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Q&A with Alabama-Birmingham commit Jess Davis (Kearney, 2017)

May 4, 2016

Shon Plack
Missouri Scouting Director



Alabama-Birmingham got a verbal commit from Jess Davis (Kearney, 2017) to play baseball when is high school career has finished.  Davis attended the PBR Future Games last August, and had the third-best 60 time at the event at 6.58-seconds.  The 6-foot 175-pound left-handed hitter as an exit velo of 85 mph and positional velo 85 mph.

He is a quick-twitch athlete and moves to the ball with ease in the outfield with good reads off the bat.  At the plate, he has an athletic setup with a smooth load. He uses his lower half well and has fast bat speed with a level swing.

Davis will be joining his brother, Zack, at Alabama-Birmingham.  Both are stand-out two-sport athletes at Kearney, having success on the gridiron as well.

Here is a look inside the recruitment of Jess Davis.

PBR: What were your expectations about the recruiting process? Was it as expected? Easy/Difficult?

Davis: I knew the recruiting process was going to be exciting because both of my older brothers went through it so I had some experience with it. It started fairly early during my Freshman summer and things really started picking up throughout my Sophomore year and summer when I landed a few offers. After I tore my ACL playing football this past fall things slowed down a bit but several schools, and most importantly UAB, made it known that wouldn't be an issue.
 
PBR: Did location or distance from home play a factor in you! r decision?

Davis: Not really, I knew I wanted to play somewhere in the South with a high level baseball program. UAB is about 11 hours from home, but having my brother there will make it feel like home.
 
PBR: Where did Alabama-Birmingham first see you? How did your relationship develop with them?

Davis: UAB first saw me play last spring with my high school team. My brother Zack had already committed there so I knew the coaches and had spoken with them before. The coaching staff stayed in contact with me throughout my sophomore and junior year. Also, I went on a couple of visits.

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

Davis: Justin Mitchell, he's an all around great athlete and can mash.
 
PBR: What advice would you give to young baseball players striving to get where you are?

Davis: I would say that the recruiting process can get confusing and hard sometimes, but don't let that discourage you. If you have talent and put in the work you will get noticed. Also, when life knocks you down, come back better. Adversity makes you stronger and God always has a plan.
 
PBR: What do you do in the offseason to keep yourself in baseball shape and prepare for the upcoming season?

Davis: I lift weights, hit off the tee a lot, take batting practice, play long toss, and do speed and agility.
 
PBR: What is the most memorable moment in your baseball career to this point?

Davis: One of my most memorable moments was playing in the Futures Games in Indianapolis. It was an incredible experience playing with some of the best baseball players in the country in front of 200 scouts and is something I'll never forget.
 
PBR: What do you like most about Alabama-Birmingham and what were the key factors in making your decision?

Davis: Everything about UAB is awesome. The coaches are amazing and will help me grow as a man and a player.  Regions Field is great, and the university itself is just what I was looking for. Birmingham is a great city and having my brother there as my teammate will be really cool.
 
PBR: What other schools were on your short list before you made your final decision?

Davis: I was fortunate to have several offers but my short list was Bradley, Dallas Baptist, and Baylor.
 
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

Davis: It started to heat up for me last summer and carried into this winter. I got a lot of exposure last summer playing in the Perfect Game tournament in Atlanta, the PBR Futures Games, and the KC Get Hits All Star Game.

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

Davis: I play for Karl Carswell and the KC Barnstormers in the summer. My most memorable experience was travelling around the Midwest playing ball at a high level with all the guys

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