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By Sammy Serrano
Director of Scouting

We recently had the opportunity to sit down with VCU commit Jack Alkire.  The 5-foot-10, 185-pound, RHP, from DeMatha Catholic, is a competitor on the mound with a fastball that can reach the low 90's.

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

Alkire:  I didn't know exactly what to expect, but it was fairly easy, as I had to keep in touch with the coaches I had been talking to, along with keeping my grades up. 

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

Alkire:  I wanted to go to a school that I thought I had a good chance of playing at, while being challenged at the same time. 

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

Alkire:  Location wasn't the deciding factor, but it's nice that it's two and a half hours away. That way I can get away from home in a sense while not being extremely far. Also, my parents can come see me play being close enough to Richmond. 

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?

Alkire:  The process started to heat up the summer after my sophomore year. Playing for the EvoShield Canes provided a ton of exposure, so that summer in general was the turning point. 

PBR:   Where did the college you chose first see you? How did your relationship develop with them?

Alkire:  VCU first saw me that summer after sophomore year, but they first contacted me after the Ft. Myers Perfect Game Underclass tournament. At this point, the relationship with the coaches developed as I made weekly phone calls to get to know about what VCU had to offer both athletically and academically. 

PBR:   What do you like most about the college you committed to and what were the key factors in making your decision?

Alkire:  The coaches, facilities, and the major I wanted to study are what sealed the deal for me I believe. I also like the city of Richmond and think it will be a fun place to go to college. 

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

Alkire:  UMBC was the about the only other school I was considering when I made my decision. 

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

Alkire:  One of the best players I faced in my state was also my high school teammate, Justin Morris. Whenever DeMatha would hold inter-squad games, I would always have to throw against him, and every at-bat he had against me I never found a way to get him out. He reached base just about every time.

PBR:   At what point in your career did you realize you were a college caliber player and became serious about taking your game to the next level?

Alkire:  When I was told I was the opening day starter for DeMatha my sophomore year, it felt pretty special. I thought I was lucky to make the team instead of playing another JV season. Being able to play with older guys forced me to work harder to be on that level. 

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

Alkire: Ask questions. Figure out if what you're doing to get better is truly helpful or if you are just wasting your time.  When you figure out what works, work at it everyday and don't stray away. For me it was getting stronger in the gym and developing good mechanics. 

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

Alkire:  The most memorable moment in my career so far would be winning the 2013 WCAC Championship. It was a huge team effort. Personally, throwing a no-hitter with 16 strikeouts this summer was memorable. 

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

Alkire:  I have high hopes for my high school team this season. We have a strong team all around. I want us to really come together as a team and bond as we did my sophomore year. Our goal is to win a championship. 

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

Alkire:  I played my last two summers with the EvoShield Canes. The best experience is going down to Georgia for the East Cobb tournament for a week. It was a great way to bond and have fun playing with a great group of guys.