Prep Baseball Report

Q&A with Kansas State Commit RHP Daniel Harper (Bishop Miege, 2017)



Shon Plack
Kansas Scouting Director

Daniel Harper (Bishop Miege, 2017) is a 6'3 200-pound wide shoulder big framed right handed pitcher and has verbally committed to Kansas State. 

Last summer, Harper attended both the Underclass Games in June and the Future Games in late July.  A the Future Games, Harper showed a smooth high three-quarters delivery and late movement on his fastball at 86-88 mph.  He threw quality strikes getting hitters to swing and miss.  He also displayed a tighter spinning breaking pitch at 72-74 mph.

Harper is looking to lead the Stags back to the Class 4 D-1 state championhsip in 2016 and is currently pitching for the Kansas City Royals Elite Scout Team this fall. 

Below is a look inside how Harper chose Kansas State.

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

Harper: I expected to have to promote my abilities to college coaches. It was much easier than this, all it took was going to the PBR Underclass Games in June 2015. After this event coaches were contacting my high school and summer coaches to arrange interviews with them.

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

Harper: Yes, very much so. I wanted to play at a school where my parents and family could come and see me play. Also there was huge comfort level being only two hours away from home and knowing that I could visit family when I wanted to.

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

Harper: Kansas State first saw me at the PBR Underclass Games in June. They began to show increased interest in me after the Perfect Game WWBA in July.

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

Harper: As a hitter, Riley Pint, because he has a mid to upper 90s fastball as well as an incredible breaking ball.  As a pitcher, fellow Kansas State commit, Jacob Owens. He can fight off any pitch and takes advantage of mistakes.

PBR: Describe you experience at the PBR Future Games.

Harper: It was unbelievable. The amount of exposure I got there was second to none.

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

Harper: Never give up no matter how many times you are told no and to keep working because some players develop later than others. You never know when you are going to make that final jump to being a Division 1 recruit.

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

Harper: This offseason I plan to do strength and conditioning at Renzi Performance and Wellness. Beginning in November I will do a pitching program called Premier Pitching KC, that will continue to improve my command, velocity, and pre and post throwing arm care.

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

Harper: By far, closing out our regional game last year against Spring Hill and being at the bottom of the dog pile. Also this summer I had the privilege of participating in the Underclass Area Code Games in Long Beach. Both are experiences I will never forget.

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

Harper: Wichita State University and The University of Missouri.

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?

Harper: After the Perfect Game WWBA in July. This is when Kansas State began to recruit me heavily. 

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 Bishop Miege in 2016.

Harper: We are going to be very competitive in the toughest league in Kansas, the EKL. I expect that we finish near the top of the EKL, and win the 4A state tournament. Paul Wendling, our catcher, will play a huge role because he can control the running game and has a great bat. Carter Putz, will help us with his defense at second base and bat at the top of the order.

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

Harper: I play with the KC Barnstormers. Going to Atlanta for the Perfect Game WWBA has been the most memorable moment so far.

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