Commitment Q&A with Kansas State Signee Blake Neis
January 22, 2024
We had the opportunity to talk with Neis on his recruitment as a whole, his decision to commit to Kansas State, and more. You'll find our full chat below.
OUR Q&A
PBR: What were your expectations about the recruiting process? What were you looking for out of a college program to continue your baseball career at?
Neis: My expectations were pretty open, I just wanted a coach who was going to be open and honest through the process and tell me what I need to hear instead of what I wanted to hear. I wanted a program who did things the right way and that I could make an impact at. I wanted to be somewhere where they truly wanted me.
PBR: Did location or distance from home play a factor in your decision?
Neis: Yes, I have always liked growing up in Kansas and being in the Midwest. It just feels like home to me. So a school close to home was a big factor for me in my decision to Kansas State because I love Kansas and I will be able to come back and see my family often as well.
PBR: When did the recruiting process really start to heat up for you? Where did the school you committed to first see you play?
Neis: Recruiting really started to heat up for me the summer going into my freshman year of high school. I had a decent summer and my velocity started to climb and schools started calling. I originally committed to Wichita State my sophomore year, they had seen me a little bit before during the summer and after the summer they really recruited me hard after I went to one of their camps. Kansas State saw me at one of their camps and liked what they saw, they also saw many videos of me as well as seeing me throw in previous years as well.
PBR: What do you like most about the program you chose, and what were the key factors in making your decision?
Neis: The thing that stuck out to me the most about Kansas State is that their coaching staff does it the right way. They play the game the right way and I really liked that and wanted to be apart of that. Coach Hughes is an amazing coach followed by Coach Darrow, Wix, and others that all contribute to an amazing program. Their coaching staff, experience, location, and success were all key factors in my decision to go there.
PBR: What other schools were on your short list before you made your final decision?
Neis: Wichita State (previous commitment), Mizzouri, Nebraska, Arkansas, Oklahoma State, Iowa, etc.
PBR: Who is the best player you have faced in your state? What about them makes for a tough opponent?
Neis: I have faced many power five hitters in my high school career but the toughest player I have competed against has probably been Jack Jones (Shawnee Mission East, 2024; Tennessee signee). Jack can flat out rake. The thing that makes him so tough to throw against is that if you as a pitcher make a mistake, he is going to make you pay for it. Not only does he possess a power tool, he can spray the ball to all parts of the field. So having to stay sharp and hit all my spots every pitch against him definitely made him my toughest player I have had to face.
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?
Neis: Once I got to high school, freshman year I hit 90 mph and had a great season against some other college caliber players and after that it gave me the confidence and confirmation that I will be able to continue on after high school and take my game to the next level.
PBR: What advice would you give to young baseball players striving to get where you are?
Neis: Don't ever quit. There was many times where I could have given up but if you want to play at the next level you have to wake up everyday and attack it like it could be your last. Push through the hard times and enjoy the good ones and when you achieve your goal, it will be a great feeling.
PBR: What is the most memorable moment in your baseball career to this point?
Neis: The most memorable moment in my baseball career to this point is signing to Kansas State. I have had many great games and great moments but achieving my life long dream of playing division 1 baseball is my most memorable moment for sure.
PBR: Preview your high school team's season for us. How do you feel your team will be?
Neis: I am very excited about this season, coming off of a rough season last year, our team is fired up and hungry for success. We have some dudes on our team this year. Beau Peterson (Mill Valley, 2026), Cooper Schreiber (Mill Valley, 2026), Jake Hobbs (Mill Valley, 2025), Acy Van Rheen (Mill Valley, 2026), Brandon Neis (Mill Valley, 2026), just to name a few. We have a good chance at making a good run this year. Our new 26 game schedule is bringing some opponents we have not seen yet and I think our team is ready to take on those challenges.
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