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Commitment Spotlight - '19 Jackson Vines, RHP, Johnston

October 12, 2017

By Rob Allison
Prep Baseball Report Iowa  

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PBR:  Why did you choose the University of Iowa?
VINES: I have grown up a Hawkeye so the idea of playing baseball for the Iowa Hawkeyes was always a dream for me.  I was lucky enough to be invited for a visit and was able to meet with the coaches, tour the facilities and learn about the Iowa program.  When I was visiting I really liked the coaches and the program.  I feel like the University of Iowa will be a good fit for me for both academics and baseball.  I like the idea of playing for my home state and the fact that my family and friends will be able to watch me play.           

PBR:  What other schools were you considering?
VINES: I was considering Wichita State, Michigan and Arizona.

PBR:  Where did they first see you? How did your relationship develop with the coaching staff?
VINES: I was fortunate to get invited to the Future Games in August.  I pitched 2 innings and the evening after I pitched my first inning I received a text message asking me to contact Coach Sutherland at Iowa.  We discussed my pitching and he invited me to come to Iowa for a visit.  During my visit Coach Heller told me he wanted to watch me pitch. The following week Coach Heller and Coach Druschel came to watch me pitch for my Perfect Game team in Cedar Rapids.  The following week I received a call from Coach Sutherland with an offer to play for the Hawkeyes.

PBR: What role do you expect to play your first year on campus?
VINES: As a pitcher I am not sure what specific role I will play on the pitching staff, but I hope to help the team any way I can.

PBR: Who has had the biggest impact on you as a baseball player?
VINES: Coach Barta, my high school baseball coach, has helped me a lot and given me a lot of opportunities.  He has worked with me on my pitching mechanics, gaining velo and learning to hit spots.  He runs his practice like a college program so I think my transition to playing college ball will be easier.  He definitely expects a lot out of his players and is a great coach.  

PBR: What have you worked on/improved since last year?
VINES: I have been working on my change-up and locating all 4 of my pitches.

PBR: Who is the best player that you have played against or with?
VINES: Johnston grad Jack Dreyer who is also attending the University of Iowa to play baseball.  He’s a great pitcher and teammate and he has helped me learn a lot along the way.

PBR:  What are your thoughts on the recruiting process? Any advice for younger players who have the desire to play college baseball.
VINES: I would advise a high school player to look for opportunities to get in front of college scouts, by doing showcases or playing on teams that go to scout tournaments.  I would also advise players to start this process as early as possible in order to open up more opportunities for themselves.

 

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