West Columbus senior hopes to be a first round pick in Monday’s MLB Draft

Cerro Gordo, NC (WWAY) — Columbus County has a rich tradition when it comes to producing baseball players who end up in Major League Baseball. Donnell and Otis Nixon both had productive MLB careers. They both attended West Columbus. Viking senior E.J. Jenkins appears to be the next West Columbus product with a chance to reach the big leagues.

E.J. Jenkins is currently listed as the #42 prospect in the nation by Baseball America. He’s listed as the #2 prospect from North Carolina. The MLB Draft starts Monday.

Note: E.J. Jenkins signed a national letter of intent with UNC Wilmington several months ago for baseball. In our interview Jenkins addresses the possibility of playing at UNC Wilmington if he doesn’t come to terms with the team that drafts him.

Click the icon above above to see our interview with E.J. Jenkins.

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Breakdown of our interview with E.J. Jenkins is below: (Click the icon above to see the entire sit down interview)

WWAY’s John Rendleman: “Your name is Eric, but everyone calls you E.J, right?”

E.J. Jenkins “That’s my childhood nickname growing up. E.J.”

“Are you ready to be a Major League Baseball player? The draft is coming up Monday.”

“Of course, that’s been of my dreams since I was 3 years old.”

“On the pro level what do you think you’ll bring to a team?”

“I think I will bring energy on both sides of the line as a leadoff hittter. I see myself playing centerfield forever as long as I stay healthy.”

“You like to steal bases don’t you.”

“Yes, my fastest 60 time was a 6.38 in New York, which I ran at the East Coast Pro Workout and ever since I’ve always had that plus speed. It’s natural, I just think God for it.”

“You are not a power hitter, but there’s something about you when you’re at bat that’s intriguing.”

“It’s all about bat speed. I have quick hands and I have a good eye for the ball.”

“You’ve played your last high school baseball game. Your next game will either be in a UNCW uniform a few months from now or it’ll be in a pro uniform a few weeks from now as a minor leaguer.”

“Really it’s a win-win situation. If pro ball doesn’t work out I’ve always got a full ride at UNCW to play for coach Scalf.”

“The projections I see are possibly 3rd round, very likely 2nd round or maybe 1st round for you.”

“Yeah, hopefully I go in the 1st round.”

“Last Thursday you played your last high school baseball game. I don’t think you knew you would be pitching that night in relief. On the very first pitch you got hit in the head with the ball that was thrown by your catcher.”

“Yeah, I was not expecting that, but it happened so fast that I did not have time to duck. I then got right back up and pitched and I struck out the next batter.”

“What teams have expressed the most interest in you E.J.?”

“The Brewers, the Blue Jays, Astros, Rangers, Braves and the Royals. I’m just waiting for that phone call on Monday night.”