James "Jake" Barron IV '17 Recruiting Profile

I can promise you that every time I step out onto the pitch I will play with my whole heart and a passion that will drive myself and my teammates toward victory.  I will bring my extreme work ethic to your program and I will lead by example in everything that I do.  My coaches have always told me that I have a great awareness on the pitch and are very intuitive to find the final pass to break down the opposing team's defensive line.  I'm constantly looking left and right to find open space.  I am always thinking about where I am and what I am doing away from the ball.  I look ahead so that I know were I'm going to play the ball before I get it.   I also take a lot of pride in retaining possession of the ball for my team and I give everything I have to make sure we win the ball back as soon as possible if we give it away.  I also stand out from other players in that I'm capable of playing with both feet.  I am predominantly right footed, but I have committed to developing my left foot as well.  The coaches in my Development Academy tell me that I have a very high soccer IQ and that I can not only understand the physical demands of the game, but also the tactical side of the game as well.  Every day I study how different professional teams line up tactically and I study the different midfielder's roles in their style of play.  I even watch teams that play a completely different style than my team because It helps me to be more effective in breaking down the competition.  I will help my teammates anticipate plays by telling them numbers on the field that are potentially going to receive the ball next. For example,  I will say, "Jack, 9 on your right shoulder."  This tremendously helps our defensive line stay compact and defending as a unit.  When you are coaching me you will get nothing less than respect, focus, and an extremely high work ethic that will set me apart from the other players on the pitch.  I will look you in the eye when you are speaking and take to heart everything you tell me.  My coaches have told me for years that I am very teachable and quickly apply what I have been taught.  I bring a determined and hardworking atmosphere to every training session which helps me and my teammates become excellent.  I surpass many recruits with my GPA of "3.67 out of 4.00"  while taking honors classes and attending an advanced academic school which shows that I am extremely committed to my studies off the field.  I'm determined and focused in the classroom just as I am on the pitch.  I know that academics are a necessity in life and I can't be successful without them.  I will come to your program ready to push my self to the limits for a starting role in the center midfield.  I hope to continue on from college and play in the MLS professionally.  I would like to attend a program that will prepare me for the professional level.  Playing professional soccer is my ultimate dream.