Love For The Game Has Edwards Excited About Future

FLINT - Malaki Edwards is on the “front end” of the recruiting process.

“There is nothing substantial right now,” the Flushing junior related. “My coach at USA Prime is texting schools as well as me sending out emails.”

Additional aid is playing a role when it comes to more exposure.

“PBR is helping me along in my recruitment and in getting my name out there,” Edwards said. “The more big numbers I put up, the more reality it is of going to college and playing baseball.”

That is something the recently-turned 17-year-old - with an exit velocity in triple digits - has thought about doing for a long time.

“Since I touched a baseball at three-years-old I just ran away with a love of the game,” Edwards reflected. “With the high-level of baseball I’ve played, it’s becoming a reality for me.”

That started the summer before last.

“At the age of 15, I played in an 18U travel league,” Edwards noted. “To see that pitching was a game changer. The next year I came back to USA Prime. Seeing those kinds of high-talented players made my game that much better.”

Edwards has absorbed plenty along the way.

“I’ve learned my passion is there,” the sixth-rated 2022 outfielder in Michigan pointed out. “I don’t shy away from a big challenge. I’m learning my place and what I need to work on while trying to know the game as much as I can.”

Major strides have been made according to the 6-0 215-pounder.

“My talent has grown astronomically thanks to USA Prime,” Edwards explained. “Michael Rubenstein and Nick Swanson have helped get my name out there. I’ve jumped over 10 miles per hour the past two years working out. My IQ of the game has grown a lot and I have a plus-bat with a strong arm in the outfield.”

Aaron Wilson, PBR Michigan Director of Scouting, sees an enormous amount of promise in the 45th-ranked junior in the state.

“Malaki is an athlete that plays multiple sports with a world of potential,” Wilson said of the second-rated uncommitted 2022 outfielder in Michigan, who played basketball up until this school year and is a running back/linebacker on the gridiron in addition to being a leader on his high school baseball team. “He’s a strong physical prospect with an exit velocity up to 100 miles per hour with agile hips in the field. The tools are apparent.”

The desire to improve remains stronger than ever.

“I broke my foot last year so I’m still working on getting that back to 100 percent and improving my 60 time,” Edwards noted. “I’m 95 percent now, I just need to get back my technique and use my foot 100 percent.”

Uncertain about a college major, he is leaning toward the medical field, Edwards looks forward to life after high school and what he can provide a college program.

“I pride myself in academics,” Edwards pointed out. “I have a 3.7 GPA and I’m taking three AP classes. I have a high IQ and know the game well. I have a strong arm, I was 87 from the outfield last week and my exit velo is triple digits. I have the will and want to maximize along with my leadership and helpfulness.”

While the recruiting process is in the early stages, Edwards is more than comfortable where he is at this time.

“I feel I’m in the right spot with covid slowing everything down and the dead period,” Edwards said. “With my coaches and people helping me out, I’m in the right spot. I’m doing a lot of working out at 2SP and Prime to help me step in and be more ready for a college program. I’m looking to get my name out there more by going to PBR and showcase my talent.”

As for a college choice, Edwards is far from deciding.

“The main part is that I want to go to college and go to a place where I can contribute to the team no matter the level,” Edwards said. “I’m mainly looking at mid-majors and HBCUs (historically black colleges and universities) as well. I’m really in no hurry but I’m also not going to wait around if a college shows a strong interest.”