NEW ALBANY - A velocity increase has colleges taking notice in Caden Robinson.

“Ever since T-Ball I’ve wanted to play college baseball,” the New Albany junior related. “My dad played college baseball and in the independent league, so it’s been on my mind awhile.

“It became realistic this past summer. I’m throwing 83 last winter but I put the work in, gained weight and this summer hit the 90 mark. That was definitely crazy for me.”

It has schools showing interest in the eighth-ranked 2022 right-handed pitcher in Ohio.

“I have offers at the moment but I’m still trying to find a home,” Robinson said. “It’s been a fun recruiting process, but the dead period sucks. What I’ve been doing is going with my parents taking unofficial visits.”

Memphis, Wright State, Xavier, South Florida and Charleston Southern are on the agenda or have already been visited by the hard-throwing right-hander.

“I believe in feel,” Robinson explained. “If I get on a campus and it feels like home, that’s what I’m looking for.”

There is more to it for the 25th-rated junior in the state

“I want to feel wanted by the athletic program,” Robinson said. “The culture, if it feels like home and family, that’s important. Academics are also a must for me.”

Admittedly, COVID-19 has made recruitment a bit more difficult for Robinson, who carries a 4.2 GPA and is looking at going to college with a major in business and minor in engineering.

“It completely screwed over 2021 and now it’s going over to 2022,” Robinson said of what has been affected by all the changes related to the virus. “Connecting with coaches on the phone is so important now. Learning to do it on facetime or any other way possible and how to text people is big. It’s a completely different world than face-to-face, but I love it. I love learning. And I love them reaching out to you. It’s so awesome.”

More size has benefitted the cause for the 6-1 180-pounder, who is making strides in his game.

“I’ve been in the weight room big time building muscle mass,” noted Robinson, who has gained 20 pounds from a year ago. “I’ve got my lower half activated and my mechanics tuned in.”

The desire to improve continues for Robinson, who will not turn 17 until March.

“I think my change is my best pitch so I’m working on my curve,” Robinson said. “I’m also working on my arm slot on offspeed pitches so it’s always the same. It’s all about deception for the hitter.”

Exposure has been vital in getting looks by colleges according to Robinson.

“Definitely video is number one,” Robinson said. “Colleges need it since they can’t come out and see you. We went out and bought a camera and my dad records my game every time I pitch and we send it to colleges.”

Robinson points to his father as a major influence in where he is with baseball today.

“He was actually my coach for a while,” Robinson noted. “He’s pretty hard on me, but I love it. I don’t think anybody can get in my head now. He’s a people person and just been a blessing for me. The same with my mom, who helps pay for everything.”

Events such as the PBR Future Games also proved beneficial.

“Some of the more electric stuff/faster arms we saw from the Team Ohio staff,” it says on his PBR profile. “Scouts will be drawn to a combination of stuff and athleticism.”

Jordan Chiero, PBR Ohio Director of Scouting, had more to say about Robinson.

“I love the velocity potential here,” Chiero said of the top-ranked uncommitted 2022 pitcher in Ohio. “He’s a good athlete with a fast arm and already touching 90. I expect him to continue to add velo as physical maturation takes its course.”

Robinson believes he can bring major contributions to whatever program he ends up.

“I’m the hardest worker possible,” Robinson said. “I will outwork anybody. I think my work ethic is better than anyone. It’s one of my greatest qualities.

“I’m also teachable,” Robinson added. “I love the game with a passion. You’re going to get a baseball player out of me.”

There is no target date for Robinson on making a college decision.

“It’s too bad with covid that some schools have no money left for the 2022 class,” Robinson concluded. “Thankfully, I have some options. It could be soon, but I don’t have a timeframe. I don’t want to have any regrets.”