2013 MU Recruit: Ryan Howard, SS/RHP

Phillies fans beware: Not only did 2nd rounder Alec Rash chose Mizzou over the Phillies, but Ryan Howard just committed to Mizzou as well.

Ryan Howard (#30)
stltoday.com photo

@prepbaseball on twitter: MO: Ryan Howard, a SS from Francis Howell Central, has committed to Mizzou ‪#mopreps‬

Ryan Howard, SS/RHP
Francis Howell Central (StL)
6'1", 165 lb

2012 Offense: .352 BA, .427 OBP, .582 SLG, 91 AB, 24 R, 32 H, 9 2B, 0 3B, 4 HR, 31 RBI, 10/10 SB

2012 Pitching: 0-0, 3G, 2 IP, 0.00 ERA, 1 H

♦ 2012 First Team All Gateway Athletic Conference (South)

♦ PrepBaseball.com report:

The 6-foot-1, 165-pound Howard (right) is a legitimate two-way prospect who performed extremely well in all facets of the game. At shortstop, Howard was the top defensive middle infielder at the event, showing fluid and easy actions, to go along with soft hands and the top arm across the infield (88 mph). He demonstrated advanced footwork and played through the ball well. Plus read more on his defense and pitching HERE

♦ Around the Horn with Howell Central's Ryan Howard (Prep Baseball Report, Oct 2011)

I played for the St. Louis Pirates and really enjoyed it all season. It’s a very good program with an outstanding training facility. The main thing I wanted to improve during the summer is my speed; my goal is to run under a 7.0 by high school season.

♦ Howard/Gleason power Pirates to win (Perfect Game)

While Howard showed a projectable bat, he was even more impressive on the mound, running his fastball up to 85 with long, smooth arm action and good command of his fastball, 69 mph curveball and 75 mph changeup.