Middle Infielder in the 2026 grad class Jeremiah Jones (Bentonville West), is a true 5-tool player. Coming in with a 6.60, Jones has top tier speed allowing him to excel not only on the basepath but defensively as well. At the plate he showcases good bat-to-ball skills with the ability to leave the yard on occasion. Look for Jones to to continue his dominance in the upcoming spring season.

We recently had the chance to talk to Jones about his recruitment process along with some other fun topics, below.

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Our Q&A

Prep Baseball: What were your expectations about the recruiting process? What were you looking for out of a college program to continue your baseball career at?

Jeremiah: I really didn’t know what to expect going into the process especially with all the rule changes going on within the NCAA. I did think it would be a long and stressful process to go through and would need to dedicate as much time to it as possible. One of the biggest things I was looking for in a college was a coaching staff that I felt really wanted me for both the person and athlete I am. As well as a place I could go play freshman year and make a positive impact for the team on the field. 

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

J: When I went for my unofficial visit, UCA just felt like home from the minute I walked on campus and met with Coach Harlan, Coach Davenport, Coach Spigner, Coach Holliday and several of the players. Some of the key factors in my decision were the deep history the coaching staff has at UCA playing and graduating from there. I also loved that they recruit heavy from inside the state currently having 22-23 kids from Arkansas on their roster. I had also developed a pretty solid relationship with Coach Holliday via phone and text conversations before committing. My Mom is also a UCA graduate so I’m looking forward to carrying on that tradition!

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

J: The best advice I can give is to never stop working. Baseball is a tough sport and evolves on a daily basis, if you slack off you’re going to be left behind. 

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

J: It did play a role, I really wanted to stay within a 5-6 hour drive from home. 

PB: 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 would say the process really started heating up the during the end of my sophomore year and going into the summer before my junior year. I had attended a few camps at UCA that they ran as well as the ones hosted by PBR. 

PB: Was there a particular Prep Baseball tournament or showcase that helped accelerate your recruiting process? If yes, how so?

J: The biggest ones that jumped off the process for me were the Arkansas Top Prospect Games and the Future Games. I had a really solid showing at both. 

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

J: Troy, UAB, SIUE, were a few on my list. 

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

J: Will Schaefer is one of the toughest pitchers in the state. He has a solid pitch mix and a really nasty slider. 

PB: 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: Grant Alderson’s arm strength is a solid. 

PB: Who is the next talented young player to keep an eye on out of your high school or travel program?

J: Blaine Van Hilsen is a strong up and coming player to keep an eye on.

PB: 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 think my freshman year of high school playing at the Varsity level was a big factor in that. Being a part of that team first year and the growth as a player and confidence in myself being able to compete at that level was a big confidence booster and made me push even harder. 

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

J: One of the most memorable moments was being part of the Branson Team that won both the US and International Cal Ripken Major 70 World Series my 12U year!  That was an amazing experience playing against the best dudes from all over the world!

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

J: Our upcoming season is going to be tough as always. Arkansas is full of really strong, talented teams and players that compete hard every single outing. We just need to play hard and push to make the playoffs again. 

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