Prep Baseball Report

Q&A With NIU Commit Jacob DeLabio



By Matt Huck
Area Scout

Jacob DeLabio recently committed to Northern Illinois University. DeLabio is currently ranked No. 41 in the Wisconsin Class of 2016. Here is a report on DeLabio from this past April at Tremper High School In Kenosha.

Jacob DeLabio4/16/15 - Long lanky frame, typical pitchers frame that projects, 6-foot-5, 180-pouds. Easy delivery, showed good balance and the ability to repeat, squared landing. Arm action is clean, slower take away then works quickly through a high ¾ slot. Showed good feel for his repertoire, working mostly fastball/curveball. Showed the ability to command his fastball, did a great job of locating down in the zone, only three recorded outs in the air, sat 83-86 mph into the fifth, touched 87-88 mph early in the first two innings. Curveball worked with 11/5 shape, showed feel to drop in for strikes, recorded two of his six strikeouts with it, ranged 70-74 mph. Worked 5.2 innings, six strikeouts, no walks. We’ve seen DeLabio several times since last summer and this is the best outing we’ve seen from the uncommitted junior, currently ranked No. 41 in the state, looks to be on the rise.

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

DeLabio: I was expecting it to be a little more complicated but some of my friends walked me through it. I wasn't sure what to expect during the process, it was pretty simple.

PBR: What were you looking for out of a college program to continue your baseball career at?

DeLabio: I wanted a good school in a good conference. I also wanted someone who was going to continue to help my development as a player 

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

DeLabio: Yes, I wanted to stay close to home if possible.

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?

DeLabio: I didn't have many looks before the summer season started. RJ helped me out a lot. The first two tournaments of the summer is when it really started up for me.

PBR: Where did the college you chose first see you? How did your relationship develop with them?

DeLabio: I believe they first saw me at University of Cincinnati. Over several phone calls I began to like what I heard more and more.

PBR: What do you like most about the college you committed to and what were the key factors in making your decision?

DeLabio: The facilities and the coaching staff are top notch. Staying close to home was a large factor in my final decision as well as the size of the school.

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

DeLabio: Ohio University, Madison College, UW-Milwaukee, Wright State, and St. Cloud St. 

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

DeLabio: The best player I've faced is probably Gavin Lux. He's a tough out and an outstanding fielder.

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?

DeLabio: I realized I wanted to play college baseball last summer. I've been working towards that ever since.

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

DeLabio: I would tell them to work hard at it if it's really something they want. They also should remember it's only a game too, have fun when you play but play hard.

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

DeLabio: Just playing on some of these fields has been an awesome experience.

PBR: Preview your high school season for us. How do you feel your team will be? What are your expectations and goals?

DeLabio: I think now that we have some experience on what was  a young team we'll make a deep run this year. At a minimum we should make it to Appleton this year.

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

DeLabio: I play with the Rawlings Hitters. Each day with my team itself is a great experience so it's hard to narrow it down.

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