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?

Ryan: This time around was a little different. Knowing I was opening my recruitment hoping for a great fit. Very lucky to find the perfect fit for me. Very blessed with this opportunity.  

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

R: I always wanted to play down south. So North Carolina was a great place for me. You get really nice weather year round and a beautiful fall. Can’t get better than that. 

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

R: It was really different since I reopened. But everything hit me right away and it was a really great couple of weeks.  

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

R: Wake Forest was a dream opportunity for me. Develop at one of the best schools in the country, while getting the best technology in the country. Pitchers come out of Wake Forest like no other which is also something that separated them. But one thing that really set Wake Forest apart was the coaching staff. I would hear from the coaching staff everyday until I committed. Everything was so perfect about the commitment and I am very happy how it went down. 

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

R: I was in the mix of talking to Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, Oregon, Alabama a bit and obviously Wake Forest.

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

R: Facing Marek Bolson is always special and fun. We go back and forth in our matchups. He battles and fouls everything off. Very hard out. 

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?

R: Not until sophomore year I realized I could make a big leap. So then I decided to take everything serious and develop and grow throughout a few years. 

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

R: Keep working and don’t let anyone break you down. Use hate and doubt to fuel you and make you a better player. 

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

R: I’ve had many great moments. But mostly just bonding with the guys. Creating bonds and friendships that will last a lifetime. Really love travel baseball for that. 

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

R: We are going to be a great group of guys that have the potential to do something special. We just need to believe in each other and have trust in one another. 

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?

R: Faced Ethan Bauerschmidt's slider a few times and it is so gross. He gave me a few swords. So I would love to have that. Obviously I’d also have Peter Kussows curveball. Both of those pitches are filthy. 

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

R: Noah Melby is a guy that keeps progressing and can fly on college coaches radar very fast. Has very good stuff and is developing great throughout the off season.

P: Did Prep Baseball assist in your recruiting? Whether it be through a showcase, tournament coverage, tweets, etc? If yes, please explain. 

R: Prep Baseball put out a great uncommitted post about me that helped me get some more attention.  

RELATED CONTENT