Prep Baseball Report

Inside the Commitment: 2017 Grant Burleson chooses Maryland



By Jerry Shank
Maryland Scouting Director



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Grant Burleson, currently the fifth ranked player in the class of 2017 for the state of Maryland recently made his decision last week to attend the University of Maryland. The talented left handed pitcher has been part of a talented program with the Evoshield Canes this summer and spent this past spring part of a talented roster at Parkside HS in Salisbury, MD on the Eastern Shore.  For the next two years he will play a major role in the Rams pitching staff. Burleson took some time out of his busy schedule running around the East Coast to answer a few questions with PBR Maryland.

What made Maryland the best fit for you?
+The academics are very high. I really liked the coaching staff and everything they have put together. It was in-state which made it easier for my family.

Were you considering any other schools?
+I was considering Clemson and ECU. Both were pretty far from home though.

You have two years until graduation, what are some goals you would like to accomplish before then?
+I would like to become a better pitcher in hitting my spots and improving my off speed. Also gain more velocity. A State championship would be awesome.

What factors made you feel that this was the right time to make your commitment?
+The program is on the rise. The facilities and field are being redone. I want to be part of a program that's building a tradition of winning. The 2017 class coming in is going to be fantastic.

Where did the coaching staff first see you? How has your relationship developed with them?
+The first time the coach saw me was at one of my High School games. I've been in contact with them since then. He came back to see me early in the summer and really liked the improvements I've been making. I visited once again and just fell in love with the program and the campus.

What do you consider your biggest strength as a player?
+It doesn't matter if I'm throwing bad or good I keep my head on straight and don't get down on myself. I feel like I can work out of any situation.

Who has had the biggest impact on you as a player?
+Jamie Evans, he introduced a velo program to me which help a lot. I threw bullpens with him every week and worked on everything I needed to. Since then I have been an efficient pitcher.

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