For 2020 RHP Ryan McCauley (East Lake HS, FL), having the dream of playing at a Division 1 level school from a young age came true when he committed to the University of Tennessee shortly after the PBR Future Games. Some important factors like the campus environment, the facilities, the coaching staff, and the rich history of the program all lead him in the direction of the Volunteers. Along with the outstanding baseball program, McCauley also highlighted that the success of the academic program was important in his decision making process as well.

The PBR Future Games participant is currently ranked No. 26 in Florida, No. 121 in the Overall Rankings and not only has some goals for his high school team this upcoming spring, but personal ones as well. With hard work and determination, McCauley not only hopes his East Lake team will go deep into the high school playoffs, but will be able to play a key role on the mound throughout the season.

Below is a Q and A with the Tennessee recruit:

What were your expectations about the recruiting process? Was it as expected? Easy/Difficult?

The recruiting process for me was a very long journey that all started in the summer of my seventh grade year, I did not know what would be the right school for me, but luckily I found a very good school to commit to and I’m very blessed for that. It was a long but fun journey!

What were you looking for out of a college program to continue your baseball career at?

Looking for a college for me was a big decision for me. I was considering location, what the campus looked like, what the college life was like, and also what the baseball program was like.

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

Location did not play a factor in finding the right school.

When did the recruiting process really start to heat up for you? Was there a particular game or event that you feel turned the corner for you?

The recruiting process for me began in the summer going into my freshman year but really heated up going into my sophomore year. The PBR Future Games was a turning corner in my recruiting process and where I ended up being seen by multiple D1 schools.

What do you like most about the college you committed to and what were the key factors in making your decision?

What I liked most about Tennessee was how amazing the coaches are and their great history. They also have a beautiful campus along with a great atmosphere which was a very big factor in choosing a place for me be able to continue to succeed in academics and baseball.

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

The other colleges on my list were the University of Miami, University of Central Florida, Florida Gulf Coast, North Carolina, and Arizona State.

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?

The summer going into my eighth grade year of middle school was when I really started thinking about possibly going to a division one college an continue working to possibly play professional baseball someday.

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

The advice I would give to young player is to be a two-way player and also join a travel ball program that will give you the best opportunity to start the recruiting process at a young age.

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

The most memorable moment of my career so far was probably winning the 14u WWBA Tournament in Georgia.

Preview your spring season for us. How do you feel your team will be? What are your expectations and goals?

Our high school has two committed players that are both pitchers including myself and I feel that we are going to have a good chance of making it a long way this year especially with the bats in our lineup. My personal goals are to touch 90 mph by the end of the spring season and also be able to throw 85% strikes throughout the entire spring season and moving forward.

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