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No. 2 2015 Bryant Jordan talks committing to Missouri

November 5, 2013

By Steve Nielsen
Scouting Director – Wisconsin/Illinois

RHP Bryant Jordan (Home School, 2015) is the fourth 2015 graduate in Wisconsin to make his college commitment, choosing Missouri. Jordan is home schooled but he hasn’t let that affect his recruiting process. Since he doesn’t have a high school team to play on he plays with the GRB Rays in the summer and fall and has traveled the Midwest playing in tournaments and showcases. He stood out in early August at the PBR Midwest Future Games as one of few pitchers that touched the 90 mph mark. Since then Missouri along with a number of other schools began courting the right-hander and a little more than two months later Jordan committed to the Tigers.Bryant Jordan

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

Jordan: To be honest, I didn't know what to expect going into the process. I had some great help along the way from my parents, Greg Reinhard, and some older friends that are already off to college. I viewed the recruiting process as an exciting part of life. Not everyone has the opportunity to play baseball after their high school career. Although, at one point it did get difficult because it became a daily ordeal that I would have to call 2-3 schools a day. It made the process much easier when I channeled the phone calls. 

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

Jordan: The developmental piece was my biggest concern in choosing a school. My goal is to have a successful college career and eventually be drafted. Missouri will definitely help me with my success and with success comes the draft. 

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?

Jordan: The recruiting process started to heat up after September 1st. All the schools that watched me pitch in the summer were able to e-mail me that day. I think the Futures Games was a turning point because that’s where Missouri saw me. 

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

Jordan: Missouri has everything I was looking for; incredible campus, facilities, academics, coaching staff and support. But, the main reason I committed to Missouri was I like the way they develop pitchers. Max Scherzer for example, came to Missouri only throwing 89 mph, left at 99 mph and was a first round draft pick. There are numerous stories about pitchers coming to Missouri not drafted and leaving a high draft pick. I also think Missouri has the potential to make a run for the College World Series which has always been a dream of mine. When everything fell into my criteria, I couldn't say no.    

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

Jordan: Absolutely, it played a big role in my decision. I wanted to stay within ten hours from home. With being only eight hours away from Columbia, MO, It makes it easy for my family to come watch me pitch when we play our home games.  

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

Jordan: Coach Jackson watched me pitch at the PBR Midwest Future Games. About a week later I started talking to him over the phone. We continued to talk on a weekly basis and eventually he wanted me to come down for a visit and a camp. While I was on the visit I had the fortunate opportunity to meet with all the coaches, Coach Jamieson (Head Coach), Coach Jackson (Assistant Coach) and Coach Hobbs (Pitching Coach). I couldn't have asked for a better visit and it was great to develop a relationship with all of them. 

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

Jordan: My short list consisted of Kentucky, Arkansas, West Virginia and Missouri. All those schools have incredible programs, but in the end Missouri was the right fit. 

PBR: What has been the lowest point in your baseball career; what have you learned from it and how has it helped you grow as a player?

Jordan: I have been playing baseball since I was four years old. But, I chose to take a different direction freshman year and I didn't play. Last year was my first summer back. I came back with a renewed passion and drive to take baseball to the highest level. 

PBR: At what point in your career did you realize you were a college caliber player and became serious about taking your game to the next level?

Jordan: After my first outing of the summer with the GRB Rays is when I realized that I could be a D1 pitcher. During that outing I was sitting 85-87 touching 88 mph, with a good amount of scouts in the stands taking interest and video taping me.  

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

Jordan: I would like to think that my teammates see me as having complete control of the game when I'm on the mound. Even if we are up against good talent, I try to keep a level head and compete even harder without losing my command.   

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

Jordan: Definitely my off speed. My curveball is still inconsistent and I have to find a way to keep my change-up below the knees of hitters. I’m going to keep working on it over the winter at the GRB facility. Next summer I don't always want to rely on my fastball to get strikes, I plan on mixing in a lot of off-speed. 

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

Jordan: Don’t ever have your head down after a bad outing. Baseball is a game of failure and we all have bad days, it’s how you rebound that matters. 

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

Jordan: I've talked a lot with Coach Hobbs (Missouri Pitching Coach) and Greg Reinhard about what I should be doing in the off season. I’ll be in the weight room working specifically my core, legs, and back. Doing sprints will also be a huge factor because it will work on my explosion off the mound. Also, I am going to throw bullpens at GRB once a week, working on mechanics, offspeed, and control. With doing all of this in the off season I should have an exciting summer next year.  

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

Jordan: Without a doubt the day I committed to Missouri. 

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

Jordan: I play for the GRB Rays in the summer and fall. It’s been a great experience with Greg Reinhard and Max Cordio. I owe them a lot of credit for getting me where I am today. My most memorable experience with them was placing 3rd in the Pastime National Championship in Indianapolis. We had an exciting group players on that team such as Clark Eagan and Jeren Kendall.

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