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Q & A with Liberty University Assistant Coach & Recruiting Coordinator Jason Murray

August 20, 2014

PBR: What does a typical recruiting cycle for a recruit look like for your program?

Murray: In most cases Talent/Skills/Tools > Character/Interest in Liberty > Interview/Visits > Grades/Academic Scholarships

PBR: What advice would you give to underclassmen starting the process?

Murray: If there are specific schools you are interested in go to their prospect camps…100% success rate that a coach from that staff will see you!

PBR: What are some things you always look for when recruiting a player either at a game or showcase? Is there something you wish players would do more of that gave you a better read on a player?

Murray: Talent, hustle/energy, and baseball instincts are a few checklist areas for me.  Little areas like running to 1B on each ball put in play like there are 50 scouts in the stands, in between innings INF’s taking a few “game speed” ground balls from the 1B, and catchers working on their throws to 2B each inning.   With so many games being played at tournaments/travel ball, very seldom do you get to see INF/OF so it’s important for players to remember each moment during a game can be an advantage to getting on a coach’s radar.

PBR: As the recruiting coordinator for a Top 25 ranked Division I program like Liberty University, what is your schedule like during the season and off-season and can you talk about the pressures of landing top recruits in the country?

Murray: I am blessed to be working at a place like Liberty!  I am working with one of the best head coaches in the country, Jim Toman, and one of the best pitching coaches, Garrett Quinn.  Along with a great staff, we are blessed to have a brand new $20 million stadium and a university that supports its athletic teams.  The pressure is and always will be in recruiting which is why our staff is always working towards our goals in representing Liberty University and helping Liberty get to Omaha!  With these goals, recruiting is all year around whether out watching a game off campus, games on our field, emails, campus visits, and phone calls, etc.  For me it is to remember there is a plan, one that is bigger and better than I can ever imagine…and I am just a small part of this experience.

PBR: Is there one series you look forward to every year? One opponent you especially enjoy playing or stadium you enjoy?

Murray:  Too many for me to list…It’s exciting to see the success of Division I baseball across the board as so many schools are understanding the growth of our sport by building new stadiums, committing to the coaches, and investing in the student athletes experience.

PBR:  What changes have you seen in high school baseball, if any, in recent years?

Murray:  In certain states, I like the changes that allow the High School Coaches more time to work with his players and team during the school year outside of the season.

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