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By Jerry Shank
Maryland Scouting Director

Kieran Garner RHP River Hill HS
MD/DE Rank: No. 3
Overall Rank: No. 80
Position Rank: No. 1
Maryland Commit

SCOUTING REPORT

2.21.16 - Projectable pitchers frame at 6-foot-2, 205-pounds. Pitches from the stretch only. Controlled delivery. Has a long arm action with electric arm speed. Ball comes out well. Works downhill well. Throws from a high ¾ arm angle. Fastball has run and sink to the pitch, touching 92 mph, pitching 86-90. Changeup has near fastball arm speed with late dive to the pitch at 80 mph. Breaking ball has tight rotation with 11/5 shape and sharp action. Potential to be a power pitch at 73 mph. Very interesting prospect in the 2017 class that could draw pro interest in senior year. 

Q&A

What made Maryland the right fit for you?
+ The combination of academics, coaching staff and sporting competition.

What was the recruiting process like?
+ I was offered in the fall of my sophomore year and my parents wanted me close to home. I still wanted to see other schools and I had time to explore and make an informed decision. After I committed I never looked backed. I love UMD sports and the school is academically where I want to be.

What other schools did you consider?
+ UVA, VT, Penn State, Duke, and a few others.

What were key factors you were looking for during the process?
+ I grew up rooting for Maryland in basketball and football and always loved UMD sports. I also learned as I got older that UMD was a highly ranked school and that made it more attractive. As I got to know the coaching staff and began to really follow the program, I realized something special was going on there.

What are your goals now before you step on campus?
+ I want to work hard and earn a spot as a starter on the rotation. I am really anxious to see how I will fit in the team and want to do my best.I want to play for my home state and help us win.

What have you learned from your time with your high school / travel organization?
+ I have played for the Howard County Raiders, Savage Eagles, Elkridge Hurricanes, Tri-State Arsenal, American Legion Post 60 and The Evoshield Canes. My high school team is The River Hill Hawks. Although I have learned a great deal from all my coaches over the years, I have probably learned the most about baseball from my American Legion coach Doc Drewyer and my high school coach Wes McCoy. Coach McCoy gave me the opportunity to play varsity as a freshman which has given me a lot of big game experience in my high school career. Coach Drewyer also took me onto to a 19-u roster full of older players who played American Legion Baseball at a very high level when I was at a young age. In both situations I had to step up and get the job done against older competition. Playing with and against the best competition always makes you better.

What advice do you have for players going through the recruiting process?
+ Do your homework. You won't get many opportunities if you don't have grades. Also try to figure out what you want from a school. Then try to match your abilities with a school that fits your academic needs. Go to PBR events or similar and get evaluated. Work on your game and get instruction to improve your game. Go to college camps of programs you like and find out if they like you. Ask questions, learn about the program and the coaches. If there is a match then you have succeeded.

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