Q&A With UW-Oshkosh Commit Jake Homan

October 29, 2015

By Matt Huck
Area Scout

2016 RHP Jake Homan from Muskego recently committed to UW-Oshkosh. Homan is currently ranked No. 87 in the Wisconsin Class of 2016. Homan is the sixth player to commit out of last months Unsigned Senior Games. Here is a report on him from the event.

Jake Homan 9.20.15 - 5-foot-11, 165-pounds, right-handed pitcher, average frame and build, athletic actions. Delivery repeats and balanced, works directionally down the hill. Arm action has a long draw out of the glove, comes out of tight window near the ear, over the top slot. Fastball has slight running action, showed feel for the zone, 82-84 mph, produced late swings in game. Breaking ball has downer action, 70-71 mph. Struck out two in an inning pitched, no hits allowed.

PBR: What were your expectations about the recruiting process? Was it as expected? Easy/Difficult?

Homan: At first, I really didn't know what to expect about the recruiting process. I started the recruiting process a little later than I probably should have, and it was very difficult and at times very frustrating, but I learned a lot about it from Cody Smith at PTA.

PBR: What were you looking for out of a college program to continue your baseball career at?

Homan: I was looking for a program that gave me a good opportunity to get a good education and to improve each year as a player. I was also looking for a program that would give me an opportunity to make an impact and help the team win as soon as possible.

PBR: Did location or distance from home play a factor in your decision?

Homan: Location did not play a huge factor, but I wanted to go far enough from home that I would be able to experience something new, but I also did not want to be too far away from my friends and family.

PBR: When did the recruiting process really start to heat up for you? Was there a particular game or event that you feel turned the corner for you?

Homan: The recruiting process really started to heat up for me after the Unsigned Senior Games this September. Things were sort of slow moving until then, but after the games everything started to speed up for me.

PBR: Where did the college you chose first see you? How did your relationship develop with them?

Homan: Coach T first saw me at the Unsigned Senior Games, and everything moved fast from there. Shortly after the games I got a call from coach and went to visit the campus. We stayed in contact after that and shortly after I made my decision.

PBR: What do you like most about the college you committed to and what were the key factors in making your decision?

Homan: I really like the direction and the mindset of the program at UW Oshkosh. They want to win but they want to win in their own way, and I really like the things that Coach T stands for. I also really wanted an opportunity to play and help the team like I said before, and I believe UWO gave me the best opportunity to do so.

PBR: What other schools were on your short list before you made your final decision?

Homan: A couple of the schools on my short list were UW-La Crosse, Concordia University, and McHenry County College.

PBR: Who is the best player you have faced in your state, and why?

Homan: The best player I have faced is probably Connor Kimple, because he is a guy who can really drive the ball off of you and be a force on the base paths. He is definitely a guy you have to worry about at all times.

PBR: At what point in your career did you realize you were a college caliber player and became serious about taking your game to the next level?

Homan: I realized I was a college caliber player when I made PoundTown Baseball (now Prospect Training Academy). After making that team, Cody Smith really let all the guys know that he believe we could all play college ball if we worked for it, and I took that to heart.

PBR: What advice would you give to young baseball players striving to get where you are?

Homan: I would just tell them to work as hard as they can and enjoy the ride. Not everything is going to go your way but if you persevere and stick with it good things are bound to happen to you.

PBR: What is the most memorable moment in your baseball career to this point?

Homan: My most memorable moments have come playing with my PTA teammates. I love those guys and I will never forget the times I had with them traveling and playing in tournaments with them.

PBR: Preview your high school season for us. How do you feel your team will be? What are your expectations and goals?

Homan: I believe our high school team has a chance to really contend this year. We lost a few pieces, but we have a lot of guys returning, and I think if a couple guys can step up we can really compete this year at the highest level.

PBR: Where do you play in the summer? And what has been your most memorable experience with them?

Homan: In the summer I play high school ball with Muskego High School. My most memorable experience with them was not a good one. After we underperformed and lost to Whitnall last year in the playoffs, we were devastated. I will never forget that feeling. I know me and the other seniors are ready to come out and make sure that does not happen to us this year.

Q&A With UW-Oshkosh Commit Jake Homan

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