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

Barnes: I wanted to find the best fit for me wherever that may have been. It was easier than I thought it was going to be, when MSU offered, I knew that they were a fantastic program and it didn't take long for me to decide.

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

Barnes: Not particularly, but it just worked out to where my friends and family will be able to come watch me play.

PBR: Where did Missouri State first see you? How did your relationship develop with them?

Barnes: They found out about me from Coach Essick and they just kept keeping tabs on me throughout high school. When I went to a camp last February that is when they really expressed interest and the wheels were set in motion.

PBR: Who is the best player you have faced in your state, and why?

Barnes: During the jr. Sunbelt games I got to play with some pretty incredible guys and though I've never had the opportunity to face most of them I have to single out Jake Lufft, he is an outstanding play at the plate and on the mound.

Barnes: I would just say to do whatever you can do to keep improving. Always look for an opportunity to get better and jump at it when it comes.

Barnes: I work out quite a bit and starting in October usually I start a velocity plus program that's includes weighted balls and long toss.

Barnes: When I had the opportunity to play in the Jr Sunbelt Games we played against of the best guys in the nation. We won the whole thing this year and that was an amazing experience so I would have to say that up to this point.

PBR: What do you like most about Missouri State and what were the key factors in making your decision?

Barnes: I love the history of the program and their facilities and coaches. Getting to play on Hammons Field is awesome and their program has sent quite a few players onto the next level which always helps. Really for me the key factors were that it just felt like a perfect fit in every and that made my decision easy.

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

Barnes: Arkansas and Nebraska were other schools I was interested in but it was pretty early in my recruiting process when I made my decision.

PBR: 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?

Barnes: February of my junior year. After i went to a pitching clinic at MSU is when it really took off.

Banres: We have five guys that have already committed, including my self, and four are to division 1 schools. We feel as a whole we definitely have the pieces to win a state championship so anything less than a Final Four appearance would be disappointing.

PBR: Where do you play in the summer? And what has been your most memorable experience with them?

Barnes:  I have been playing with our Ozark team in the summer for as long as I can remember. And just playing with my friends and all the memories we have made it's been amazing.