Jarod Yoakam, RHP/1B, Marysville HS, Class of 2014

PBR: Why did you choose Cincinnati?

Yoakam: I chose Cincinnati because I felt it was good fit for me academically and I felt the baseball program would be a good fit.  The further addition of Coach Neal made me feel comfortable in attending the University of Cincinnati.

PBR: What other schools were you considering?

Yoakam: I was also considering Akron, Toledo

PBR:  Coach Neal was just recently hired as the new coach at UC.  How does it feel to be a part of his first recruiting class? 

Yoakam: It feels great.  I am looking forward to playing for Coach Neal and excited about being a part of his first class that he recruited.

PBR:  Coach Neal was a big part of the success at why Indiana went to the College World Series.  How quickly do you think that success can transfer to Bearcat baseball?

Yoakam:  I think quickly.  I feel his energy and knowledge will help generate wins quickly.

PBR:  Where did the Coach Neal first see you compete and how did your relationship develop with the rest of the coaching staff?

Yoakam: Coach Neal first saw me a couple of years ago at a PBR event in Dublin.  I really liked him and he helped me a great deal that day with pitching.  Coaches Neal and Heilman also saw me at games throughout the summer.  I had worked with Coach Heilman at the Cincinnati camp last fall and really got to know him and liked him a lot. 

PBR: What role does the coaching staff expect you to play during your first year on campus?

Yoakam:  I am expected to be a duel player

PBR: What is your biggest strength as a player and how do you feel that will help UC?

Yoakam: I feel my work ethic is my biggest strength and that will help the program continue to get better in every aspect.

PBR: Who do you play for in the summer and what was your most exciting experience playing summer ball?

Yoakam:  I play for Chris Valentine Ohio Elite 17U.  There were so many moments it would be hard to pick just one.

PBR: Who is the toughest hitter you have faced in Ohio?

Yoakam:  Griffin Weir, Stanford Commit, last year.  I got him to pop up, but a great hitter.