2015 SS Alex Henwood commits to Nebraska

September 10, 2013

By Steve Nielsen
Scouting Director - Illinois/Wisconsin

At the Prep Baseball Report we’ve always been excited about the prospects of the Class of 2015, after releasing the 2015 rankings almost a year ago we feel that we have had a strong grasp on the level of talent in that class and predicted a lot of good things which we are now seeing some of the results of the Prep Baseball Report since landing in Wisconsin. Alex Henwood

Alex Henwood (Appleton North, 2015) is currently the top ranked shortstop in Wisconsin’s 2015 class and has recently committed to the University of Nebraska. Henwood marks the second Division 1 and Big Ten commitment already in the 2015 class. Henwood recently committed over the Labor Day weekend where we got wind of the breaking news. Between games for the GRB Rays we caught up with Henwood and asked him about his commitment to Nebraska.

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We’ve seen Henwood at both the Midwest Future Games as well as the Labor Day Challenge this summer and there is little doubt he is one of the smoothest middle infielders around, he makes defending the middle of the infield look extremely easy. At 5-foot-10, 170-pounds Henwood plays at a high level when on the move (6.87 runner). His arm action is highly athletic and shows the ability to seemingly release the baseball from any slot necessary (78 mph), this gives him the upper hand when turning double plays, showing the ability to avoid runners and move around the bag with ease while still getting plenty of carry on the baseball. Offensivley, Henwood shows well above average bat speed from the left side. He looks best when using the middle to opposite fields. Henwood also brings a high energy to the field and is clearly a vocal leader in the middle of the diamond. He is constantly in tune to game situations and shows advanced baseball IQ. Henwood brings a lot of intangible assets to a team including his leadership and charisma in the dugout.

We caught up with Henwood again this week and got the chance to ask him a few more questions. Here's what he had to say.

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

Henwood: Honestly, I was looking for a program that wanted me, and on top that I was looking for place where I could picture myself going. A place that felt like home with support and amazing coaches at the helm. Along my journey, before committing as I was talking to other schools I most certainly liked their coaches and the way they operated but when I went to visit campus it just didn’t feel like home. That is until I pulled into Lincoln Nebraska.

PBR: What is your best attribute as a baseball player and how does that transfer onto the field for your team?

Henwood: My love of the game and the high energy I bring to the playing field. I just don’t see why you can’t have fun while you play, we all love the game and the fact that we get to go out and do the thing we love just makes me smile. The fact that I have eight other guys between the lines that love to do the same is a pleasure. So in short, I would say my best quality I bring to the diamond is my energy, my voice, and my passion to play.

PBR: What part of your game needs the biggest improvement, why, and what will you do to improve it?

Henwood: My hitting. Personally I think you can always improve as hitter and that’s not to say I don’t need work on defense because I most certainly do, but becoming better at pitch selection and zone discipline is very important. Having that good eye is the first key to hitting I think, because if you are swinging at pitches you can’t hit then you are already behind. I am also working on plate approach, doing what I need to do in situations to best help my team succeed.

PBR: What do you like about the college you committed to and why did you choose them?

Henwood: Nebraska has everything I wanted; they have unbelievable academics, coaching staff, facilities, and support. The atmosphere reminds me of my hometown, a place I love and am proud to call my home. And it was the right fit with my family and myself. When everything clicks like that it’s hard to say no.

PBR: What other schools were on your short list before you made your final decision?

Henwood: My short list consisted of Ohio University, Kent State University, and Nebraska. All great places and I enjoyed them all but in the end Nebraska was the right fit.

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?

Henwood: For me the recruiting process began and ended this year, with preseason rankings done by PBR and then all the exposure we got as a team this summer with the GRB Rays. The opportunity was plentiful and the right school came along. The moment was right at the PBR Futures games where Nebraska came and saw me and so many other good players play. It was after that tournament that the deal was made and I found my new home in Lincoln.

Send all recruiting information to Steve Nielsen at [email protected]