Berryhill pitching ace commits to Arkansas
BY MIKE BROWN World Sports Writer
Wednesday, August 01, 2012
8/01/12 at 1:34 PM
Berryhill two-sport standout Zach Jackson has committed to play college baseball at the University of Arkansas.
The right-handed pitcher and football quarterback said he plans to sign with the Razorbacks in November. His commitment is nonbinding.
“I planned on making a decision before football season started and I knew Arkansas was where I wanted to be,” Jackson said.
He also made unofficial visits to Wichita State and LSU and had recruiting interest from Stanford and Alabama, but he said Arkansas was always on the top of his list.
“I like (Arkansas head coach Dave Van Horn and his staff), but it wasn’t one thing in particular. It felt like a place where I could help myself,” Jackson said.
Proximity to Tulsa and Arkansas’ recent success factored into his decision. The Razorbacks’ 2012 trip to the College World Series was their second in four years.
"They've got a good program and that definitely helped," he said. "If you want to play baseball in the Southeastern Conference, Arkansas is the closest place to do it."
With a fastball clocked in the mid-90s, the 6-foot-3, 195-pounder rates among the state’s top pitching prospects for 2013.
He went 13-1 this past spring while averaging more than two strikeouts per inning in leading the Chiefs to a Class 4A runner-up finish. In football last fall, he threw for 2,570 yards and 23 TDs, leading Berryhill to a 3A semifinal finish.
“He’s a stud, there’s no doubt about it,” Berryhill baseball coach Brian Hailey said. “I’m glad he’s on my team. There’s not a lot of worry when you have Zach on the mound.”
Associated Images:
Berryhill starting pitcher Zach Jackson delivers in the 1st inning of their game against Sperry in the High School Showcase game at Oneok Stadium in Tulsa back in April. MICHAEL WYKE/Tulsa World File
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