Prep Baseball Report

Q&A with Washburn Commit LHP Jared Sharp (Blue Valley Southwest, 2018)


Shon Plack
Kansas Scouting Director

Jared Sharp (Blue Valley Southwest, 2019) has recently committed to Washburn University in Topeka.  Here is a look inside the recruiting process for Jared Sharp.

Jared Sharp

Class of 2018 / LHP

Player Information

  • Graduating Class: 2018
  • Primary Position: LHP
    Secondary Position: OF
  • High School: Blue Valley Southwest
    State: KS
  • Height: 5-10
    Weight: 155lbs
  • Bat/Throw: L/L

Statistics

Pitching
82
Max FB
77 - 82
FB
62 - 64
CB
68 - 71
CH
Position
7.66
60-yard
70
INF Velo
75
OF Velo
81
Exit Velo
4.71
H-1st
PBR: What were your expectations about the recruiting process? Was it as expected? Easy/Difficult?

Sharp: I figured the recruiting process was going to be a long and an extensive, but I knew as long as I kept on performing at the level that I was, that sooner or later, schools would be in contact. The main thing I learned from it and that I would share with people is be patient, do the work, and you will find the right school for you.



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

Sharp: Location did play a factor in my decision, because my family has been with me through every step of this process. I owe it all to them for what they provided me throughout the years. All the time and effort that they have spent traveling across the country to give me the opportunity to play on a national stage.  So having them only an hour away is great, now I will have many more opportunities to play baseball in front of my family.



PBR: Where did Washburn first see you? How did your relationship develop with them?

Sharp: Washburn first saw me at a tournament this fall, after my performance they followed up with me and invited me to their camp. Where I got to meet the coaches and showcase once again for them. I first met Coach Joy through my pitching coach Blair Johnson. After talking with Coach Joy and having him show me around the facilities and campus on my visit to Washburn, I realized how great of a program Coach Douglas and the rest of the staff have at Washburn. As soon as I stepped on campus I realized that Washburn is a great fit for me, and that is where I wanted to go.



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

Sharp: The best player that I have faced in Kansas, I would have to say is Drew Howard of Blue Valley. He has an outstanding understanding and feel for the game. He has great footwork and smooth hands up the middle, and is always a tough out at the plate. Along with his skill set he is an absolute competitor, he brings it to the field every day. I have been able to play along side with him as well and can say that he is a great teammate and an even better human being




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

Sharp: My advice for the young players striving to reach the next level would be to keep your head down and put the work in. Control what you can control, be patient, and stay focus and determined for your goal. Always strive to better yourself and never settle.

PBR: What do you do in the offseason to keep yourself in baseball shape and prepare for the upcoming season?

Sharp: Besides the stuff I do on my own, I workout with Blair Johnson at Building Champions twice a week, being able to work with him as much as I do, prepares me physically and mentally for the season ahead. 



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

Sharp: The most memorable moment so far I would have to say is traveling to Cooperstown, New York and playing a week-long tournament against the best teams around the country. It was truly a once in a lifetime experience that I will never forget



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

Sharp: I felt comfortable and I liked the coaching staff at Washburn. They have a great campus, and their business program, also made me realize that Washburn was the right fit for me.



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

Sharp: Washburn, and Northeastern Oklahoma A&M



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?

Sharp: The recruiting process really heated up for me this past summer, I started to see a lot more coaches in the stands, and began communicating with college coaches.

PBR: 

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

Sharp: I feel that our team has one goal in mind and that is to win a state title. We are anxious to get the bitter taste out of our mouth from how the season ended last year. We got a great group of guys returning for us and can’t wait to get the season started.



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

Sharp: I play for Building Champions in the summer. They have a world class coaching staff and I respect every single one them. They have gifted me with many lifelong lessons, friendships and many memories along the way. A memory that I will never forget was this past summer we traveled to Nashville for a tournament, then we all got on a bus and went to Lexington, KY for a few days to train before we bussed to Atlanta to compete against the best in the country for a week. We were on the road for a total of 18 days, with no parents, and it gave us an experience what it feels like to compete at the next level.

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