ANN ARBOR - “Michigan is in our DNA,” proclaimed Jackson Muir, now a commit to the Big 10 school in Ann Arbor where his father played baseball and his mother ran track.

“I’ve always had Michigan football and basketball posters up in my room and Fatheads in the basement.” Muir related. “If you come into my house you’re going to see maize-and-blue all over.”

The second-rated 2023 third baseman in Michigan made a huge velo jump on the mound and the 24th-ranked senior right-handed pitcher in the state is now going to college to play baseball as a PO.

“I went from 86-87 to sitting 90-91,” explained the 6-1 180-pounder. “I had my coaches reach out about it to the Michigan staff and they like local kids. They came to my high school games to watch me pitch, but then I shut down to rest and recover. But recently I went to the Michigan Prospect Camp and threw well there. After that they gave me an opportunity.”

Michigan saw a lot about Muir that stood out.

“One thing they talked about was my character,” Muir noted. “They reached out to some of my coaches and realized I’m not just a fit for them on the field, but also in the classroom and the community.”

While Muir was talking with Michigan State, Ball State, Ohio U and Eastern Michigan in addition to Division II and III schools, it was not a contest once Michigan came into the picture.

“Obviously, the University of Michigan is one of the best in the world,” Muir pointed out. “The coaching staff is great and I connected with (pitching) coach (Brock) Huntzinger. I went to the Penn State football game and it was amazing, everything about it.

“I really like the atmosphere of the big college,” Muir added. “I’m also big with academics, so that’s another big thing about the process. There will be tons of opportunities by going to Michigan.”

The thought about playing at the next level has been around for some time according to Muir.

“Baseball was always my favorite sport growing up and I knew I wanted to play college baseball,” Muir said. “Things changed with Covid when I looked at all the seniors who lost a chance to play. I really worked out during that time to invest in myself. I reflected after that, working harder and harder.”

A velo jump followed.

“A lot went into it,” Muir explained. “Investment by my coaches and mechanical changes. Mindset was a big thing for me. Let it loose, let it fly. I trusted myself to throw strikes. I’m a competitor. I’m going to throw it past you.”

A commitment brought an end to a recruiting process that was enjoyable in the eyes of Muir.

“Everything can help,” Muir said. “People can say one or two things were big for them, but everything helped me. I got my name out there through PBR and I got my body in shape eating right. Everything was important in the process.”

None more than in the classroom where Muir has a 4.1 weighted GPA and 3.8 unweighted.

“The first thing coaches asked about were my grades,” Muir pointed out.

Business, economics and sport management are all being considered as potential majors by the 64th-ranked 2023 in Michigan, who is poised to make an early impact at the Big 10 school.

“I’m the hardest worker and the biggest competitor,” Muir said. “I’ll not only work out for myself, but for my teammates. I’m a guy who’s all about them. When I went on the unofficial visit, I connected with all the other recruits.”

Once a commitment was final, Muir admitted to being at ease.

“It was unreal, I couldn’t believe all the hard work paid off with the end goal in mind,” Muir said. “This is what I’ve always wanted to do. When it finally happened it was a great feeling in general for me and my family.”

Support from his family along with coaches at Saline and with Legacy are credited by Muir with helping his recruitment turn out like it did.

“There are so many I could thank,” Muir noted. “I’m so thankful for a great group around me that supported me throughout the process.”

The 18-year-old is excited about what lies ahead now that a commitment has been made.

“I’m looking forward to starting a new chapter with a new group of guys after finishing up my chapter at Saline this year,” Muir concluded. “I can’t wait to compete in the Big 10. I’ve grown up since I was little watching games and now I’m going to have little kids come and watch me play.”