RHP Rocco Loffredo (Fort Scott) is one of the top arms in the Kansas' 2024 class, sitting at No. 7 in our current in-state rankings, and No. 15 overall.  At 6-foot-7, 195-pounds, Loffredo had a strong showing at the Kansas Summer Open in July of 2022, standing out as one of the top prospects in attendance. With a fastball topping at 85.7 mph and a curveball/slider mix to pair, Loffredo shows plenty of upside in a projectable, long-levered frame.

Recently, we spoke with the future Cavalier on how he made his decision, what his recruiting process was like as a whole, and more.

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?

Loffredo: I was expecting to see schools at my games and really just expecting opportunities to show up, I was looking for a good program where I could really develop and be competitive but also be in that family like atmosphere. 

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

Loffredo: Distance and location didn’t really play to big of a part in my decision, but I did end up going to a school close to home.

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

Loffredo: The recruitment process really started to accelerate the fall of my junior year when I started to get a lot more exposer, JCCC first saw me at a showcase with a bunch of schools.

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

Loffredo: What I most like about Johnson County is that they're always very competitive every year, also the development system that they have there!  

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

Loffredo: Just a bunch of juco’s and some D2’s but I already knew Johnson County was gonna be my pick out of any of them. 

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

Loffredo: The toughest opponent I have probably faced in Kansas is probably Mason Pangborn (Blue Valley Southwest, 2024; Austin Peay signee) He’s like a brother to me and it’s always very competitive when we face eachother because we want to beat the other for bragging rights. 

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?

Loffredo: The point when I knew when I was a college-caliber player was when the fall of my junior year I got on a radar gun for the first time and i was mid to upper 80’s and realized that would be good enough to get to the next level, also after a showcase there were many school reaching out.

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

Loffredo: Work while you wait - not everything is gonna be handed to you, you might not play varisty or JV as a freshman or sophomore, but if you be patient, trust in your skills, put in the work, and build a good work ethic, your time will come. 

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

Loffredo: My most memorable moment in my baseball career is probaly going to state last year and having a good time with my teammates and coaches.

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

Loffredo: I think the Fort Scott Tigers will be able to make another deep run this year and do damage at state. We have a lot of kids who want to play and who have put in the work to earn a spot at the varsity level. Since it’s going to be very competitive in our team for spots it will push everyone to try and be the best they can be. 

RELATED CONTENT