OF/C Bryce Nevils (Brother Rice, 2023) was a mainstay in Brother Rice's potent lineup over this past spring, which ended up being one of the more productive and intimidating offenses we have seen in recent memory. His bat was one of many that helped the Crusaders to a 3rd place finish at the State Tournament, an overall record of 36-6 and final Power-25 ranking of No. 3 in the state. Nevils remained on an upward trend into the summer, making a loud statement at the Illinois State Games in early August and committing to Western Kentucky not long after.

We recently had the opportunity to talk with Nevils about his recruiting process, and some other fun topics along the way. 

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?

Nevils: My expectation was always to go to a Division 1 college. I was looking for a great baseball program; such as environment on and off the field, and also the academic side where I would be challenged to be a student as well as an athlete.

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

N: No, not at all.

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

N: The recruiting process started to heat up after my junior year season in high school. Western Kentucky first saw me play at the Illinois State Games.

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

N: I liked the coaching staff and it was constructed just like my high-school. A couple of key factors were that they had new coaches so it will be a better possibility of them being there with me for all three years. The schooling side also, they had my major and great academic side where they will stay on me so I can succeed in getting an education.

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

N: A couple of small Division 1's and some big time Junior College programs.

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

N: Dillon Head is the best player I have faced in Illinois. He is just so electric, we come from around the same area, and he always brings energy no matter up or down by 50. He's going to be a big time player in the years coming.

P: 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?

N: I knew from day one of my first game at the age of eight, I knew I loved his sport and no one could stop me from achieving my goal of going to college to play.

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

N: My biggest advice to young baseball players is to do the small things in the game and always have a positive attitude because that will take you a long way on and off the diamond.

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

N: My most memorable moment is when we were playing our catholic league rival, St. Rita, bottom of the 6th 4-4 game. I came up to the plate after an Amir Gray single, 3-1 count, I hit the game-winning two-run no doubter to silence them.

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

N: The Brother Rice team is great. The brotherhood here is unbeatable and as long as we're bringing the juice (energy)... we are going to be the same unstoppable force as last year.

P: How did the Illinois State Games affect your recruitment process? Did you receive more attention following the event?

N: The Illinois State Games played a huge factor. The event made it where I could perform in front of hundreds of coaches. It was a great event, I received so much more attention after from many schools.

P: If you could steal any tool or quality from another player in the state, what would it be and who would it be from?

N: I need Ezra Essex's or Dillon Head's speed because their speed is unstoppable. I would swipe any bag at any time.

P: Who is the next talented young player to keep an eye on out of your high school or travel program?

N: Brent Nevils is the next talented young player coming out of Brother Rice. He is smooth with the glove and when he grows into his body and gains muscle over time, he is going to be a hitting demon. Be on the look out... because he is coming!

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