Prep Baseball Report

Class of 2012 Spotlight: Webb City standout Breckin Williams



As one of the top uncommitted seniors in the Class of 2012, the 6-foot-1, 195-pound Breckin Williams (ranked No. 10 in the PBR Class of 2012) has established himself as a versatile player, who can make an impact in the outfield, at shortstop, and on the mound; as well as a leader in the middle of the lineup.  Williams will be the undisputed leader of the Webb City HS baseball team this spring. He is an athlete in every sense of the word, a standout  quarterback, point guard, and player who is makes an difference both on and off the baseball field.

We recently caught up with Williams to see how the recruiting process has been going.

PBR: As you head into your senior year what schools have spoken to you and shown interest?

Williams: Schools that have shown interest are Mizzou, Missouri State, Tulane, Central Missouri, Quincy University, Rockhurst University, Eastern Oklahoma(Juco), Iowa Western(Juco), JeffCo (Juco), and Missouri Southern State University.

PBR: What are you doing now in preparation for both recruiting and the high school season?

Williams: Right now I’m just taking it slow. Letting all the calls and interest come in. Being in season with football, I feel as the team captain I need to be committed to the football team more than my personal self. As far as preparing myself, I try to hit once or twice a week, staying tuned up and working on my swing is a must.

PBR: You are one of the top ranked players in the Class of 2012 (No. 10), do you feel that gives you an advantage in recruiting or puts more pressure on you to perform up to that ranking?

Williams: To be in the top ten is an honor in itself. I believe it helps you get your name out to colleges who haven’t heard of you. I believe it gives you confidence in yourself, rather than putting pressure on you. Yes, you want to perform to show that you belong there, but to go along with it you get the added confidence it needs to do it.

PBR: You have played with and against some top talent in Missouri, how do you feel that has prepared you going into your senior year?

Williams: I feel it has given me the experience I need to perform at my best. To know how to handle a slump and get out of it, for example. I think I know what it takes to play at the level I want to. To see consistent mid to upper 80’s fastballs is really impressive for the area.

PBR: Do you feel playing in the Springfield area prepares a player to be ready for college?

Williams: Yes I do. To play against some of the best talent in the state such as Spencer Johnson and Dean Deetz is a positive. You get to go out there and compete against the best of the best, day in and day out. You don’t get that opportunity every where.

PBR: When you’re not competing in the spring, are there certain things you do to stay in the best physical shape you can?

Williams: Being a three-sport athlete really helps staying in shape and fit. I’m always trying to get stronger and faster. I lift 2-3 times a week outside of school, working specifically on speed and natural strength. I think that helps as much as anything.

PBR: Last season, Webb City was the pre-season number one and ranked in the Coaches and PBR rankings all season long. How do you expect the team to be in 2012 and who will be the big contributors besides you?

Williams: I expect this team to work well as a unit. I don’t think you’ll see any outstanding numbers from us, but we will get the job done.  The seniors Gage Belcher, Carson Powell, Richie Peoples, Klay James, and Andrew McDaniel have been playing together since we were 9 years old.  Also a couple of juniors in Austin White and Jay Roderique should contribute a lot.

PBR: As you go into your senior year are there goals you have set out to accomplish?

Williams: A goal of mine would have to be winning state. That’s our goal every year. My personal goals would to be first team All conference, All district, All area, and most of all, All state.

PBR: Looking back, who did you play for this summer and how did you feel you fared against summer competition?

Williams: Last summer I got the opportunity to play with the Midwest Nationals. It was truly the greatest summer of my life, traveling all over the Midwest and playing baseball against the best competition in the country. The coaches, Randy Merryman and former major leaguer Charlie O’Brien, taught me how to play the game the right way and the way scouts want to see you play it.