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Commitment Q&A with '27 RHP Jake Watts (University of Evansville)

January 5, 2026
Caleb Dameron
Prep Baseball Colorado Staff

2027 RHP JAKE WATTS (EVANSVILLE COMMIT)

Jake Watts RHP / Ralston Valley, CO / 2027

Rankings  StateRank: 8 / POS: 4

Watts closed out the first matchup at the 2025 Future Games for Team Colorado with a lively fastball at 86–89 mph and a highly effective slurve at 78–82 mph (~2600 rpm) that gave hitters fits. The breaking ball showed unique movement with +spin, blending both lateral sweep and vertical depth, making it difficult for hitters to pick up and adjust to. That shape created plenty of uncomfortable swings and awkward takes, proving to be a legitimate weapon in Watt's arsenal. Watts used the fastball to establish counts and then leaned on the breaking ball to finish hitters and keep timing off, showing confidence to throw it in any situation. With his ability to generate whiffs against quality competition and the distinct profile of his breaking ball with spin, Watts projects as an arm with a high ceiling, especially as he continues to throw more innings and develop physically. Watts has now committed to continuing his baseball career at the University of Evansville.

 

 

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?

Jake: I thought the recruiting process was going to be very different from how my path went. I thought I was going to decide on a school sometime during my senior year and let everything just flow. I was clearly and thankfully wrong. I was looking for a place that acted like they cared about me and how I progressed or how I was looking to progress. I had a huge belief in going somewhere that gave me the opportunity to play as a freshman because, one I’m impatient, but two because I bet on myself believing that whatever program I chose was going to give me that opportunity. 

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

Jake: I love the size of my school, it’s homey, it’s small but it represents a baseball school and I have always wanted to be a little bit away from those big cities and be able to truly focus on something I’ve accomplished. The biggest factor in making my decision was the coaching staff, and how they personally felt about me going there and how they see me fit, expectations, etc. Another factor was loyalty, with this day and age, colleges pulling offers before signing day and stuff, I wanted a school that was going to allow me to fail without immediate and drastic consequences.   

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

Jake: Work at it everyday. Talent can only take you so far until hard work beats talent out. Always be a good teammate, pick everyone up and it will light a spark for you to continue to work at your goal of playing at the next level.   

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

Jake: It’s a good ways away from home, my parents were worried but also knew that I was going to be far away no matter where I decided to go and I know that's truly the only way to develop independence and work at goals without someone pushing me, is to put myself in the unfamiliar situations. 

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?

Jake: After the Future Games, I received some great feedback from Coach Wagner, saying I performed exceptionally well. Little did I know it also sparked interest from a lot of schools. From there I gained a lot of interest and offers over the next few months from Perfect Game WWBA to the In-State Colorado tournament. The University of Evansville saw me originally play at the Future Games and continued to follow my path after that. 

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

Jake: The Future Games helped my process in ways I can’t even explain. I was a guy who wasn’t known super well, but I saw an opportunity and decided to take it. I don’t regret that decision at all because it turned out to be a great time and a great opportunity for my recruitment.   

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

Jake: I had Army, San Francisco, and some other schools that showed some interest (Notre Dame, Virginia, Columbia, etc.) 

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

Jake: The best player in the state that I can’t seem to get out is probably Jackson Crawford. I have been pitching against that kid for years now and I’m curious about the head to head stats because early in my high school career he wouldn’t stop hitting off of me. That kid is going to big places for sure.

Prep Baseball: If you could steal any tool or quality from another player in the state, what would it be and who would it be from?

Jake: I would steal Cooper Vais' ability to spin pitches really well.  

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

Jake: Keep an eye put for Derek Anderson, a lengthy pitcher but huge projectability already throwing pretty hard as a sophomore.

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?

Jake: I realized right after my freshman year when I decided to go all in on baseball and never stop trying until I got to the next level. From there I never stopped working and continue to not stop to excel even more.

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

Jake: My most memorable moment is joining my travel team because I have spent most of my high school with them and it has been some of the best times ever. 

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

Jake: Ralston Valley will be a threat, a bunch of young players last year going into a senior led varsity team from the year before. A lot of people filling into big spots and I think we will perform above expectations.

Follow Jake on X: @jakewatts1926
or Instagram: jake.watts19

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