By Matt Huck
Area Scout

2017 SS Ryan King of Brother Rice recently committed to Michigan State. King is currently ranked No. 17 in the Illinois Class of 2017 and No. 165 in the PBR Overall Ranks. King recently stood out at the PBR Future Games in Indiana, here is a scouting report from the event.

Future Games 2015 - Small framed 5-foot-9, 145-pound athletic, right-handed hitting shortstop. Ran the fastest 60 yard dash for Team Illinois, 6.65. Defensively, showcased some of the best hands at the Future Games on the infield. Plus actions, quick transfer, athletic, short-arm action. Throws were true, had carry and clocked at 81 mph from across the diamond.  Flashed an electric transfer in game, relaying a throw that was in and out of his glove in a split second, had life and was right on the money to the third-basemen. Also, made the slow roller play look easy. Offensively, in batting practice flashed plus bat control, spraying line-drives all over the yard. Hit a triple in game to the right centerfield gap and floated around the bases. Projects to hit for a high average at the next level.

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

King: The recruiting process started off easy, until the more events I participated in this summer made it much more difficult. Once The Futures Games ended it became difficult with the number of schools showing interest and sorting thru all the things each school had to offer.

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

King:  I was looking for a great coaching staff that would help my development as a player, coaches that I connected with, great teammates, an academic plan I felt comfortable with, and a college degree I would be proud of from a Big Ten University.

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

King: Yes, location played an important role in my decision. I'm close with my family and I wanted them to be able to drive to see my games. Seeing a game in person at the new Michigan State field will be awesome for not only our team but also our families.

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?

King: The process started after attending a couple camps last summer and then more schools followed after attending a 17u PG event in Georgia. Once I had the opportunity to represent Team Illinois in The Futures Games it really became difficult, because of the amount of schools that had shown interest in me. 

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

King: The camp at their university. When I met the coach for the first time things really clicked right off the bat. The coaching staff really spent a lot of time during my high school and summer ball seasons watching me play, which helped make our relationship grow. This helped make my decision to attend Michigan State much easier.

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

King: I like everything about the university, whether its the coaching staff, the respect from everyone on campus, being on a campus is just a great feeling. The success that so many of the other sports programs have had made me want to be part of something special and continue with the success. Also the size of the school was what I was looking for when choosing a college. 

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

King: Oklahoma, Michigan, UCF, Louisville, Notre Dame, and Indiana.

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

King: Drake Fellows, he is a 90+ guy with good control and a quality breaking ball. 

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?

King: When I was about 12 I joined the IL Sparks and with the coaches that helped teach me the game, it was around then that I started to take things more serious. The different coaches with my travel team over the years helped me learn so much about the game and supported me thru it all. To be surrounded by former pro ball players and top level college guys helped motivate me.

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

King: Always strive to do your best, surround yourself with great coaches that know the game and develop you as a player, and enjoy the game. During the off season work hard at the game, working at both the offensive and defensive parts of the game equal. 

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

King: When I pitched lefty in a baseball game and stuck out the first batter I faced. Then I realized it was not my day when I hit the next two batters and was unable to finish the inning. But I still enjoy throwing lefty today because it helps make the game lose.

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

King: We have a really young team at Brother Rice, but I think we have the players to meet our goals. As long as our team plays the way we are capable, we can compete against anyone. If we can win our conference I think that would help us build confidence going into the playoffs and compete for the ring. We have the tools solid pitching, bats, and the speed to get it done we just need to make it happen.

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

King: IL Sparks. Playing in Georgia with the 17u team at PG LakePoint having the chance to play on such great fields with top talent. 

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