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Q&A with Eastern Illinois Commit OF Jackson Mueller (Ft. Zumwalt East, 2015)

January 5, 2015

Shon Plack
Missouri Scouting Director

Jackson Mueller (Fort Zumwalt East, 2015) has committed to play at Eastern Illinois. Mueller is a strong 6-foot-2 180-pound right-handed hitting outfielder. At the Unsigned Senior Showcase on November 8, Mueller showed anover-the-top release with mostly accurate throws in the outfield evaluations.  He plays through the ball with a fluid exchange and quick footwork.  He had an 84 mph positional velo. At the plate, Mueller took a good round of batting practice.  He starts with athletic stance and has a simple/smooth load.  He showed quick quick bat speed and a level path to extension.  Mueller has a line drive approach to both gaps with power potential. He ran a 6.98 60 and 4.54 home-to-first.  He has an 89 mph exit velo.

Mueller looks to lead Fort Zumwalt East this spring.  He finished last season with a .478 slugging percentage, hitting six doubles and two home runs, while driving in 27 RBI.  Mueller earned second team all-conference honors for his efforts.  

Recently, Mueller discussed how he chose Eastern Illinois.

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

Mueller: In the beginning I knew it was going to be difficult and stressful, and that is exactly what it was.

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

Mueller: Definitely, I’d like a distance that my parents can still watch me play on occasion.

PBR: Where did Eastern Illinois first see you play? How did your relationship develop with them?

Mueller: They first saw me from my PBR video and they asked me to come to their camp. My relationship developed very rapidly through email and phone calls.

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

Mueller: The whole GAC has a lot of great players in it, especially in the class of 2015.

PBR: What were you looking for out of a college program to continue your baseball career at?

Mueller: I was looking for a place where I have potential to play ball and get a good education at.

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

Mueller: I would tell him to have fun playing the game hard and to keep a positive attitude because good things happen to kids who work hard.

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

Mueller: I like to do a lot of weights and conditioning. Baseball wise I like to do a lot of tee work.

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

Mueller: Winning the Zumwalt North tournament last year while being the lowest seed.

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

Mueller: The campus was a perfect fit and I have heard nothing but good things about that school.

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

Mueller: Lindenwold, Mineral Area, and Heartland CC

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?

Mueller: It started to heat up after I went to a couple of good showcases, and sending me recruiting video to a couple schools. It really slowly progressed, it wasn’t like every school contacted me at once.

PBR: Preview your high school season for us. How do you feel your team will be? What are your expectations and goals? Name some players that will play a key role for Fort Zumwalt East in 2015.

Mueller: It is going to come down to pitching for us. Other than that we are going to be solid offensively. Jonas Montani, Ben Sugar, Tyler Grimes and Jeff Beiter are going to have to lead the team again this year. I expect a solid season this year.

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

Mueller: I play for the SLABA Stallions coached by Josh Rogers and Bill Sugar. My most memorable experience is when we went to Kansas City and final game of that tournament. They’ll know what I’m talking about.

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