Q&A With SW Minnesota State Commit: '16 Matt Morgan, C, Bemidji

January 25, 2016

By Rob Allison
Prep Baseball Report Minnesota

PBR Minnesota strives to be the most comprehensive source of player information across the state. The Prep Baseball Report is the No. 1 resource for high school baseball in each state we cover through our variety of events, boots-on-the-ground scouting staff, daily coverage, and multimedia platforms. Our multimedia platforms and events work in tandem, ultimately creating the most powerful source of high school baseball promotion in each state. While other organizations take a national approach, our goal is to become the authoritative voice on the ground level of each state.

Interested in attending a PBR Minnesota event? Check out our schedule by Clicking Here.

Interested in subscribing to Prep Baseball Report? Click Here.

Name: Matt Morgan
Position: C
Class: 2016
Height/Weight: 6-foot-1, 190-pounds
High School: Bemidji
PBR Rank: #54 in MN 2016 Class

Evaluation: 6-foot-1, 190-pound right-handed hitting catcher. 7.72 runner. Above avg. frame. Projects well with bat. Good hands; Solid contact with above avg. pop to gaps. Quiet head with aggressive swing. Gap to gap approach with 81 mph exit velocity off tee. Exchange is clean and arm works. Avg. length to release. Lacks direction to target. Effects release point. Throws short to bag. Solid receiver. Raw mechanics. Has chance to develop into offensive catcher at next level. 73 mph arm strength with 2.16 pop time.

PBR: Why did you choose Southwest Minnesota State University?
MORGAN: I chose Southwest MN State University because I wanted to stay within a smaller school setting and felt the school would be a good fit for me as a student/athlete. I really like Coach Blanchard and his coaching staff, Coach Paine and Coach Barthel. On my first visit, I met with all three and was impressed with how they quizzed my baseball thought processes. No other coach I met did this. I feel I will learn a lot from them and can't wait to get there.

PBR: What other schools were you considering?
MORGAN: I was fortunate to have a few offers and interest from some other D2 schools, D3 schools and Junior Colleges. The University of Sioux Falls and Augustana University were near the top of my list as well as Northern Iowa Area Community College. After meeting with Southwest MN State University again, I was able to solidify them as my top choice.

PBR: Where did the coaching staff first see you? How did your relationship develop with them?
MORGAN: Honestly, I am not sure when Southwest MN State University first saw me play. It may have been at a summer legion tournament. I participated in a variety of settings: high school and legion games, Gopher Classic with my high school/legion teammates, Select 60, PBR showcases, Area Code Game try-outs, Siebert Fall League, and played with Team MaxBat as well as the Minnesota Icemen of which I think all helped my exposure. The relationship with the coaches developed through their contacting me and us making a visit to campus.

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?
MORGAN: Yes, I would have to say I am relieved now that I know where I will be going to school and fulfilling my goal of playing baseball. On the other hand, I do know it will continue to be a lot of hard work to play at the next level.

PBR: Was there one deciding factor that put your choice over the top?
MORGAN: I would have to say Coach Blanchard helped me to make my final decision. Through meeting him, I got the sense he is a man of character and integrity which are attributes important to me. I was impressed by his stories and his background. I really got a good feel after spending time with him, his staff, and the baseball team.

PBR: Who has helped you the most to get to where you are today?
MORGAN: My dad has been most influential in my baseball career. He and my family have dedicated their time to help me become the player and person I am today. They have provided all the support I needed and found me the opportunities to achieve my goals.

PBR: What were your expectations about the recruiting process? Was it easy/difficult?
MORGAN: I grew up loving baseball and had a dream of playing college ball. I went into this knowing I had to work hard to achieve my goal. Entering my high school career, I didn't know what to expect or how to get the exposure needed. My high school coach, Mike Fogelson, gave me information about Elite Sports Advising. He thought they may be of benefit to help get me to the next level. I would have to say he was correct. John Gaub and Justin Musil, of Elite Sports Advising, were a huge benefit in helping me through the process; I can't thank them enough. It was a fun and exciting experience.

PBR: What plans does the coaching staff have in store for you in your freshman season?
MORGAN: I was recruited to Southwest MN State University as a catcher, and know I will have to work hard at that position. They may also use me as a relief pitcher. I look forward to helping the team in any way I can.

PBR: What is your most memorable baseball moment to date?
MORGAN: My most memorable baseball moment was hitting my first homerun on the big field.

PBR: Who is the best player that you have competed against?
MORGAN: I have met a lot of talented baseball players at games, showcases, and on travel teams. It is hard for me to pick one player as the best. They all have different strengths and I have learned from each of them. I would like to congratulate all the players who have accomplished their goal to play college baseball and wish them the best.