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Q&A with Missouri Commit SS Chris Cornelius (Vianney, 2016)

November 28, 2014

Shon Plack
Missouri Scouting Director



SS Chris Cornelius has become the fifth player in Missouri's 2016 class to announce his verbal commitment.  The 6-foot 180-pound shortstop will attend the University of Missouri.  Cornelius is currently ranked #3 in Missouri's 2016 class and was a member of Team Missouri at the Midwest Future Games Powered by Under Amour last summer.

Cornelius has a positional velo of 82 MPH using an over-the-top release.  He has quick hands and smooth footwook, making clean exchanges and accurate throws.  At the plate, Cornelius uses a controlled leg kick to start his swing and has a level swing path through extension.  He has a gap-to-gap approach, and has an exit velo of 93 MPH, runs a 4.56 home-to-first and a 6.94 60.

Last season Cornelius led Vianney to a fourth place finish in the Missouri Class 5 State Championships.  He batted .462 with 17 doubles and 35 RBI.  in 2015, Cornelius and his teammates look to contend for the Missouri Class 5 State title. 

Recently, we had a chance to chat with Cornelius about how he chose Mizzou. 

PBR: What were your expectations about the recruiting process? Was it as expected? Easy/Difficult?


Cornelius: I didn’t really know what to expect with the recruiting process. It was easy getting to know the coaches because they were all very helpful but it was difficult because all of the schools had something good to offer.


PBR: Did location or distance from home play a factor in your decision?


Cornelius: Location was somewhat of a factor but it did not affect my decision too much.

 

PBR:  Where did Mizzou first see you? How did your relationship develop with them?


Conrnelius: Mizzou first saw me at their showcase my sophomore year. I started building a relationship with them over this past summer

 

PBR: Who is the best player you have faced in your state, and why?
 

Cornelius: The best player I have faced in my state is Ryan Perkins because he plays all out and is always a threat at the plate.


PBR:  What were you looking for out of a college program to continue your baseball career at?


Cornelius: I was looking for a college program that plays in a major conference with high level competition.


PBR: What advice would you give to young baseball players striving to get where you are?


Cornelius: The advice that I would give to young baseball players is always work hard no matter who’s watching and make sure to attend a showcase at a school you are interested in.


PBR: What do you do in the offseason to keep yourself in baseball shape and prepare for the upcoming season?


Cornelius: In the offseason I work hard in the cage and in the weight room to keep myself in baseball shape for the upcoming season.


PBR: What is the most memorable moment in your baseball career to this point?


Cornelius: The most memorable moment in my baseball career to this point was the State Quarter Final game last year versus Marquette High School.


PBR: Describe your experience at the Midwest Futures Games?


Cornelius: I had a great experience at the Midwest Futures Games, playing highly competitive baseball with a great group of guys.


PBR: What do you like most about Mizzou and what were the key factors in making your decision?


Cornelius: What I like the most about Mizzou and the key factors in making my decision was the opportunity to play in the SEC, the coaching staff, and the great facilities.

 

PBR: When did the recruiting process really start to heat up for you? Was there a particular game or event that you feel turned the corner for you?


Cornelius: The recruiting process really started to heat up for me on September 1. The Midwest Futures Games and the PBR tournament in Atlanta helped me out as well.


PBR: Preview your high school season for us. How do you feel your team will be? What are your expectations and goals? Name some players that will play a key role for Vianney in 2015.


Cornelius: I feel we will have a solid team this year. Our goal is to make it back to the State Championship rounds. Neil Fischer, Ryan Knernschield, Matt Bokamper, Nolan Snyder, and Matt McCauley will play key roles for Vianney in 2015.


PBR: Where do you play in the summer? And what has been your most memorable experience with them?

Cornelius: I play for the St. Louis Prospects in the summer. My most memorable experience with them was playing down in Atlanta in the Perfect Game Tournament.

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