By Jerry Shank
Maryland Scouting Director

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The No. 1 ranked player in the 2016 class in the state of Maryland, Matt Mervis plays first base and pitches at Georgetown Prep in Bethesda, MD.  The talented player is committed to Duke and took some time out with PBR Maryland to talk about his decision.

What was the recruiting process like for you?

+ My recruiting process was very quick yet exciting. I got to talk with coaches from top Division 1 programs as a 15 year old. The process started earlier than I anticipated and my first offer came with a deadline which also helped speed things up.

What were the key factors you were looking for in your school?

+ The most important aspect of all the schools I considered was the education. My parents made that clear to me from the start. Coaching staff, location, and playing time also held important roles in my decision.

When did things heat up in your recruitment?

+ Before a tournament in November of 2013, I sent emails to multiple ACC and SEC schools, letting them know of my interest. I pitched the third game of that tournament with 20+ scouts in attendance. From there, many of those scouts contacted my coach and asked him to talk to me about their programs.

When did you realize that you were a college caliber baseball player?

+ I've always been told that I have tons of potential but didn't really know how far baseball would take me until that tournament. I'd never played in front of that many scouts before and it really opened my eyes to the possibility of playing collegiate baseball.

What was the biggest factor in the school you finally chose to attend?

+ Overall fit was the deciding factor. Once I got down to Duke for the first time, everything about it seemed to fit perfectly. The players love the coaching staff, the campus is beautiful, and the education is world class. I could see myself there for the next chapter of my life.

What other schools were you considering?

+ Along with Duke, I considered Virginia, Maryland, Boston College, Vanderbilt, and Wake Forest.

What has been the biggest moment in your baseball career?

+ Attending the Junior National Showcase has been the biggest event in my career so far. I was surrounded by the best underclass players and was humbled to see and meet the best talent from around the country.

Who do you play for over the summer? Why did you decide to play for them?

+ I played for Tri State Arsenal over the past summer. They saw me play in a tournament in Georgia and contacted me with information about the program. They had always been good and the coaches were knowledgeable so I attended the tryouts and played for two seasons.

Is there a MLB player that you would compare your style of play with?

+ I like to think of myself as a young Manny Machado. I too spent my early years playing short stop and have always had a strong arm and power at the plate.