Toffey started his college career firmly cemented at the hot corner for the Commodores, starting 67 games as a freshman in 2015. A Freshman All-American and Freshman All-SEC, Toffey was a consistent force in Vanderbilt's lineup, hitting .294 with 20 doubles and an OPS right at .800. SEC pitchers have much to fear from Toffey in the next couple years as he anchors a Vanderbilt squad coming off of a trip to the National Championship game. [divider]
2. JaVon Shelby, Junior, Kentucky
Photo By: Kentucky Athletics
JaVon Shelby spent the 2015 season in the middle of the diamond at second base. However, fans will see him a base over, at third, this season. Shelby made the switch in the fall, despite being selected as first-team All-SEC last season at second base. Because of his success all around the diamond and his strong arm, Shelby should have no problem making third base his new home.[divider]
1. Will Craig, Junior, Wake Forest
Multi-talented and the reigning ACC Player of the Year, Will Craig of the Wake Forest Demon Deacons, not only plays third-base beautifully, but he can pitch, too. Last season, Craig had a .984 FLD% and had a .382 batting average. That batting average is just the beginning, however. Craig had one of the best offensive years ever in the school’s history, leading the team in home runs, RBIs, and runs scored, among other records. You’ll have to decide whether you pay closer attention to Craig’s bat or fielding skills during the 2016 season.
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