CONNOR LARKIN (UNIVERSITY OF OKLAHOMA COMMIT)

Connor Larkin 1B / OF / Cherry Creek, CO / 2025 Larkin was a top performer during the 2023 Future Games, and comes with plate coverage from the left-side with a top exit-velocity of 94 mph. The junior already has a higher level approach in the box, while he also creates clean leverage with the lower half. Larkin was one of Team Colorado's most sought after prospects this summer on the national level, and comes with a high ceiling as he continues to develop.

OUR Q&A:

PBR: What were your expectations about the recruiting process? What were you looking for out of a college program to continue your baseball career at?

Larkin: I started my recruiting process pretty early during my sophomore year after being exposed to coaches through a PBR event. I didn’t know what to expect, but based on early feedback from my high school and club coaches I knew I would have opportunities. I was looking for a strong program that would give me the opportunity to play against great schools and talented athletes. Tradition and all-in coaches was an absolute must. 

PBR: Did location or distance from home play a factor in your decision?

Larkin: I was recruited by schools on both coasts and across the middle of the country. I was most interested in finding the best fit, a school that clearly wanted me, had the opportunity to compete and go to Omaha but not necessarily a specific region.

PBR: When did the recruiting process really start to heat up for you? Where did the school you committed to first see you play?

Larkin: I received my first two offers in the fall of my sophomore year, but it really exploded after the Futures Games at Lakepoint. Oklahoma first saw me in person at the Future Games and we started talking once the new recruiting season began in August.

PBR: What do you like most about the program you chose, and what were the key factors in making your decision?

Larkin: Oklahoma’s tradition, coaching staff, planned program enhancements, and campus just clinched it for me on my visit. With OU moving to the SEC next year, I know the competition will be against the best. In the end, the coach’s belief in me as a person and player really made me want to be a Sooner.

PBR: What other schools were on your short list before you made your final decision?

Larkin: Xavier, BYU, and Oregon were at the top of the list, but I knew Oklahoma was the right spot the minute I stepped on campus and met the coaches in person.

PBR: Who is the best player you have faced in your state? What about them makes for a tough opponent?

Larkin: Wyatt Rudden is the toughest player I have faced in the state. He always attacks the zone and can land all his pitches in any count. 

PBR: At what point in your career did you realize you were a college-caliber player and became serious about taking your game to the next level?

Larkin: I have always believed I could play in college, I just didn’t know until the fall of my freshman year when I played against Division I seniors on a travel team that I could play at a high level in college. I have loved baseball over all other sports since a young age and have always put in extra work. It wasn’t until I really started growing and putting on weight that I could see the benefits of that passion. It was during my freshman and sophomore year that top programs started taking notice that I knew I was going to play baseball at the highest levels.

PBR: What advice would you give to young baseball players striving to get where you are?

Larkin: Work hard, do the little extra things that most players don’t, but also have fun. Be willing to lift, run, get extra reps when no one else is looking. Do it for yourself and not for your parents or coaches. 

PBR: What is the most memorable moment in your baseball career to this point?

Larkin: The greatest baseball week of my life was Cooperstown when I was 12. We even played at 2 in the morning because of a rain delay. I went to Cape Cod the following week and met players in the Cape League who still talked about their time at Cooperstown. 

PBR: Preview your high school team's season for us. How do you feel your team will be?

Larkin: We will be a deep team currently with tons of college committed players. We have strong players at every position who are willing to do the extra work to be great, but baseball can be a streaky game and I am hopeful we can make a deep run for Coach J’s final season. 

UPCOMING EVENTS

SHOWCASE	STATE	DATE	LOCATION
Denver Rising Stars ID	CO	04/22	Marucci Clubhouse - Castle Rock, CO
Colorado Springs Rising Stars ID	CO	05/06	The Farm Sports - Colorado Springs, CO
Northern Colorado Rising Stars ID	CO	05/20	Fossil Ridge High School - Fort Collins, CO
Colorado Summer Kickoff	CO	06/04	Metro State University - Denver, CO
Pueblo Summer ID	CO	06/11	Colorado State University Pueblo - Pueblo, CO
Colorado Springs Summer ID	CO	06/18	Univ. of Colorado Colorado Springs - Colorado Springs, CO
Northern Colorado Summer ID	CO	07/09	Univ. of Northern Colorado - Greeley, CO
Western Slope Summer ID	CO	07/16	Colorado Mesa University - Grand Junction, CO
Future Games (Class of 2026/27)	NATIONAL	07/24	LakePoint Sports
Junior Future Games (Class of 2028/29)	NATIONAL	07/24	LakePoint Sports
Senior Future Games (Class of 2025)	NATIONAL	07/24	LakePoint Sports
Colorado State Games (Invite-Only)	CO	08/06	Metro State University - Denver, CO

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