Frasure Up To The Challenge Of A two-way Commit At Akron

Jackson Frasure 3B / RHP / Chaminade-Julienne, OH / 2024

DAYTON - Jackson Frasure was thinking JUCO could be a consideration for his future.

“But then Akron came flying in and really impressed me,” the Chaminade Julienne senior related.

Enough so to accept an offer from the Mid-American Conference school.

“Bryan Faulds, the head coach, said we need to get you on a visit,” Frasure reflected. “It wasn’t something I was seriously considering but when I went up and checked out the campus it was a lot more beautiful than I thought it would be.

“They said I had a really good opportunity to play freshman year as a two-way. They said ‘here is our plan’ and I was sold from there.”

A Friday visit turned into a commitment three days later.

“I really like the developmental side,” the second-rated 2024 third baseman in Ohio said about what sold him on Akron. “I feel the coaching staff is coming in ready to turn it around in a very serious way finding guys like L.A. (Mighton) and I want to be a part of it.”

The opportunity to both pitch and play the field made the decision easier according to Frasure.

“It’s really big that I’ll do both,” noted the 6-2 225-pounder. “I want to do both for as long as I can, until somebody pulls me away from one. They were talking about freshman year getting some serious innings and making a big difference.”

Akron saw a lot to like when watching Frasure play in the summer.

“We were in a tight game and I had an RBI single and was on first base firing up the dugout,” Frasure explained. “They also saw a video of me pitching at state and getting out of a tight situation and getting fired up on the mound.”

It was three years ago when college baseball became a possibility for Frasure, at the time a CJ ninth grader.

“Freshman year I competed against seniors that were going on to play Division I ball the next year,” Frasure related. “That’s when I began considering that I can take it to the next level and I started sending out emails. But I didn’t get much back.

“My recruitment all started sophomore year when Wright State started taking an interest in me. There was a game against Carroll when I hit a home run and after that I got a text from them. Then it slowed down, but there were patches when coaches would reach out.”

First Dayton and then junior colleges like Wabash Valley State and Walter State became interested in Frasure before Akron became the school of choice for the two-way prospect.

“I went to the Procase last winter and hit 88-89 and people started seeing that this Frasure kid could throw it,” the 18-year-old noted. “Then in a PBR Spring Showcase I had a perfect game through six and hit 89 in a game. PBR has really done a lot for me. Coach (Jordan) Chiero (PBR Ohio Director of Scouting) helped by telling me to do this or that.

“Then this summer I played with Bo Jackson Elite,” Frasure continued. “It was one of the greatest summers I’ve ever had. Cory Valentine helped by getting me in touch with coaches.”

Improvement took place along the way which proved beneficial.

“Discipline and lots and lots of hard work and focus,” Frasure pointed to as how he got better. “It’s definitely not easy being two-way and I heard it gets harder in college. but it’s a challenge I want to take on.”

Pitching coach Connor Graham has played a major role in helping Frasure get to the point of a D-I college pitcher.

“He’s been nothing but amazing for me,” Frasure said. “We’re taking it to a whole new level with specialized training for how my body moves, getting me ready for college.”

It has Frasure confident about what he can bring to the MAC program.

“I’m going into Akron and I’m looking to take a job,” Frasure proclaimed. “I’ll bring some competitiveness. If someone is not performing or having a bad day, I’ll be a good teammate to everyone with my words.”

To be committed brings relief in the eyes of Frasure.

“It has made everything so much better,” Frasure admitted. “It’s taken a huge weight off my shoulders. It’s wake up, school, get my homework done and work. There’s no putting videos together or waiting for calls.”

A major in sports medicine or sports science is being considered by the 3.7 student who is ready to make an impact at the next level.

“I’m just looking forward to playing,” Frasure said. “That’s been my goal since my freshman year, to play college baseball. The energy it’s at is so entertaining.”

Frasure believes he is up to the task.

“Now that the college decision is out of the way, it’s about training to get drafted,” Frasure concluded. “It will be fun playing, meeting all the guys and creating a brotherhood there.”