Commitment Q&A with Northern Illinois Commit Connor Mendell
March 29, 2024
C/INF Connor Mendell (Fort Zumwalt South, Northern Illinois signee) is one of the top prospects in Missouri's 2024 class, sitting as the No. 6 backstop in our current in-state rankings.
At 6-foot, 180-pounds, Mendell had strong showings at MOKAN Underclass Games and St. Louis Top Prospect Upperclass Games over the past couple of years, standing out as one of the top prospects in attendance. Mendell continued to build on those strong performances, performing well in-game throughout the spring and summer as well as at the A's Scout Day this past winter.
Last July, Mendell announced his commitment to Northern Illinois. Recently, we spoke with the future Huskie 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?
Mendell: I didn’t really know what to expect. I knew I wanted a place with good facilities and a chance to see the field early.
PBR: Did location or distance from home play a factor in your decision?
Mendell: Not really, I wanted to go away but it wasn’t a must.
PBR: When did the recruiting process really start to heat up for you? Where did the school you committed to first see you play?
Mendell: My recruiting process started to heat up last high school season. I started getting looks then, then got more in the summer. Copeland first saw me play at Grand Park.
PBR: What do you like most about the program you chose, and what were the key factors in making your decision?
Mendell: I really liked the coaches, facilities, and resources that they bring to the table.
PBR: What other schools were on your short list before you made your final decision?
Mendell: There were several other schools in which I was really interested in but I saw NIU as being the best fit.
PBR: Who is the best player you have faced in your state? What about them makes for a tough opponent?
Mendell: The best player I’ve faced is Adam Hachman (Timberland, 2023; Arkansas signee), elite arm and elite stuff.
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?
Mendell: I knew I could play college early on but didn’t know at what level. I started taking it really serious my around my sophomore year.
PBR: What advice would you give to young baseball players striving to get where you are?
Mendell: It’s a grind you have to be dedicated to all facets of the game along with surrounding yourself with the right people and coaches/trainers.
PBR: What is the most memorable moment in your baseball career to this point?
Mendell: Our state run last year.
PBR: Preview your high school team's season for us. How do you feel your team will be?
Mendell: We will be really good again this year. We lost a couple seniors last year but are bringing back the majority of the team. If we have the right mindset we should go far.
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