Prep Baseball Report

Q&A With Minnesota Commit: Jordan Kozicky



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By Rob Allison
Minnesota State Director

Jordan Kozicky, MIF, Minneapolis Southwest, Class of 2015

PBR:  Why did you choose the University of Minnesota?
KOZICKY: I chose Minnesota because they showed a lot of interest in me and it has always been a dream to play for my hometown school. It has also been a goal of mine to play D1 baseball and the U of M has a strong program which really impacted my commitment.

PBR:  What other schools were you considering?
KOZICKY: University of Wisconsin- Milwaukee, North Dakota State, and Cincinnati.

PBR:  Where did they first see you? How did your relationship develop with the coaching staff?
KOZICKY: They first saw me at a legion game this past summer. They heard about me from other coaches around the state apparently and decided to come out and give me a look. They liked what they saw and came to more games and saw me at showcases. I got to know the coaches very well this summer through these interactions.

PBR: What role do you expect to play your first year on campus?
KOZICKY: For my first year I plan to impress the coaches and other players as much as possible and fight for my spot. Most of the infield is in need of spots so I plan to fight for a position along with the other infield recruits and earn a starting spot.

PBR: Who has had the biggest impact on you as a baseball player?
KOZICKY: My dad has probably had the biggest impact on me as a player. Ever since I was little he was always teaching me to get better and helping with mechanics and giving constant advice. Along with him, Hitdawg Academy, my off season baseball club, has really developed me over the course of high school. Their excellent coaching staff has allowed me to gain lots of power and technique and apply that to my baseball skills all around.

PBR: What have you worked on/improved since last year?
KOZICKY: I have worked a lot on my hands in the field and my ability to hit to all fields. I am a good fielder but always improving my technique with my hands is crucial as a defender and being able to hit to all sides of the field makes you dangerous as a hitter which I think is important.

PBR: Who is the toughest player that you have faced in Minnesota?
KOZICKY: Probably Robbie Palkert out of Hopkins. I faced him for the first time this past legion season and he is probably one of the toughest pitchers I have ever had to face. His change-up was amazing which is rare in high school and he is going to Nebraska to pitch so you know he is good.

PBR:  What are your thoughts on the recruiting process? Any advice for future players in your position.
KOZICKY: Every game just go out to impress because you don't know who is watching or who will talk about you later. I come from a Minneapolis school not well known for baseball but because I had a good mentality towards my performance it allowed me to get recognized by coaches and get recruited later on.

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