TWINSBURG - Deacon Nelson had a plan when it came to finding a college home.

“I looked for coaches that fit me with a school that had strong academics, along with a great baseball program,” explained the freshman at University School. 

Nelson, who turned 15 in early August just after playing in the Junior Future Games, believes he has found what he was looking for at the University of Virginia.

“They weren’t able to see me in person until I went to a camp there, but they did see video I sent them,” Nelson noted. “I talked to the coach over the summer and created a relationship with coach Mac (assistant Kevin McMullan).

“When I went down there it was the perfect fit,” Nelson continued. “The program, the culture the coaches created, the academic side, the campus … Overall it was the perfect fit and I didn’t want to pass up the opportunity.”

Virginia was equally impressed with the young recruit from Ohio.

“They look for players that love the camp and will be great teammates,” Nelson explained. “They like my bat and like my athleticism on the field. They thought that me as a person fit what they like. The coaches have been there 20 years and said I fit what they want.”

Ohio State and Auburn were the other top schools under consideration during a recruiting process that was “overwhelming at first but exciting” according to the ninth grader.

“For some it’s stressful, but I looked forward to it,” Nelson said. “It’s always been a dream to play baseball in college and the Junior Future Games helped create exposure for me. That’s where Ohio State saw me. It was an experience like I’ve not seen before. It was cool to play and be seen in that type of environment. It was helpful for me to have that type of experience with all those eyes on you.”

There was some exploration done leading up to the recruiting process for Nelson.

“At the beginning of the year, college wasn’t the first thing on my mind,” Nelson reflected. “I had to do some research and see what I wanted.”

Assistance was provided along the journey to the next level.

“My parents have played a big role in helping with the recruiting process,” Nelson noted. “My dad was also big in my development, practicing with me to help me get better. My coach, Ajay Vulimiri, helped me out with getting in contact with Virginia.”

It all added up to finding the right school for the future.

“It fit all the pieces, it’s the perfect college,” Nelson said of the Atlantic Coast Conference university located in Charlottesville, 61/2 hours from home. “There was no reason to wait to make a decision when I had the right opportunity now. It was extremely exciting for me and I knew it was the right decision. That’s where I want to be and my family supported the decision.”

While a commitment has been made, there is an understanding it is only the beginning.

“I’m working on getting bigger and stronger while continuing to work on my hitting and fielding,” explained the 6-0 155-pounder, a middle infielder who plans to continue to work on his pitching. “The work never stops. I need to work harder now than ever before.”

Nelson believes he can make an impact when college arrives in four years.

“As a player I’ll bring leadership with how I always play hard,” Nelson pointed out. “People can follow me that way. I’ll always be a great teammate and teammates can trust me. I’m also a good student and will always work hard in the classroom.”

Math, science and possibly engineering are being considered as majors for Nelson, who has had straight As throughout his schooling up to this point in his life.

As for college baseball, Nelson looks forward to what lies ahead.

“I want to make the program better than it already is,” Nelson said. “I want to have an effect on the program in a positive way. I want to play in big situations in a place like Omaha. That’s always been a dream of mine and something I’ve looked forward to.”