Late in the summer, Jeff Edwards, a slick fielding infielder from Jackson High School, committed to Valparaiso. Learn about his recruiting process and reason behind his commitment ...

PBR: Which schools were you considering prior to committing to Valparaiso? 

Edwards: I was considering, Miami of Ohio, Bowling Green, and Eastern Kentucky. 

  

PBR: What were you looking for in a college/university?

Edwards: I was looking for a school that offered a major that I was interested in and also one that I felt comfortable with.

 

PBR: What did Coach Woodson and the Valpo staff present to you that made you feel comfortable, was there a deciding factor? 

Edwards: Coach Woodson and his staff were very easy to talk with, open, and honest. The deciding factor was the size of the college, the baseball facilities, the personal attention I received, the knowledgeable and helpful staff in admissions and the overall feel of the campus.

 

PBR: Who did you play for the summer and, if played, fall are playing for next summer?

Edwards: This past summer, I played with the Jackson Bears High School Team. This fall, I played with the Stark County Terriers and I will play with them in the summer of 2012.

 

PBR: What awards and honors have you received so far?

Edwards: 3 year letterman

 

PBR: As an infielder, do you know your infield velocity and 60 time?

Edwards: My infield velocity is 83 mph and my best 60 time is 6.8.

 

PBR: Has the Valparaiso staff gave an indication where on the diamond you will play?

Edwards: Yes, they see me playing shortstop for them.

 

PBR: As you head into your senior year what goals do you have?

Edwards: To help my team  win our league and capture a state title.

 

PBR: What do you feel are your strengths?

Edwards: I have very good footwork and very soft hands. I have a quick release and have a lot of speed on the bases.

 

PBR: What areas are your concentrating on focusing on?

Edwards: I am focusing on my hitting this year along with the mental side of the game.  I would like mainly to use my strengths to my advantage and would like to get bigger and stronger.  As many people know I am not one of those big guys so I will always need to stay in the weight room and work harder.

 

PBR: What has been the most memorable moment on the diamond for you so far?

Edwards: I have played so many memorable games with so many different teams, but I have to say the one that comes to mind is a game at The Elite 24 in Disney World when I was 14.  We did not win one game in pool play, but then beat two teams that were ranked 4 and 5 in the nation, and one of those games, I pitched.