Recruiting: John Curtis football, baseball standout Austin Ackel commits to New Mexico

John Curtis football and baseball standout Austin Ackel committed to New Mexico. He will play both sports for the Lobos.

COMMITTED‼️🐺 @UNMLoboFB @UNMLoboBaseball @AllenTrieu @SWiltfong247 @JeritRoser @JrothschillerNM @bryantvincent44 @CoachGonzUNM @samspiegs @Gulf_Squad pic.twitter.com/2u7Ehk1PxS

— Austin Ackel (@austinackel) January 16, 2023

“That is the reason that he committed,” said Curtis head baseball coach Jeff Curtis. “I think that he has the potential to do both. He could be a mid week starter or a reliever and can also play third base. He can also swing the bat. Good hitter in the gaps and has gotten bigger and strong. He has power.”

Ackel chose the Lobos over UAB while Toledo also showed interest. The 6-foot-3, 210 pounder who sports a changeup and curveball as a right-hander on the mound. Perfect Game last recorded Ackel’s velocity at 86 miles per hour.

As a linebacker, he fits well in a 4-3 alignment, locates the football quickly and wades through the blockers to make plays. The team leader helped the Patriots capture the Division I Select state title in December.

“Austin is well-rounded,” added Curtis, who also is an assistant in football. “He rushes off the edge and gets pressure.”

The New Mexico offer arrived December 28. Ackel will try to balance the demands of playing in for the two programs in the highly-competitive Mountain West Conference.