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Q & A with Penn Commit Russell Rhoads

July 23, 2013

By Greg Williams
PA Director of Scouting

Russ Rhoads

Fresh off of a solid performance at the PA Top Prospect Games in June, RHP Russell Rhoads (Episcopal Academy, Class of 2014) has announced his commitment to the University of Pennsylvania. Rhoads came in to the event ranked No. 42 in his class and showed well. The 6-foot-2, 170-pound righty worked the first three innings of game one for the Black Team sitting 83-85 out of a high 3/4 arm slot. Rhoads also commanded an 11/5 breaking curveball and a solid 77 mph changeup thrown at fastball arm speed. Five of the nine outs Rhoads recorded were by strike out.

With his frame and athleticism, it is easy to foresee future physical
growth and velocity for Rhoads. He talked with Prep Baseball Report about his choice of schools and the recruiting process.

PBR:  Where have you decided to attend college and why did you make this choice?

Rhoads: I have decided to attend the University of Pennsylvania. I felt very comfortable on campus and have heard nothing but good thing about the school. I really think this was the best fit for me.

PBR:  What other schools were you considering?

Rhoads: In addition to Penn, I was considering Columbia, Dartmouth, Lafayette, Lehigh, VCU and Maine.

PBR:  Was distance from home a factor in your decision?

Rhoads: No, distance from home to school was not a factor in my decision.

PBR:  Where did the coaches first see you?  How did your relationship develop with their coaching staff?

Rhoads: The coaches at Penn first saw me during a high school game this past season, and as the summer season started and progressed, I continued to stay in contact with them.

PBR:  What role do the coaches expect you to play your first year on campus?

Rhoads: I believe the coaches are looking for me to come out of the bullpen and maybe be a weekday starter. I will work hard and compete every opportunity I get to earn my spot on the team.

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

Rhoads: I think my biggest strength as a player is the ability to block out any distractions that may occur during a game. I am always focused and never let anything bother me while on the mound.

PBR:  Who do you play for in the summer and what was your most memorable experience from this past summer?

Rhoads: I am playing for the Chester County Crawdads this summer, coached by Jon Rubin and Frank Cooney. My most memorable experience this summer was winning Super 17 at Diamond Nation and receiving the MVP Award.

PBR:  What is your current GPA?

Rhoads: My current GPA is a 3.7.

PBR:  Now that you have your commitment out of the way, what are your goals both individually and for the team going into your senior season?

Rhoads: My personal goal for next season is to have a winning record and have an era below 1.50. Going into my senior season as a captain, I would like to help lead my team to a league championship.

PBR: How did Prep Baseball Report aid you in gaining exposure as a potential college baseball recruit?

Rhoads: I attended two showcase events, the Preseason All-State Showcase and PA Top Prospect Games in June. These were great starts in gaining exposure to college coaches for the rest of the summer.

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