With the 2018 MLB Draft currently underway, Texas Longhorns head coach David Pierce and his staff are hoping that as many signees as possible opt to play college baseball over jumping to the professional level out of high school.
On Tuesday, San Antonio Churchill right-handed pitcher Jack Neely announced on Twitter that he’ll fulfill his commitment to the Longhorns:
Thank you to all the teams who have expressed interest me, but the 40 Acres are calling me and The University of Texas is my home. See you at the Disch. @TexasBaseball #HookEm pic.twitter.com/aB6VdM2uab
— Jack Neely (@jackneely00) June 5, 2018
The 6’9, 230-pounder will be the third Jack Neely to play for Texas — his grandfather and great grandfather both played football for the Horns. Neely is a former basketball player with strong athleticism who has significant potential, according to Pierce.
“Jack has the greatest upside of any signee in the country. He’s another right-hander that we verballed from our camp. He is 6’9 and has room to fill out. Jack has a great attitude and enjoys the preparation and competition.”
Neely currently throws four pitches. His fastball sits between 90 and 93 miles per hour and he added a cutter this offseason to his curveball and changeup.
Since the Longhorns could lose all three weekend starters to the MLB Draft, getting high-upside pitchers like Neely on campus is a major priority for the 2019 season.