What has senior shortstop/pitcher Noah Brandt learned at Somonauk? Playing for a smaller high school shouldn’t hurt your college recruiting, not if you have a strong social media presence.
Combine that with a tough travel ball schedule playing with and against the best in the country, Brandt had no problem finding his future destination at NCAA Division II Grand Valley State.
“I was really blessed,” Brandt said. “I had several schools come out to see me and talk to me. I ended up going down to play at USA Baseball against Ethan Holliday, played with Jack Bauer, some of those big names.
“It really did take a weight off my shoulders when I did that.”
Even though he’s being recruited as a catcher for college, Brandt has been starring in the infield and on the mound for the Bobcats (9-8), which beat Westminster Christian 11-6 on Monday.
Prep Baseball Report ranks Brandt as the fifth-best catcher in Illinois’ 2025 class.
And while he knows that scouts will find great players no matter where they play in high school, he realizes his work outside of Somonauk’s baseball program helped him as well.
“Definitely the big-name travel organizations like Top Tier and Rhino get your name out there and help you out,” Brandt said. “That was a big one for me, playing travel baseball.”
Somonauk coach Troy Felton confirmed the Bobcats haven’t had a player reach a level above NCAA Division III in over 15 years. Perception can often become a reality at smaller schools.
“It’s been a while since we’ve had somebody,” Felton said. “For him to go Division II and go to Grand Valley State, it’s a nice thing and a bit of a boost for the program as well.
“Guys can see that they will get recognized by coming out and playing Somonauk baseball.”
Utilizing social media in a positive way gave Brandt a big boost. He took the cue from a childhood friend Michael Furmanek, a Plainfield East graduate.
Furmanek, who’s now pitching at Wabash Valley, influenced him about making that a priority.
“That was big for him,” Brandt said. “I grew up with him. His dad said, ‘This is something to utilize.’ My dad and I started putting together video clips, so that’s how I got my name out there.”
While Grand Valley State is welcoming Brandt as a catcher, Felton can use him wherever he wants this season. He’s taking advantage of that versatility.
“Where do you want to play him?” Felton said. “Do you want him at shortstop? Do you want to put him on the mound? Do you want to put him behind the plate? Do you need him in the outfield?
“He’s kind of a guy that you could literally put at any position and he would be successful. It’s a good problem to have.”
Felton also knows when Brandt is at the plate, he feels good about it. Brandt came up with the bases loaded and two outs on April 19 against Seneca and the Bobcats trailing by three runs.
While the outcome didn’t ultimately go Somonauk’s way, Felton wanted Brandt in the batter’s box.
“We talk a lot about right guy, right spot at the plate,” Felton said. “He’s the right guy to have up.”
Brandt understands his life will change after this spring. Gone will be the days of playing with his childhood friends at Somonauk. It’s going to become more of a job at the next level.
That’s not lost on him as he goes through the final stages of this season.
“It’s been really fun,” Brandt said. “It’s the last year to truly have fun with your friends as opposed to being a man and going off to college and trying to possibly get drafted.”
Paul Johnson is a freelance reporter for The Beacon-News.
