TALLMADGE - An infielder in his early days playing baseball, Seth Yacobucci became a catcher in fifth grade.

“Our catcher had some knee pain so I volunteered to do it, got the hang of it and stayed with it,” Yacobucci reflected.

The versatility to play more than one position is just one of the reasons that the Tallmadge junior is getting college looks, with Akron, Oakland and Kent State Oakland among those showing interest in the eighth-rated 2023 catcher in Ohio.

“They like that I’m versatile enough to go behind the plate and then can bounce out and play infield,” related Yacobucci, who plays second base and shortstop when not catching. “They also like the way I play the game.”

That is something that stands out in the eyes of Jordan Chiero, PBR Ohio Director of Scouting.

“The term ‘gamer’ gets thrown around a lot but it really does apply here,” Chiero said. “He will show good things in a showcase setting, but to get a true depiction of what he is as a prospect you need to see it in game. He’s cerebral, with a ton of feel in the box and behind the dish. I think whoever lands Seth is not only going to get a very talented player, but also a steady and consistent presence in a lineup with a high floor.”

Yacobucci idolized his older brother, who is now 26, growing up.

“When I was young and watching my brother play, I wanted to be like him,” Yacobucci said. “I loved the way he played the game and that’s how I try to play. I’m always locked in. Now he works drills with me, anything to get me better.”

It has the 64th-ranked junior in the state, who related that his fondness for the game increased watching his high school win the Division II state title in 2017, excited about the prospects of playing at the next level.

“In eight grade summer everything took off,” noted Yacobucci. “I had a great summer and after that wanted to play college baseball. Then in my sophomore year I started talking with coaches.”

Still, the recruiting process has not always been smooth.

“There’s been a lot of waiting around,” Yacobucci admitted. “Akron has been in touch about every two weeks and since I went to the Oakland camp they told me what I need to get better at and I’ve been working on that. Mike Ebersole with Brownlee has helped with getting me in touch with coaches.”

PBR has also benefited the 17-year-old.

“I’ve done a couple PBR camps and the Junior Future Games,” Yacobucci said. “Being around a lot of great talent has helped me out with watching what they do.”

Improvement has been vital in the quest to play beyond high school.

“When Covid first hit I purchased a cage so I was getting my swings in,” Yacobucci related. “I’ve also been lifting five days a week at the gym in Tallmadge, I just need to keep working.

“I’ve gotten a lot better,” Yacobucci continued. “I didn’t have much power coming into spring last year, but I’ve really worked at it all football season and see it as a plus coming into this season.”

A wide receiver, punt returner and kick returner on the Tallmadge playoff football team, Yacobucci remains focused on getting better on the baseball diamond.

“On the field I want to smooth up some fundamentals and off the field get stronger,” Yacobucci said. “I’m hoping the schools I’ve been in contact with stay in touch and that more will keep coming in.”

Business or something in the field of sports medicine are potential majors for the 3.0 student, who is being looked at as a middle infielder by Oakland and catcher/infielder by Akron.

“I love being able to take control of games and seeing the whole field at catcher,” Yacobucci noted. “As a middle infielder I like getting that ground ball and making the play.”

The 13th-rated uncommitted 2023 in Ohio is confident about what he can bring to a college program.

“I’ll work hard,” Yacobucci said. “I’ll prove why you made a good choice when you see me play and practice.”