By Phil Wade
Director, PBR Indiana

Nolan Watson, a 6-foot-2, 190 pound RHP/3B from Lawrence North HS established himself as one of the most touted right-handed arms in the 2015 class, but after Sunday the No. 4 ranked Watson is no longer on the open recruiting market. 

“I’m a Commodore,” Watson told PBR Indiana.  “I plan to compete in the SEC and win both conference and CWS titles.” 

Watson, ranked No.14 in the overall PBR Rankings, has spent the last year researching schools, taking visits, and trying to narrow down what school would be the best fit for him both academically and baseball wise. 

At one point he had offers from Louisville, Notre Dame, and Ohio State.  He took visits to each and had nothing but good things to say about each program, making the decision tougher and tougher.  However, it came down to his original dream of playing at college baseball’s highest level, the SEC. 

“I chose Vanderbilt because it's in the SEC and because the campus is beautiful and it felt like home.  On top of a comforting campus, a degree from Vanderbilt will take me a long way. “ 

Watson earned the MVP award at last August’s Midwest Future Games at Indiana University where he delivered on the mound, at the plate, and in the field.  He started off hot striking out five hitters, allowing just one hit in his two innings of work.  His fastball sat 88-89 (he’s been up to 90) and threw a 73-74 mph breaking ball consistently for strikes.  At the plate he was 2-2 with a two-run triple and scored twice in a game versus Team Wisconsin.  In his next game he added another hit, and showcased his plus arm from the outfield at 92 mph.  

Watson says that he will be given the opportunity during the fall when he arrives on campus to prove whether or not he can play both.  

“I need to stay within in myself at the plate and have to continue to improve on maximizing the use of my entire body both at the plate and on the mound.  I’m working on getting comfortable with multiple off speed pitches and getting more movement on my fastball.” 

Watson is the sixth player from Team Indiana to commit to a Division One program and the first to an SEC school. 

2013 Midwest Future Games Team Indiana Roster & Commitments
http://www.prepbaseballreport.com/past-showcases/IN/2013-Futures-Games