Player Spotlight: LHP Colton Larkins (Blue Springs South, 2015)
August 28, 2014
Shon Plack
Prep Baseball Report-Missouri
LHP Colton Larkins (Blue Springs South, 2015) is riding high from a successful junior campaign. He and his Jaguar teammates earned a third place finish in the Missouri State Championship in Missouri Class 5. He also witnessed a bit of the Vanderbilt CWS Championship, pitching on their field the day after Commodores clinched the National Championship. 
Larkins is ready for his senior season at Blue Springs South and his eyes set on taking one step forward and claiming the Missouri Class 5 State Championship. Last season for the Jaguars, Larkins posted a 2.07 ERA in 23.7 innings pitched, fanning 16 batters and walking 11. He was 3-1 on the season for Blue Springs South.
At the Class of 2015 Prospect Games on August 17, Larkins looked solid in his inning of work, mixing fastball and change-up to keep hitters off balance. He worked at 76-78 MPH with is fastball and 67-69 MPH with his change up. Larkins also showed a curveball at 66-67 MPH. The 6-foot-1 155-pound lefty still has room to put fill out physically. He is a strike thrower that is not afraid of pitching to contact. Larkins is a good student as well, carrying a 3.1 GPA and a 23 on his ACT.
Here is a snapshot of Larkins' recruiting process.
PBR: What schools have expressed interest in you?
Larkins: Lindenwood, NE OK State University, and Crowder have expressed intrest.
PBR: Have you taken any visits, or have any visits scheduled in the near future? If so, what schools, and how recently?
Larkins: No, I hope to this Fall.
PBR: Are you looking for anything in particular in a school? (Example: high academics, certain academic program, local, etc.)
Larkins: I am considering Business or Architecture. As long as I can continue to play baseball and develop as a player, I’m leaving my options open to all options.
PBR: Playing at T.R. Hughes for a state championship had to have been a great experience. Recap your junior season for us and how did you do during the summer for your travel team.
Larkins: It was an awesome experience playing at T.R. Hughes for the state championship. We were one team, in it together. Coach Baier told us at the start of the season “we before me” and it stuck. My junior season as a Jaguar was awesome. I got to pitch more than I thought I would considering our pitching staff of upper classmen. My Summer season went really well with Building Champions. Jeremy Jones and Gerry Cope really helped me this season with exposure and becoming a better pitcher and player all around. We took a 2 week road trip to Atlanta and Nashville. I got to pitch at Vanderbilt 1 day after they won the CWS, it was pretty cool.
PBR: What are you goals for your senior season at Blue Springs South?
Larkins: I would like to go back to state. I would also like to gain weight and strength to pick up velocity. If feel like with my height gaining an extra 10-15 lbs is realistic by spring.
PBR: Are you playing fall ball with a team?
Larkins: I play for Building Champions in the fall.
PBR: Do you play any other sports?
Larkins: No, I do not.
PBR: What is your ACT and GPA?
Larkins: I received a 23 on the ACT and I have a 3.1 GPA.
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