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Q&A with Michigan Commit Jack Blomgren

July 18, 2016

By Matt Huck
Area Scout

Last week 2017 SS Jack Blomgren of Janesville Craig committed to Michigan. Blomgren is currently ranked No. 7 in the Wisconsin Class of 2017 and the second member of the class to commit to Michigan. He is the 13th member of the 2015 Wisconsin Future Games team to make a Division 1 commitment. Here is a report on Blomgren from the High School season.

Jack Blomgren4/12/16 - Currently ranked No. 7 in the Wisconsin Class of 2017. 6-foot, 178-pound right-handed hitting SS/RHP with an athletic frame. Shows advanced hands and actions defensively. Short, loose arm action, throws showed carry across the infield. Still looking for consistency at the pate. Hits form a slightly open stance with good rhythm. Went 1-4 on the day with an RBI. 4.35 runner down the line on a 4-3 groundout. Came in relief for Craig working three innings striking out six and allowing just one hit. Works from an over the top arm angle with a short, quick arm action. Drop and drive delivery with a square landing and athletic finish. Fastball is straight with some finish at 82-84 topping out at 85 mph. Comes right after hitters.

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

Blomgren: Starting off playing for the thunder cats I received my first offer. I then moved over to Hitters when I could not turn that opportunity down when RJ asked me to be his shortstop. After playing with hitters for a while I gained more and more interest from colleges by going to great events such as the Future Games and Jupiter etc. the recruiting process was not easy I had to work very hard to be where I am now.

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

Blomgren: I was looking for a great academic school first of all, then it depended on how I felt about it when I visited/ school tradition and how I bonded with coaches. When I visited Michigan I knew it was the perfect fit for me because I knew when I graduated from Michigan I could do many great things in life if baseball didn't work out for me. 

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

Blomgren: Location did not play a factor for me. Wherever I could play good baseball at I would be happy.

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?

Blomgren: Overall, I feel the Future Games boosted my recruiting process a ton. Also just playing for hitters too.

PBR: Where did the college you chose first see you? How did your relationship develop with them?

Blomgren: Michigan first saw me this summer in Nashville and Georgia. My relationship developed first with head coach Bakich because he was the first to contact me and tell me how interested he was in me. And right away I knew I liked him.

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

Blomgren: I like Michigan the most because of the great tradition and they have one of the biggest alumni networks in the world. They have second to none coaching and play in a great conference. My relationship developed when I first talked on the phone with coach and he knew I could be his guy and he knew I would grow into a great player in college and I trusted him and knew he would get me to where I want to be and also playing with the best university in the world and playing for him is second to none.  The factors that played into my decision were firstly, how I felt about the school when I visited, academics, school history.

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

Blomgren: Illinois State, St. Louis, Ohio, Dayton, Jacksonville, West Virginia, and Furman.

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

Blomgren: The best pitcher I have faced in the state is Nate Brown because he has Nasty stuff. The best player is Ben Rortvedt. I played against him many times in high school ball and was fortunate enough to beat him two years in a row in the sectional finals. I think he was the best player because I even like watching him play he is a very fun player to watch and that says a lot.

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?

Blomgren: Last summer I felt like I had good potential to play at the next level because of the players I played against and competed against they were all great experiences.

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

Blomgren: I would say that anything could happen, any coach could be interested in you if you feel like your not good enough don't feel like that because I have seen many players go to the next level (d1) that thought they weren't good enough. But working hard is all it comes down to. Play baseball everyday will get you to where you want to be. 

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

Blomgren: The most memorable is winning state in 2015. Going 29-1.

PBR: Preview your high school season for us. How do you feel your team will be? What are your expectations and goals?

Blomgren: The last two years we have had record setting seasons and the best seasons Craig has ever had. We did not lose many starters, so I think we will be even better than the 2015 team that won state. Our goals are to win conference, and go to state. I fully expect us to make it back to state.

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

Blomgren: I play for Rawlings hitters and the most memorable experience so far was playing in Jupiter in front of the most scouts I have ever seen. There are many more memories to come.

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