Commitment Q&A With Kansas State Signee Hudson Byrd
January 17, 2024
Recently our staff talked to the future Wildcat on why he chose Kansas State, his recruitment process as a whole, what he was looking for in a school, and more. You'll find that chat below.
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?
Byrd: I was looking for a program that’s big on culture and family. I feel like K-State is huge on both of those things, so it made it pretty easy for me.
PBR: Did location or distance from home play a factor in your decision?
Byrd: Yes, for me it was important for my entire family to come watch me play at a drivable distance.
PBR: When did the recruiting process really start to heat up for you? Where did the school you committed to first see you play?
Byrd: It really started to heat up after my freshman summer and sophomore fall. K-State first saw me throw my 15U summer.
PBR: What do you like most about the program you chose, and what were the key factors in making your decision?
Byrd: I love how driven the entire program is on becoming better baseball players, and also better people. The culture that Coach Hughes has established at K-State, which made it super easy for me to want to come play for him.
PBR: What other schools were on your short list before you made your final decision?
Byrd: Purdue & Ohio State.
PBR: Who is the best player you have faced in your state? What about them makes for a tough opponent?
Byrd: 1B Jack Jones (Shawnee Mission East, 2024; Tennessee signee). He’s one of the best pure hitters I’ve ever seen my age. He just looks scary in the box.
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?
Byrd: After I stopped hitting, once I started to focus primarily on pitching that’s when I made my biggest jump.
PBR: What advice would you give to young baseball players striving to get where you are?
Byrd: Never let anyone tell you your dreams are too big.
PBR: What is the most memorable moment in your baseball career to this point?
Byrd: Hitting bombs in Cooperstown when I was 12.
PBR: Preview your high school team's season for us. How do you feel your team will be?
Byrd: I feel like we are going to be pretty good, we have a loaded pitching staff and I think we can make a deep run this year.