By: Zac Bottoms
Arkansas Scouting Director

Hayes Cox is a 2017 MIF/RHP from Fayetteville High School, he committed to Arkansas Tech earlier in the fall. Hayes was nice enough to sit down and answer questions about the recruiting process, in which helped him land at Arkansas Tech University.

PBR: Ultimately, why did you choose the School of your choice?

Hayes Cox: I liked the coaches a lot, and they told me I would have a chance to play my freshman year. Also, my mom and her family are from Russellville, and we still have family and friends in the area. Russellville is close to home and feels like a second home, and my uncle (Josh Blackmon), parents, grandparents, brothers and sisters, and friends are close by and can come to my games. I also love the campus and town, and all of the things you can do outdoors close by, and I can get back home to Fayetteville pretty quickly and easily when I want to.

PBR: Where did they first see you compete? 

Hayes Cox: I’m not sure where they first saw me, but I attended two camps at Tech and performed well at those camps. 

PBR:  When did you take your first official or unofficial visit school committed to?

Hayes Cox:  Unlike two of the other schools that offered me (Harding University and Pittsburg State University), I never actually made an official visit to Tech; and I only unofficially visited on my camp dates. 

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

Hayes Cox: They told me they see me coming in as a relief pitcher, my freshman year, and then working my way into the middle infield as position (every day) player. 

PBR: What other schools were you considering? 

Hayes Cox: Harding University and Pittsburg State University were in my final 3; but I had also considered Alabama State, California Baptist, Drury University, and some others.

PBR: Who did you play for this summer? 

Hayes Cox: Perfect Timing (JT Baker). 

Talk about your experience playing for them? 

Hayes Cox: JT Baker has been a great coach, friend, and mentor. He worked hard to help me find a good school that wanted me to play baseball for them, and a good fit. He spent many hours helping me with my recruiting, and he’s fun to play for. He’s very passionate about the game and cares about all of his players.

PBR: Have you ever attended a PBR Arkansas event? Talk about your experience playing in PBR events. 

Hayes Cox: Yes. I attended many. They were always highly competitive, challenging, well run, and fun.

PBR: Who has had the biggest impact on you as a baseball player?

Hayes Cox:  My dad. He has always pushed me to become better. He is very supportive and made the game more fun for me. He showed me the game at a very young age and we’ve had a great time with it ever since.

PBR: What were your stats for your High School last spring? 

Hayes Cox: 1.5 ERA (junior season for FHS), .307 B.A., and .950 fielding percentage.  

 Related Content

AR 12.05.16
ICYMI: THE WEEK IN REVIEW
The week of Nov 28th- Dec 4th in review...>>

AR 12.04.16
RECRUITING Q&A: LOGAN EASLEY
A discussion on the recruiting process with Wichita State commit Logan Easley...>>

AR 12.03.16
UNDERCLASS REPORT: TOP POSITION PLAYERS
Reports on the top uncommitted 2018 position players...>>

PBRPLUS 12.02.16
THE BUZZ: THREE ILLINOIS 2019S MAKE COMMITMENTS
The latest recruiting news from the PBR coverage area...>>

AR 12.02.16
ARKANSAS STATE RECEIVES COMMITMENT FROM CONWAY LHP
Jordan Wicks committed to Arkansas State University on Wednesday...>>

PBRPLUS 12.02.16
ON THE HUNT: UNCOMMITTED 2019 ARMS AND A BIG BAT
Breakout arms highlight uncommitted '19s along with a future power bat...>>