Congrats on your new commitment! What is it about Wake Forest that excites you the most?
I really enjoyed the sense of home I felt at Wake Forest. The academic and baseball staff were both so welcoming and it made the thought of college seem not so daunting. I also am looking forward to playing along side two Top Tier guys who will be going to Wake Forest as well.
You were part of the inaugural class of the Top Tier Roos last summer. Tell us about your experience with the Roos and what it means to wear the TT?
I played on the Nationals team last summer and we worked great as a unit. We often won games as the underdog and beat some pretty solid teams. This prepared me well to play with the Americans team this summer, a team which was often more talented and closer as a unit than most of our opponents. I have a great sense of pride wearing Top Tier across my chest. My favorite team I have ever played on was the Top Tier World Series team. Both the Florida and Chicago kids knew what Top Tier was about and we immediately bonded both on and off the field. I would give anything to get the chance to play with that group of guys again.
Talk a little bit about the recruiting process and how everything went down.
I began talking to schools in December of my sophomore year. I starting doing some visits, including Wake Forest, at that time. Things really took off for me this summer, particularly during and after Junior Nationals. I talked to about 10 schools and received offers from half of them before finally deciding on Wake Forest.
What were some of the priorities you looked at when deciding where you wanted to commit?
I was looking for three things when I was making my decision. I wanted both a great academic and athletic opportunity, and I also wanted to be somewhere not too terribly far from home (preferably an east coast school).
What challenges do you see ahead of you before you get to campus?
My main challenge that I will face before stepping on campus is becoming a good enough pitcher to pitch in the ACC. I understand that I am not ready to pitch in this conference now, but I know in two years I will be more than ready to compete at the highest level.
What are some of the goals you have set for yourself as a college baseball player?
I have set two goals for myself in college. First, I would like to lead the pitching staff not only as an athlete, but also as a leader on the team. My other goal is every baseball players biggest dream: to become a Major League Baseball player.
Is there anybody you would like to give a shout-out or thanks to?
The entire Top Tier organization has been incredible this summer, especially Coach Jason Miller. At times he was almost like my agent, because I had so many conversations with schools through him. I would like to also thank Miguel Menendez and the rest of the coaching staff at Jesuit high school. And I would certainly like to thank Randy Sullivan and the staff at the Florida Baseball Ranch. They have taught me what physical and mental hard work is and I owe much of my success to them. I am proud to call myself a Tiger and a Ranch Guy, and most certainly a Top Tier Roo.
