Snowden Ready For Two-Sport Challenge At Cincinnati

ROSEVILLE - Amare Snowden is ready to set history.

The Roseville senior has committed to Cincinnati to play both baseball and football.

“I’ll be the first in Cincinnati’s history to do both,” Snowden said.

Offers from Arkansas Pine-Bluff, Iowa and Kentucky were on the table while Michigan and Michigan State were others in the mix before Snowden decided Cincinnati was the right fit.

“I’ve been talking with coach (Scott) Googins for a long time,” Snowden related about the UC head baseball coach. “Coach (Luke) Fickell, the football head coach, committed to doing everything together. I went on a visit for football and talked with coach Googins and he said I could do it. Coach Fickell was excited and coach Googins was excited.”

A cornerback on the gridiron, the fifth-rated 2023 left-handed pitcher in Michigan is expected to be used in a relief role at UC.

“I’m normally a starter but I think I can be a dominating pitcher closing,” Snowden said.

Cincinnati sees a lot to like in the 6-3 196-pounder.

“They did a physical and I have an 82-83 wingspan,” Snowden noted. “So they like my length and that I’m left-handed. I’m an athlete, I can field bunts and I’m good at tracking balls down.”

Being able to play two sports in college was important in making a college choice.

“Two-way played a big factor in it,” Snowden explained. “I’ve wanted to do it since I was little. That really was the deal breaker. That was a requirement for me, at least to be able to do it the first year. If it’s too much stress, I’ll have to decide on one.

“But I personally believe I can fit it all in. I’ll still be able to work out, I’ll still be able to break down hitting, and I’ll still be able to study. As far as the mental part, I personally think I can do it.”

The opportunity at Cincinnati proved right for the 39th-ranked 2023 in Michigan.

“It’s not too far from home, it’s only four hours,” Snowden said in listing off things that stood out at UC. “Seeing what both programs are doing - competing and winning games - and the two coaches at the school, I like what they bring. And they’re moving up to the Big 12. Who doesn’t like better competition? That’s something I want to be a part of.”

The recently-turned 17-year-old is confident about what he can provide each program at Cincinnati.

“Heart and dedication,” Snowden said. “I’ll bring a lot to the table. I have a lot of upside. I’ll bring a lot of energy to the team. I want to be in big moments. I like being in tough moments.”

One recent improvement on the mound has helped his game reach a level bringing Division I college interest.

“I had a glove-tuck issue but my glove side is tucked in now,” Snowden pointed out. “It’s just some little mechanics that I’ve worked on.”

The recruiting process had its moments according to the southpaw pitcher.

“I really want to thank Aaron Wilson,” Snowden said in reference to the former PBR Michigan scouting director. “We talked a lot about the recruiting process and that it’s really stressful no matter what sport. Coaches are really pushing you to make a decision and it got really stressful. It will be like that for anybody.

“PBR helped with me going to a couple showcases,” Snowden added. “PBR is really good for you. I have much love for Aaron and PBR.”

Criminal justice will be the college major for Snowden, who carries a 3.2 GPA at Roseville.

“I’m really looking forward to getting on the field early, developing and working on my major,” Snowden said.

Making the college commitment official was memorable.

“It was a very happy moment, I broke down,” Snowden reflected. “It’s very exciting to play at the collegiate level. I got hugs from my mom and dad and friends. But it was the 24-hour rule. You’re happy, but the next day you’re back at it working.”