Uncommitted Senior Spotlight: Jack Miller of Columbus DeSales
October 26, 2011
Even fewer get the chance to advance to twice.
As a freshman at Columbus DeSales, Jack Miller (5-9, 170) served as the team’s varsity catcher alongside a talented roster of upperclassmen.
Due to his excellent receiving and throwing skills, Miller played a pivotal role in the team’s success and run for a state championship. Unfortunately for Miller and his DeSales teammates, their run was stopped by Walsh Jesuit.
Fast forward to this past spring.
Miller, a three-starter for DeSales, found himself on a team without any seniors. Despite a medicore record and low expectations, DeSales pulled off an improbable run and won the Division II state championship.
“Being on a state champion team was incredible,” Miller says.
He continues, “I love the guys I play with and I consider them my brothers, and to win a state tile with them and for our school was amazing.”
With last year’s success behind him, Miller is turning his attention to the recruiting process.
He has been hearing from an assortment of Division II, Division III, and NAIA programs, including Walsh University, Lake Erie College, Ohio Wesleyan, and Heidelberg.
As colleges look to fill their needs with the Class of 2012, Miller says, “I feel that I bring a sense of leadership to a team. From a catching standpoint, it is my job to manage the game. My strengths are overall leadership, ability to call a game, and work with my pitchers and defense.”
With the shift to BBCOR bats and an added emphasis on speed on the base paths, many programs will likely be searching now, more than ever, for an excellent defensive catcher. Surely, Miller will fill that void for some program.
Last spring, Miller, who is a scrappy, right-handed hitter, compiled a .319 batting average with a .405 on base percentage, 30 hits, 11 walks and 4 HBP.
Beyond his duties behind the plate, Miller also shows the athleticism and arm strength to play the outfield at the next level.