Prep Baseball Report

Q&A with Madison JC commit Will Johannes


Isaiah Glidden
PBR Wisconsin Staff

C Will Johannes (Mukwonago) used an impressive 2020 summer where he proved himself to be one of the premier backstops in the state. He first became a name to follow in the ‘22 class with his impressive performance at the 2020 Badger State Battle and he ultimately leveraged that performance into a place on the Team Wisconsin roster at the 2020 PBR Future Games. Johannes recently committed to a top junior college in the region, Madison JC, where he'll join a host of other talented '22s in the state next fall. 

We had the chance to discuss the recruiting process with Johannes. As well as many other baseball related topics. 

LATEST SCOUTING REPORT

Will Johannes

Class of 2022 / C

Player Information

  • Graduating Class: 2022
  • Primary Position: C
    Secondary Position: 1B
  • High School: Mukwonago
    State: WI
  • Summer Team: Hitters
  • Height: 6-2
    Weight: 205lbs
  • Bat/Throw: R/R

Scouting Report

3/21/21

A member of Team Wisconsin’s roster at last summer’s PBR Future Games, Johannes has only continued to improve in the time since. Built at a premium 6-foot-2, 205 pounds, Johannes is both a strong, upside right-handed hitter, and an advanced catcher with quick catch-and-throw skills complemented by big arm strength, topping 82 mph to second on Sunday. He hit the day’s farthest ball that left the barrel at the single highest exit speed, measured at 385 feet and 99.5 mph. Still uncommitted, Johannes is increasingly one of the top on-the-market junior backstops in the region.

Videos

(3/21/21)

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?

Johannes: I honestly came into it not expecting a lot and then I realized that it was something I could actually do. I was looking for a program that I felt that I could improve and better myself for the possibility of playing at the next level.

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

J: It was nice to stay close to home at a college that I felt I could definitely improve at, and I knew that it was a good fit for me.

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

J: After the PBR Future Games I started talking to coaches and before my junior high school season. I believe the first time they saw me was in Indiana.

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

J: They send a lot of guys to four-year schools after and the coach has a great reputation for that. Also, I have heard nothing but great things from those in the program and those who went through.

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

J: Probably the hardest pitcher I faced was RHP Rory Fox (Catholic Memorial, 2022; Notre Dame commit) in a conference high school game. He is a great player and pitched well against us in a couple innings.

P: 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?

J: I first realized when I had college coaches contacting me and when I started putting up pretty comparable numbers to those who went on to play college ball.

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

J: Keep grinding and trust the process.

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

J: We lost a lot of good seniors so it will be an interesting year with some possible younger talent.

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