Prep Baseball Report

Q&A With Arkansas State Commit Jackson Downing


By: Diego Solares
Area Scout, Illinois & Missouri

RHP Jackson Downing (Liberty North, 2023) helped lead the Eagles to a 6A state championship this past spring. He carried that positive momentum into the summer, where Downing thoroughly impressed our staff at the Creekside Summer Championship across two different outings. He's a mid-to-upper-80s arm that features a quality three-pitch mix, pitching backwords with comfort and working the zone with his entire arsenal.

A PBR Future Games alum, Downing is a top right-handed pitching prospect in the state's current senior group that's headed to Arkansas State next fall. We spoke with the future Red Wolf about his recruiting process, his favorite memory, and more below.

Jackson Downing

Class of 2023 / RHP

Player Information

  • Graduating Class: 2023
  • Primary Position: RHP
    Secondary Position: 3B
  • High School: Liberty North
    State: MO
  • Summer Team: KC Royals Scout Team
  • Height: 6-1
    Weight: 175lbs
  • Bat/Throw: R/R

 

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?

Downing: I was looking for a place where I am going to be able to develop myself while competing at the highest level possible. I wanted to find a place I also have a chance to get playing time early.

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

D: Location did not play a factor. I just wanted to find a place that was going to be a good fit for me as a player.

P: When did the recruiting process really start to heat up for you? Where did the school you committed to first see you play?

D: I think my recruiting process really started to heat up in the summer going into my junior year. I really saw a velo jump and my body developed a lot between my sophomore high school season and junior summer. Arkansas State first saw me play at the PBR Future Games at Lakepoint. They then came to a few fall workouts with the Royals Scout Team.

P: What do you like most about the program you chose, and what were the key factors in making your decision?

D: I really enjoy that they are a place that cares a lot about development. The coaching staff builds an atmosphere that is like a family which was also very important to me. The Sun Belt Conference is also known as being one of the best baseball conferences in the NCAA. I think being able to compete against those other schools will really help me develop as a player.

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

D: Wofford, St. Louis University, Illinois State, Air Force Academy

P: Who is the best player you have faced in your state? What about them makes for a tough opponent?

D: I think RHP Karson Milbrandt (Liberty, 2022; Miami Marlins draft) was the best player I have faced in the state. He is always there to bring his best at you no matter what.

P: 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?

D: I think I realized that playing in college could be a reality my freshman year in high school. That summer going into my freshman year really made me realize that it was a possibility. I saw a few guys on my team start to get some serious looks and to know I was right with those guys was really eye opening.

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

D: My advice to younger players is to always have the mentality that you are the best on the field on that given moment. Whether it's you on the mound trying to beat the hitter or in the box trying to get on base for your team. The more you have that mindset, you and your body will start to believe it.

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

D: I think the most memorable moment is winning the Class 6 state championship. There is no better feeling than being able to represent more than yourself and to bring a whole community together to create history.

P: Preview your high school team's season for us. How do you feel your team will be?

D: Expectations will definitely be high coming off our schools first ever final four appearance and state championship. We have a lot of returning guys from last years team so we will have a shot to go get another one for sure.

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