Congrats on your new commitment! What is it about the University of Tennessee that excites you the most?

The thing that excites me the most on my commitment to the University of Tennessee is getting a once in a lifetime chance to play at the highest level in college baseball against the best players around the country. I loved everything about the school from the academic standpoint, to the baseball standpoint. The school is a great fit for me!

You joined Top Tier after this past summer and have just finished a fall season and your first winter workout season. Tell us about your experience so far, what you are looking forward to next, and what it means to wear the TT.

Joining Top Tier was the best decision I could have made! Playing travel baseball at an elite level with a great group of teammates (friends) who love to get better, compete, work hard, play the game right, win, and develop into a young man that plays the game hard is all I want to do. Top Tier's coaching staff is like no other. You guys help me through the good moments when I’m working, and through the mental/physical errors I’m making on the field or up to bat. The coaches give me information not a lot of players get a chance to inherit or comprehend. Every critique, whether it’s little or big, I try my best to make the adjustments so I can get better. I am thankful for all of the staff for helping me with everything I do. I am very excited to start my first summer season with Top Tier! It’s going to be a fun season with a lot of winning and a group of guys who have the same mind set and mentality as I do. Wearing Top Tier across my chest is such an honor and a privilege. Not everyone gets a chance to play for such an elite program. This summer I am holding myself responsible for being a great teammate when I’m on fire or going through a slump. I’m going to act like a captain on and off the field so that I can get our team on track to win and execute the right way.

Talk a little bit about the recruiting process and how everything went down.

The recruiting process for me was a great experience to go through. I was blessed to talk and play in front of some amazing schools with great programs. Tennessee first saw me at the ICOA college camp that Top Tier puts together. I did really well during the showcase and a lot of schools liked how I played, but I noticed Tennessee right away because of their program being in the best conference in college baseball. I went on visits, talked with many schools and it had a great experience because it gave me an insight into college baseball and how it works. They all told me I can play at the next level and that made me think that all my hard work payed off.

What were some of the priorities you looked at when deciding where you wanted to commit?

Some priorities that I looked at when deciding to where to commit were good academics and a good program that likes to win and succeed in their conference. I want to be surrounded by great players that love to go out there and give 120% to the game. I also want to be surrounded by a great coaching staff so they can fix my flaws and I can learn from them. I wanted to pick a place that has a great environment with tons of culture and tradition for the next 3-4 years.

What challenges do you see ahead of you before you get to campus?

Some challenges or obstacles I see before getting to campus is leaving my family back home. My family has been there since day one with all the support in the world. For me to be 7 hours away from them for 3-4 years is going to be really sad and heartbreaking, but I think it will make me feel better if they see me a couple times a month. Another challenge would probably be all the responsibility and ownership I would have to take through my journey in college. I don’t have mommy and daddy to hold my hand and take me around campus, it’s my responsibility to start transforming into a young man who can take care of himself without anyone and take ownership in what I do.

What are some of the goals you have set for yourself as a college baseball player?

I am a dream chaser and all I do is set goals for myself in whatever I do and try my very best to achieve them whether it’s in the class room, on the field, or even off the field. Some goals I want to achieve in my college career are being an All-American, being one of the best players in college baseball and in the SEC, help my team win in whatever role I play, be a high draft prospect, and be a team leader. On the class room side of it I would like to stay in my work, be focused, get good grades, and leave thinking, “ I am ready to take on any obstacle that comes in my way”.

Is there anybody you would like to give a shout-out or thanks to?

Yes! This list consists of all the people who made a huge impact on my life to get me where I am today. First I would like to thank my parents and family for everything they have done for me.They have sacrificed so much for me, they have given up so many opportunities for themselves just for me. Thank you for the unconditional love and support always! Also I would like to give a thanks to all my coaches and teammates I have been in the past years playing baseball. They taught me how to play the game the correct way with intense energy, competitiveness, hard work, desire, serious, a lot of fun and with a smile on my face. When I play the game I play with all of these characteristics especially a smile on my face to never forget where I came from. It makes me think I’m having fun just like I was when I was little. I would also like to thank my new teammates and coaches at Top Tier for welcoming me with open arms and serious love. They are my new family and it’s a blessing and honor to be part of such an amazing organization. Everyday I go into work, they give me new information to use to my advantage on my game. I would like to thank them for giving me an opportunity of a lifetime to be a part of this special team. I am very blessed to be in the position I am in today. Not many kids get this opportunity and Top Tier is making my wishes come true. Thank you for everything, this is going to be a helluva journey!