Shon Plack
Kansas Scouting Director

Jayton Haggard (Marysville, 2017) is a 6-foot-2, 160-pound shortstop and has chosen to play college baseball at Emporia State.

The right-handed hitting middle infielder has a balanced set-up at the plate, and an open stance at the plate.  He has, good bat speed with minimal hand load.  He stays extended through the ball after contact, and has an 85 mph exit velocity.  Haggard runs a 4.758 home to first base from the right side and a 6.89 60-yard dash time.

Defensively, Haggard has athletic actions, attacking the ball with clean exchanges.  He has loose arm action, fluid footwork, and a 80 mph throwing velocity.

On the mound Haggard showed a smooth, clean and repeatable delivery with good direction and loose arm action from his high ¾ release point. Fastball was 81-85 mph and his curveball was 71-74 mph with tight break, good action and 11/5 shape. He throws a high percentage of strikes.

Here is a look inside the recruitment of Jayton Haggard.

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

Haggard: My expectation was to get my name out to schools. Coming from a small school, I knew I had to do more than just play in town. PBR did really help me get my name and skills out and it was really easy to do by going to the PBR events.

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

Haggard: No, i wanted to play for a school that would be the best fit for me, so I was open to any area.

PBR: Where did Emporia State first see you? How did your relationship develop with them?

Haggard: ESU first saw me through the PBR games and then follow up tournaments at their facility. The relationship actually developed through one of my summer ball coaches when Emporia started asking him about me.

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

Haggard: Best player I placed this year in Kansas, Cole Larson during high school ball. He happens to also play on my Stix team. Why? He's a great pitcher with a hard fastball, good change up and curve.

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

Haggard: Reach out to coaches, early and often. Pick up the phone and call. Stay in contact with text. Dont expect them to just find you. There are many good ballplayers out there so set yourself apart.

PBR: What do you do in the offseason to keep yourself in baseball shape and prepare for the upcoming season?

Haggard: I workout with baseball drills year around. I lift weights and play other sports, football and basketball. There really isn't a down time or season that i'm not doing something.

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

Haggard: Throwing a complete game shut out at the University of Arkansas.

PBR: What do you like most about Emporia State and what were the key factors in making your decision?

Haggard: I like the tradition and overall essence of the school. It's just a good school and I had a great feeling about the place the very day of my visit.

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

Haggard: Cloud County and Highland. Both have new coaches re-starting those programs. Both are great guys and I wish them and their programs well.

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?

Haggard: This past summer before my senior year is when the recruiting processes really heated up. Nothing really sticks out as "the one". I just knew that it was important for me to play well all summer as eyes were on me.

PBR: Preview your high school season for us. How do you feel your team will be? What are your expectations and goals?

Haggard: For our high  school team, I think we'll be competitive. We have a new head coach this year, Derek Pretre. He has been our assistant coach. Looking forward to what changes he brings to our squad. I expect us to be in the running for Regional Champs.

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

Haggard: I play for the Midwest Stix out of Manhattan during the summer. My shut out at the Unvirsity of Arkansas is my most memorable moment personally, but getting to play with a great group of guys working for a common goal was/is the best. Coach Shane, Coach Derek, Coach Drew, Coach Moody....all great guys and that have helped me alot.

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