Q&A with Murray State Commit RHP Evan Howse (Francis Howell, 2019)

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

Howse:  It was a little different than expected, I was thinking I would be in a situation to choose a school a bit later on this summer but once coaches saw my improvements and velocity gains it picked up very quickly. It was a little difficult to keep up with all the phone calls at first but it quickly becomes a part of your daily routine. The Prospects do a good job of educating us on the recruiting process and having lots of friends I grew up playing ball with being recruited also gave me pretty clear expectation of what to expect.  

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

Howse: It really wasn't a major factor for me but it works out that it's only 4 hours from home.  

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

Howse: Murray State first saw me pitch on campus last Fall in a tournament with the Prospects.  The relationship didn't really develop until this off season as I added strength and velocity after lots of work put in with Adam Jahnsen with ACE Pitching Academy and my trainer Ryan Helms.

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

Howse: Kurtis Byrne, He can turn on a fastball as good as anyone I've faced. 

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

Howse: I've always been serious about putting in the work and my goal has always been to try and improve every time out. Freshman year was when I really got serious about working out. This year was the first year I took my nutrition seriously and it helped me put on 25 pounds.

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

Howse: I would tell them that every rep, throw and swing is either making you better or worse.
 What do you do in the offseason to keep yourself in baseball shape and prepare for the upcoming season?  Work hard every day at ACE Pitching Academy with Adam Jahnsen and strength training with Ryan Helms.

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

Howse: Playing in the Dominican Republic at 13 years old with Mike Matheny’s Warrior Club and being involved in a mission trip with my teammates. 

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

Howse: I really like the competition they have on their schedule. Also with Coach Moulder (Head Coach) and Coach Brocker (Pitching Coach) both having plenty of knowledge in pitching I feel it will be a great place to grow and continue to become the pitcher I want to be.

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

Howse: SEMO and University of Illinois Springfield

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? 

Howse: It really took off for me over the winter training and attending the PBR Showcase with NSC and Perfect Game this past February. 

PBR: Tell us about your  high school season for us. How is your team doing so far? What are your expectations and goals? 

Howse: We're playing .500 ball right now but we have so much talent and I feel like once we heat up things will get rolling.  Our goal is to always make a run for the State Finals, anything less would not fit our expectations at Howell

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

Howse: I am very proud to play for the St. Louis Prospects.  I can't say enough about what the Prospects coaches and organization has done for me with training and opportunities.  Playing in Dallas, TX and making a thrilling run to the finals with some very talented teammates and coaches.