Q&A with Central Arkansas Commit William Hancock

By: Zac Bottoms
Arkansas Scouting Director

We recently had the opportunity to catch up  with William Hancock and discussed his commitment to the University of Central Arkansas. William is a 6-0 170 pound catcher from Catholic High School, in Little Rock. He had a great junior season hitting over 350 and hitting ten doubles, while commanding the game from behind the plate.

PBR:Ultimately, why did you choose the University of Central Arkansas?

Hancock: I chose the University of Central Arkansas over multiple other D1 offers because I feel like UCA is a baseball program on the rise and is going to make some big time noise in the next few years on the national scale and I want to be a part of that. The atmosphere of the campus as well as the positive vibe from the coaching staff played a big role in my decision. I feel that I can maximize my potential at UCA especially with Coach Kline, who played in the Giants organization, working with me on my catching skills. The facilities are great and Coach Gum made a great scholarship offer.

Hancock: I believe the first time the coaching staff at UCA saw me compete was in the summer of 2012 playing with the Arkansas Express and I attended their fall prospect camp shortly after.

Hancock: I took an unofficial visit to UCA on October 12, 2013 and ill be taking my official visit on September 27, 2014.

PBR: What role do the coaches expect you to play your first year on campus?

Hancock:The coaching staff at UCA expects me to play a big role in my freshman year and I have high expectations for myself. Coach Gum told me on my visit that he is in no means promising any playing time to any player, but could see me making a big contribution at the catching position as well as at the plate if I come in and perform up to expectations.

PBR: What other schools were you considering?

Hancock: I took recruiting visits to Ole Miss, Arkansas, Florida Gulf Coast, Illinois State, Arkansas State, UALR, Southeast Missouri, and the University of North Alabama.

PBR: Who did you play for this summer? Talk about your experience playing for them?

Hancoack: I played for the Arkansas Express coached by Greg Baxendale and Greg Harris. It was my third summer playing for this team and this past summer was a great experience. We traveled to Memphis, Joplin, MO, St. Louis, Pittsburgh, KS, Wichita, KS, and played at UCA and at Baum Stadium. I enjoyed getting to know other great high school players around the state as well as a few players from bordering states and enjoyed the challenge of playing against very good competition throughout the Midwest and south regions.

PBR: Who has had the biggest impact on you as a baseball player?

Hancock: My brother Matt (age 31) has had the biggest impact on me as a baseball player. He pitched at the University of North Alabama so I was always around the baseball field when I was growing up. My brother has taught me that I have to put in the work to get to where I want to be and that no one is going to do the work for me. My brother has also taught me to always have confidence, but to remain humble because baseball is a game of failure.

PBR: What were your stats for your High School last spring?

Hancock: My stats for the 2014 high school season: batting avg. = .357 (25-70) with 10 doubles and 1 HR, 20 RBIs and 19 runs scored in 27 games played. .485 OBP with 123 putouts.

 

PBR: Who is the toughest pitcher you've faced in Arkansas?