RHP Kade Durnin (Camdenton, 2024) was another name in Missouri's 2024 class that took a meteoric rise this year from a prospect perspective, vaulting up to sixth overall on our rankings in-state and No. 113 overall nationally.

Durnin's ascent started in the winter at the US Nationals Scout Day, where his fastball lived in the low-90s with an improved slider to pair. He absolutely dominated on both sides of the ball for a 29-win Camdenton squad in the spring, anchoring one of the top teams in Class 5 throughout, including in their daunting District play.

He parlayed that success into a massive summer that really elevated him from a collegiate and professional standpoint. Durnin showed well at Creekside twice, and he was especially impressive at the Area Code Games, where he touched 95 mph with his fastball and came away as an arrow-up follow.

We recently had the opportunity to talk with Durnin on his recruiting process, why he chose Texas Christian, his favorite baseball memory, toughest opponent, and several other topics. You'll find our full discourse 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?

Durnin: I had an older brother go through the process so I had a good idea of what to expect. With that being said, I was committed to Wichita State, and their coaching change threw me for a loop. I don’t think I could’ve been prepared for that. When I decommitted, I was looking for a place that had to chance to go to Omaha, developed pitchers, and had a good culture.

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

Durnin: It did, but it was not one of my top priorities. I felt that if I really loved a place, I could go anywhere and be okay.

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

Durnin: The spring of my sophomore year is when I got interest. I committed to WSU in the fall of my junior year. I quietly decommitted last summer and my recruitment blew up after the area code games. That’s when TCU and I started talking. 

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

Durnin: I really like the culture. They understand the kind of kid they want and everyone is in the same page. Their weights and nutrition program is incredible, and as a bonus, I love the campus.

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

Durnin: Missouri, Nebraska, Arkansas, Texas, Oklahoma, and TCU.

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

Durnin: I haven’t played against most of the top players, but I played with UTL Tytus Cissell (Francis Howell, 2024) for a bit and seen him play often. He has to be one of the most stressful at bats. Elite speed, constant threat of a bunt, good bat to ball skill with pop he has gained. Plus the constant threat he poses on base, gives a pitcher headaches.

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?

Durnin: The winter of my sophomore year when I started to throw in the mid-to-upper-80s.

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

Durnin: Just get a little bit better at every event. You don’t have to make the huge jump, your steady growth will mean more. With that, you only need one person who believes in you and is willing to take a chance on you.

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

Durnin: Real game wise, probably last spring when I threw a complete game shutout and hit a home run in the same game for my school team. The Area Code experience was I matched though, being able to just watch so many great players was a lot of fun. Pitching in that environment was unforgettable.

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

Durnin: We’re coming off of a 29-5 season with lots of holes to fill. Karson Durnin, our lead off hitter and shortstop, got injured and won’t play for a good chunk of the season. We have two returning arms in myself and All-Stater Spencer Mellencamp. Spencer will play a huge role on our squad in the box and on the mound. We also have a returning starter in Jackson Basham who will bat at the top of the lineup and plays really good center field. With Karson being out, lots of guys will have to step up in order for us get where we want to go. 

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