Commitment Q&A with '27 OF Jackson Crawford (USC)
January 5, 2026
2027 OF JACKSON CRAWFORD (USC COMMIT)
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Jackson Crawford OF / 1B / Mountain Vista, CO / 2027Crawford is Colorado’s top-ranked position player in the 2027 class who showcased his well-rounded toolset at this year’s Future Games, flashing both athleticism and in-game impact. On workout day, he turned heads with a 97 mph max exit velocity, a 93 mph outfield throwing velocity, and a 6.7 60-yard dash time. Crawford parlayed a strong workout into quality game play, where he presented plate discipline and impact, collecting a double at a 97 mph exit velocity, drawing five walks, and finishing with a .667 OBP, 1.167 OPS, and five stolen bases across the 3 games. The outfielder's ability to consistently get on base, apply pressure with his speed, and flash extra-base power underscores why he’s considered the premier position player in Colorado’s 2027 class, with a frame and explosiveness that projects extremely well at the next level. Crawford is now committed to USC to continue his athletic and academic career.
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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?
Jackson: When I was going through the process the most important thing for me was trying to find a place where I felt I could develop the best. A school like USC, with already having a reputation of being able to develop athletes and put them to the next level is something that was special to me and I felt a perfect place for me to continue my baseball career.
Prep Baseball: What do you like most about the program you chose, and what were the key factors in making your decision?
Jackson: Academics have always been very important to my family and I. With a school like USC and how valued a diploma there is, I knew it was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up. Athletically, the coaching staff at USC is top-notch. Being able to build a relationship with Coach Jewett and the rest of the staff has been something very important to me.
Prep Baseball: What advice would you give to young baseball players striving to get where you are?
Jackson: Some advice I would give is you have to learn to love the process. Baseball is fun and it is meant to be fun. What divides good players from great players is how much they love the process.
Prep Baseball: Did location or distance from home play a factor in your decision?
Jackson: No, with the lack of competition besides a couple of schools in Colorado, I always knew that I would have to go out of state to play baseball. It didn’t matter where it would be.
Prep Baseball: When did the recruiting process really start to heat up for you? Where did the school you committed to first see you play?
Jackson: For me the first ever college contact I had was right after the Prep Baseball Super Sophomore games in KC. This event helped me get my name out there and show real college interest. The first time USC watched me play was at the area code tryouts.
Prep Baseball: Was there a particular Prep Baseball tournament or showcase that helped accelerate your recruiting process? If yes, how so?
Jackson: The Super Sophomore games helped me get my name out there and The Future Games helped me solidify my name. To me where I felt I got some of the most help was a series of posts from Shooter Hunt, VP of Prep Baseball Scouting. With his reputation and his belief in me, that really helped me.
Prep Baseball: What other schools were on your short list before you made your final decision?
Jackson: I was blessed enough with a lot of opportunities. Schools like USC, UCLA, Boston College, UC Santa Barbara, Dallas Baptist, Gonzaga, and West Virginia were just some of the other schools that showed belief in me.
Prep Baseball: Who is the best player you have faced in your state? What about them makes for a tough opponent?
Jackson: One person who I think gets extremely underlooked is Jake Clark. Facing him over the highschool season was something else. He is a RHP side arm that I’m pretty sure is up to 86 and has crazy movement. It’s just something different that you rarely see and is super hard for a ton of hitters.
Prep Baseball: Who is the next talented young player to keep an eye on out of your high school or travel program?
Jackson: I think the next up and coming young athlete is Austin Graeber at Mountain Vista. He has been overlooked his entire life and his pitch command might be the best in the whole entire state. He is one of the hardest working people I know and he definitely is going to make a name soon during this highschool season.
Prep Baseball: 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?
Jackson: I would say 7th grade is where I started to see baseball as something I could do in college. It was always a dream of mine but it didn’t become a realization to where I actually believed I could do it till 7th grade.
Prep Baseball: What is the most memorable moment in your baseball career to this point?
Jackson: I would say one of the most special moments to me was hitting a 3-run homerun in the top of the 7th after being down by 2 in the state tournament. Back in youth ball those tournaments meant everything and I think being able to do that in the championship game was something I’ll never forget.
Prep Baseball: Preview your high school team's season for us. How do you feel your team will be?
Jackson: Mountain Vista will genuinely be something special this year. The team chemistry is unmatched and the talent is off the charts. We have the rotation of doom with pitchers like Alex King, Keaton Maiorana, Sawyer Tipton, and Jake Huddle. Watch out for 'Vista we're gonna make a state push this year.
Follow Jackson on X: @JacksonCraw2027
or Instagram: jackson.crawford13
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UPCOMING EVENTS
| SHOWCASE | STATE | DATE | LOCATION |
| Super 60 Pro Showcase | NATIONAL | 02/01 | The MAX - McCook, IL |
| Northern Colorado Preseason ID | CO | 02/01 | Lasorda Legacy Academy - Johnstown, CO |
| South Denver Preseason ID | CO | 02/08 | HitStreak - Aurora, CO |
| Denver Preseason ID | CO | 02/15 | Next Era - Englewood, CO |
| Colorado Preseason All-State (Invite-Only) | CO | 02/22 | The Farm Sports - Colorado Springs, CO |