Paulus Brings Size, Projectability To Miami

COPLEY - Size and projectability is off the board for Jack Paulus. The 6-7 205-pound right-handed pitcher is also off the board of available recruits after making a commitment to Miami of Ohio.

“I started reaching out to schools ini May and they were the first one to respond,” the Walsh Jesuit senior said of the Mid-American Conference university in Oxford. “They like my size and projectability and they like my offspeed and the release of my fastball.”

On Aug. 29 the 27th-rated 2023 RHP in Ohio visited Miami and a commitment took place after being presented an offer.

“I love the school,” Paulus related. “Everything there is beautiful. I have family going there and they love it. It’s a public school Ivy with great academics and the facilities are great. I love everything about it.”

There was an offer from Eastern Michigan and interest from Ohio University and Columbia, but Miami’s adoration for Paulus was too much to pass up.

“The biggest thing is my projectability,” Paulus explained about what Miami liked about him. “They said they could put weight on me and clean up my mechanics to get more velo. But they just love my projectability and size.”

Height is something that the 18-year-old has always had.

“My whole life I’ve been really tall,” Paulus reflected. “I hit 6-0 in eighth grade and have shot up from there. Doctors say I’ll hit 6-8 or 6-9.”

It can be advantageous according to the 71st-ranked senior in the state.

“You can get down with the ball and throw lower in the zone which means more ground balls,” Paulus noted.

Playing college baseball has been a long-time goal.

“It’s always been a dream of mine,” Paulus pointed out. “I had cousins play in college so I’ve always wanted to do it. It’s been a dream to play Division I college baseball.”

A dream that is now being realized thanks to a pair of big influences in his life.

“My dad and coach (Chris) Kaczmar, my former coach, have really helped me,” Paulus explained. “Coach said I have the frame but had to work on it. He made me realize I could reach my dream of playing Division I college baseball. My dad helped me reach out to schools and go through the step-by-step with me.”

A commitment did not come without a lot of work and a bit of anxiety.

“My process was slow,” Paulus said. “I was an under-the-radar prospect and then covid hit with college freshmen getting another year. But PBR helped with the Unsigned Senior Showcase. I sent that video to Miami and from that video they could see what they needed to do to work on me.”

With a future objective of becoming a physical therapist, Paulus, who carries a 3.8 GPA at Walsh Jesuit, plans to major in exercise science or kinesiology at Miami.

“I think I’ll bring them a leader,” Paulus said of what he feels he can provide the program. “By the time I get there I’ll bring them a really good starting pitcher. Gaining weight, I think, will help and I can be really impactful to the pitching staff.”

Admittedly, making a commitment to Miami was difficult to believe.

“It didn’t feel real,” related Paulus, who now looks forward to what lies ahead at college.

“I’m excited for the process,” Paulus concluded. “I’m ready to do the things people don’t want to do like getting up for an early lift or going to practices. I’m excited for that process.”