Q&A With South Florida Commit Jack Lutz
January 17, 2025
MIF Jack Lutz (Whitnall, 2025) is an athletic left-handed hitting shortstop with a chance to stick at the postition. Standout athlete at multiple sports with a lot of projection left in his wiry 5-foot-10 frame.
Twitchy athlete in the box and in the dirt. Lutz has shown growing ability to impact the baseball in game and should continue to trend up as he matures into his frame. Defensively Lutz shows easy range and arm strength to pair with athletic actions and should be able to stick at short at the next level.
We recently had the opportunity to chat with Lutz about his recruitment process and some other fun topics, found below.
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?
Jack: I did have a little glimpse into what it may be like when my sister, Lilly, was getting recruited for volleyball. My family and I actually just spent time researching the process so I could be prepared when the time came to talk to coaches and schools. I really just want to play, so the most important thing was understanding if the program thought I could be a contributor year one.
P: Did location or distance from home play a factor in your decision?
J: Evidently it played very little in my decision. However the Florida weather did play a factor!
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: I had some interest in December/January of my Sophomore year and was extended two Big East verbal offers. However, the process really opened up during the live period after the Future Games. Coach Hannahs had watched me most of the summer of 23’ at a number of tournaments, but the biggest was the future games.
P: What do you like most about the program you chose, and what were the key factors in making your decision?
J: Key factors for me were playing baseball with a competitive team and a solid reputation of the coaching staff. When Coach Hannahs was at Indiana State he built a program that was consistently winning and making deep runs. So when he left for South Florida I was greatful to follow him to Tampa!
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 knew at a young age that I wanted to be a college caliber player. For a long time, I didn’t know if it would be basketball or baseball. After summer of 23’ I knew the choice and knew I could play baseball at the next level.
P: What advice would you give to young baseball players striving to get where you are?
J: Work. Start young, get the right instruction, and work outside of practice, games and tournaments. All the good stuff comes with the extra time and extra reps!
P: What is the most memorable moment in your baseball career to this point?
J: Forming connections with teammates and opponents throughout my baseball career has been the best part. Especially over break when everyone from college comes back. To see those guys again and seeing the successes they’re having is great.
P: Preview your high school team's season for us. How do you feel your team will be?
J: This year at Whitnall we have a tough opening to the season with some good non-conference matchups. But I think we can be a sneaking good team this year!
P: How did the Future Games affect your recruitment process? Did you receive more attention following the event(s)?
J: Future Games was huge for me. I played well and felt it opened many doors to start the conversations. On August 1st, I was prepared to receive a few calls but I was overwhelmed and humbled by the 34 schools that reached out.
P: If you could steal any tool or quality from another player in the state, what would it be and who would it be from?
J: Anyone with speed probably. It would be nice to run a 6.5 60.
P: Who is the next talented young player to keep an eye on out of your high school or travel program?
J: Carter Fry and Cooper Wendt are both on-the-rise freshman in the state that play for the Midwest Halos that should have big years ahead of them!