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Commitment Q&A with Wichita State Commit Jackson Vaughn

January 22, 2024
By: PBR Missouri Staff

A standout over several up close looks this past year, OF Jackson Vaughn (Francis Howell, 2025) used 2023 to vault himself into one of the state's top prospects.

At 6-foot-3, 195-pounds with long loose limbs, Vaughn's consistently done one thing in front of our staff - hit. He swings as polished and as accurate of a left-handed barrel as you'll find in the class, showing it on the regular whether it be in a workout setting or gameplay.

(2/11/23)

As a sophomore, Vaughn played a key role down the stretch for a Francis Howell club that won 32 games and finished as state runner-ups last year. He hit .388 while reaching base at a .500 clip across 86 plate appearances, and he started to inch his way towards the top of a loaded lineup as the season progressed.

(4/14/23)

Vaughn earned the opportunity to represent Missouri at the PBR Future Games last summer, playing a key role in the team's offensive success throughout the event. He put his high level offensive talent on display and comfortably fit in during one of the nation's most coveted events. Not too long after the summer ended, Vaughn announced his commitment to Wichita State.

2023 PBR Future Games

We recently spoke with Vaughn about his journey throughout the entire recruiting process, why he chose Wichita State, his advice to young players, and more.

OUR Q&A

PBR: What were your expectations about the recruiting process? What were you looking for out of a college program to continue your baseball career at?

Vaughn: My expectations were not very high, the whole process moved a little quicker for me than I thought. The main thing I was looking for in a program was if they were willing to give me an opportunity to play as an underclassmen and if I could get a good education from that school.

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

Vaughn: Yes it did. I decided I wanted to stay within around 8 hours of my house and that really influenced my decision.

PBR: When did the recruiting process really start to heat up for you? Where did the school you committed to first see you play?

Vaughn: For me it started to pick up right on August 1st. After all of the calls I started to go on visits a couple months after. They first saw me play in Hoover, Alabama this past summer and then watched me at the Future Games in Atlanta as well.

PBR: What do you like most about the program you chose, and what were the key factors in making your decision?

Vaughn: The thing I liked most about Wichita State was its' facilities and coaching staff. We really clicked when I went on a visit and I just loved the atmosphere there. Some key factors in my decision were if I was going to get an opportunity to play, if I could work well with the coaches, and if I could get a good education.

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

Vaughn: SLU, SIUE, Lindenwood, Creighton.

PBR: Who is the best player you have faced in your state? What about them makes for a tough opponent?

Vaughn: Best player I’ve ever faced is Caden Bogenpohl (Jackson, 2023; Missouri State signee) in the state semifinals last year. He was touching 95 with a nasty slider that game and I still don’t know how I managed to hit a double off of him.

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?

Vaughn: I’ve always had the dream to play college baseball, but when I started to realize I had the talent to do it was around 8th grade when I really started to hit.

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

Vaughn: I would say to always work hard even when you don’t want to, and to always give 110% because there is always someone watching.

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

Vaughn: Probably our state run last year, it was the most fun I’ve ever had playing baseball and it was just a really cool experience I hope I’ll be able to participate in again. 

PBR: Preview your high school team's season for us. How do you feel your team will be?

Vaughn: We lost some key guys like Norfleet and Nepute, but we’re bringing a lot of guys back and our pitching is stacked. We’re ready for another final four.

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