As a high school senior, Nate Davenport was deciding between playing basketball or baseball in college. He had scholarship offers from a number of schools in both sports.

Four years later, the first baseman has rewritten the Cedarville University baseball record book en route to attracting significant attention from major league baseball scouts. Davenport has been thrilled with his choice and has embraced his college baseball experience.

“Playing college ball has really brought out certain talents that God gifted me with,” Davenport said. “Coming to Cedarville, I knew how to play ball but I don't think I understood how to unlock my full potential. I don't think that one ever stops learning or honing their skills, and I feel like Cedarville has been a great place for me to develop mine.”

Davenport is Cedarville's career leader in home runs, RBI's, doubles, and total bases. He will also finish in the top 10 in runs, hits, slugging percentage and sacrifice flies.

For his offensive prowess, Davenport was voted the American Mideast Conference Player of the Year as a junior in 2011. In addition, he was recognized as an NCCAA (National Christian College Athletic Association) All-American in 2010 and 2011. “Nate is our power guy in the lineup and has worked really hard to groove his game on both sides of the ball,” Cedarville head coach Mike Manes said. “Teams pitch around him but he always stays productive for us.”

Davenport has also noted growth in his game and said he has improved greatly as a college player.

“Plate discipline has been one of the main strides that I feel I've made,” Davenport said. “Being a cleanup guy since my sophomore year has proved trying at times. Sometimes it seems like all I see is crooked pitches. I've accepted that fact and tried my best to improve and adapt. I would also say that running speed and overall knowledge of the game have been large areas of improvement over my four-year college career.”

To improve his versatility, Davenport ditched his first base glove this past summer and moved to the corner outfield. He competed for Athletes in Action in the Great Lakes League.

“Not only did I grow in my versatility and strength as a baseball player, but having the opportunity to play in a competitive league was eye-opening,” Davenport said.

With the June 5 Major League Baseball Draft in clear sight, Davenport and his family have sought direction and input over the past year from Mike Montana of Millennium Sports Management. As a certified agent, Montana advises young athletes with professional aspirations.

“Nate's game projects as a power guy that has some versatility on the defensive end,” Montana said. “His ability to play first base as well as the corner outfield spots will be key for him. If he can show that he can make consistent contact and continue to develop his power numbers, then he'll have a shot to move quickly through someone's system.”

Because of his experience as an agent, Montana has advised hundreds of athletes and finds Davenport's physical and mental capacities to be favorable to similar players.

“Physically he's definitely near the top of the chart and I believe his mental makeup and more importantly, his attitude, will allow him to get the most of his abilities,” Montana said. “The big question that needs to be answered is how he will perform against the stiffer competition that he'll be facing. I am thinking he will surprise a lot of people.” 

Davenport has been scouted by over a dozen MLB teams and has been asked to work out individually for two National League clubs over the past year.

Despite the looming draft, Davenport is focused on finishing his senior year strong and trusts his play will do all the talking.

Davenport's Cedarville University Yellow Jacket baseball team is preparing for the 2012 NCCAA Baseball Championship which begins on Wednesday, May 16 at Prasco Park in Mason, Ohio. The Jackets earned the berth by winning a second consecutive NCCAA Midwest Region banner and are the No. 1 seed in the 10-team event.

“Right now, I'm just focused on our postseason,” Davenport said. “I'm going to continue to work as hard as I can and leave the rest to God."

“Playing professional baseball has always been a dream of mine. I'm looking forward to starting an exciting new chapter in my life, hopefully with a major league club.”

Montana is confident Davenport will have a bright professional playing future.

“I believe that Nate can be the kind of player that can defy the odds of coming out of a small school and be able to compete with the guys coming out of the ACCs and the SECs of the world,” Montana said. “He has the attitude, the mental makeup, the athleticism and the God-given skills needed to accomplish whatever he puts his mind to.”

Davenport's mind seems to be made up in regards to what he wants to accomplish in the future. And if his college career is any indication of what that future holds, anything is possible.