Boles Confident He Can Make An Impact In College

Jackson Boles OF / LHP / Glenoak, OH / 2024

CANTON - Jackson Boles is hoping his recent showing at the Top Prospects Games helps propel a recruiting process that “has been a little slow for me” according to the fifth-rated 2024 outfielder in Ohio.

“I know the Kentucky coach reached out because of a tweet PBR put out after the Top Prospect Games, so PBR has been big for me,” Boles related. “The Top Prospect Games was a lot of fun. I put up my best numbers ever. There was a lot of good talent there, but you have to compete with the best to get you looks.”

Admittedly, Boles is hoping things pick up when it comes to interest from those at the next level.

“I’ve been talking to three D-II schools, Findlay, Lake Erie and Seton Hill, and I’ve talked to a couple D-I schools, Toledo and Kentucky,” Boles noted. “There have definitely been some stressful parts, especially if you don’t perform well. It’s stressful not getting a call. The portal is messing things up which puts on a lot of stress.”

The top-ranked incoming senior outfielder in the state is hoping improvement in his game proves beneficial in the long run.

“What helped me improve on the physical side is getting in the weight room and doing explosive workouts,” Boles pointed out. “I went from 7.0 to 6.6 in the 60 and have become a better athlete. What has also helped is getting reps off high-level pitching, but it’s mainly been work in the weight room in becoming a better athlete.”

Jordan Chiero, PBR Ohio Director of Scouting, is enamored with the eighth-rated 2024 uncommitted player in the state. 

“Jackson is an explosive athlete,” Chiero said. “He’s a 6.6 runner with an upper-80s arm from the outfield and upper-90s jump off the barrel with tools that translate to the game. He’s the type of guy who stands out in all phases, it doesn’t take a seasoned scout to see the talent here. I don’t think many 2024 outfielders left on the board in the Midwest are capable of doing what he can do.”

There is even some potential of pitching as well as playing outfield in college.

“Interest has mainly been as an outfielder, Seton Hill is the only one looking at me as a two-way,” the just-turned 17-year-old related. “I’m a guy who says he can do both at a high level, but I’ve always wanted to be a position guy. Whether it’s position-only or two-way, I have no problem with either, but I definitely want to play outfield.”

There is an understanding that more strides in his game will help the cause.

“I still have some swing-and-miss to work on, but physical-wise there is no doubt I can make an impact,” the 6-0 180-pound left-handed hitter said. “The big question is will I be able to handle pitching at that level.”

Playing ball in college has been there for a long time according to Boles.

“It’s something I’ve always wanted to do, I’ve always been watching it on TV,” Boles explained. “But it didn’t come into my mind to play college baseball at a high level until freshman or sophomore year in high school when I started to put good numbers up. That’s when I realized it was something I could do if I put my mind to it.”

The 35th-ranked incoming senior in Ohio has a blueprint as to what he is looking for in a college.

“I want it to feel like home,” Boles said. “I want it to feel welcoming. Baseball wise, I’m looking for good facilities, that’s probably the number one thing, and how can they get me better and be a college athlete. The weight rooms, turf workout area and field are also major. And I want a place that has kinesiology as a major.”

A 3.5 student at Glenoak High School, Boles is happy where he is at the time being when it comes to his recruitment.

“I’m kind of taking it slow,” Boles explained. “I’m content where I’m at right now.”

But the immediate future will be huge in his eyes.

“The next three or four months will be big,” noted Boles, who will be playing in Alabama, Georgia and Florida in that timeframe. “I’d like to commit between August and October. I have a lot of tournaments that will be heavily scouted, so those will be huge for me recruiting wise.”

No matter where he ends up, Boles is confident he can play a major role in a college program.

“As the game gets different, there are so many ways to make an impact,” Boles concluded. “If they need a pinch runner to swipe a bag, I can do it. If they need power, I can do that. If they need any outfield position, I can do it. I have the versatility. Even hitting aside, I feel I can make an impact.”