Usually, it isn’t easy walking in the footsteps of an older brother.

But, Massillon Jackson’s Jonny Nottingham (6-0, 200) finds himself only adding to his family’s baseball success.

Nottingham’s older brother, Shawn, is a former Kent State recruit and 13^th round draft pick of the Seattle Mariners in the 13^th round of the 2003 Major League Baseball Draft.

The younger Nottingham, one of the top pitching prospects in the Class of 2013 from Northeast Ohio, is already hearing from Akron, Ohio State, Wright State, Winthrop, Michigan, and Kent State.

The talented right-hander uses an 83-87 mph fastball. But, even more impressive, he shows command of several off-speed pitches, including a 68-71 mph curveball, a sharp 77-78 mph slider, and a 71-73 mph with excellent sink.

“I have confidence in throwing multiple pitches for strikes anytime in the count, and I have good command of my fastball,” he says.

Naturally, Nottingham has taken away lessons from his brother’s playing career.

He says, “I have learned a lot from him. I would say the biggest thing, other then mechanics, would be the mental side of the game, how to work hitters, and handle different situations.”

As the recruiting process begins to unfold, Nottingham is beginning to set up unofficial visits, including a stop by Wright State at the end of October.

“I am looking for a school that provides the most competition possible and one that offers my academic interests,” he notes.

Last year, Nottingham, who also plays third base, started on varsity as a sophomore. On the mound, he went 2-3 while allowing striking out 11 hitters and holding opponents to a .299 average. In the summer, he went 4-2 while striking out 43 batters over 36 and 2/3 innings pitched. He held opponents to a .225 batting average.

This past fall, Nottingham played for the Stark County Terriers.

Next summer, he will be playing for the 17U Ohio Elite.