Q&A With S. Dakota State Commit: '16 Hunter Even, RHP, Chanhassen

January 18, 2016

By Rob Allison
Prep Baseball Report Minnesota

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Name: Hunter Even
Position: RHP
Class: 2016
Height/Weight: 6-foot, 180-pounds
High School: Chanhassen
PBR Rank: #27 in MN 2016 Class

Evaluation: 6-foot, 180-pound 2-way player. 7.44 runner. Solid tempo in delivery. Controlled balance point with good direction to plate. Arm is quick and clean from ¾ slot. Fastball has life and throws strikes repeatedly. Plus run on 2-seam to inner half of plate. Fastball was 83-86 mph. Curveball and slider were some of the better breaking balls at event. CB was close to 12/6 shape with depth and tight rotation. Slider had cutter type action with short late break in zone. Changeup was firm at 78-80 mph. Offensively has quiet actions. Hovers in load. Some length to swing. Good hand-eye coordination with solid contact to the gaps. 81 mph exit velocity off tee. Shows a soft glove in the field with decent actions/feet. Above average body control on slow roller. Accurate throws across diamond at 77 mph.

PBR: Why did you choose South Dakota State University?
EVEN: I chose South Dakota St. because I felt like I fit in very well there. I really liked the coaching staff and they have great brand new facilities and I enjoyed the feel of the campus.

PBR: What other schools were you considering?
EVEN: I was also considering Minnesota State, Concordia-St. Paul and St. Cloud State.

PBR: Where did the coaching staff first see you? How did your relationship develop with them?
EVEN: The coaching staff first saw me pitch at the state tournament; then at the PBR Minnesota Top Prospect showcase. They gave me a call saying they really liked what they saw and wanted me to come visit them and things went from there.

PBR: Do you feel relieved now that the process is over and you can just focus on baseball and not deal with everything that goes into picking a school?
EVEN: Yes, It’s a great feeling now knowing that I don’t have to worry about where I’m going to play college baseball this winter and possibly during my senior season. Now I can just focus on training this winter and playing ball in the spring without any distractions.

PBR: Was there one deciding factor that put your choice over the top?
EVEN: Yeah, the deciding factor that put SDSU over the top for me was that I have extended family 10 minutes from the campus. They can come watch me play in the spring, and I can go to them if I need any help.

PBR: Who has helped you the most to get to where you are today?
EVEN: The person that has helped me most get to where I am today is Shawn Wooten. Shawn has been my trainer for the past 5 years. I credit him with a lot of my success and development as a baseball player over the recent years.

PBR: What were your expectations about the recruiting process? Was it easy/difficult?
EVEN: I didn’t know much about the recruiting process going into it and got a lot of help from my coaches and parents along the way. The main part for me was going out and competing in showcases and getting in front of the college coaches.

PBR: What plans does the coaching staff have in store for you in your freshman season?
EVEN: I hope to earn a spot in the starting rotation and if not I hope I can help the team win coming out of the bullpen in any way I can.

PBR: What is your most memorable baseball moment to date?
EVEN: The most memorable baseball moment to date for me was winning the AAA State Tournament last year. I will never forget the teammates and the season we had.

PBR: Who is the best player that you have competed against?
EVEN: The best player I’ve competed against would be Luke Roskam. He is an incredible hitter and catcher. I always find myself focusing a little extra against him; as he seems to hit everything hard.