College Decision Clears Up Future For Fogg

POWELL - The recruiting process was admittedly nerve-racking for Nolan Fogg.

“My high school coaches told me the process was different for everyone and may go slow at first and then take off,” the Olentangy Liberty senior said in reference to head coach Ty Brenning and assistant James Onate, both of whom he credited with playing a major role in helping him find a college home. “It started off really slow and I started having a couple doubts, but they said you just have to wait for things. There’s always going to be a place for someone and fortunately for me, Toledo came along.”

The second-rated 2022 third baseman in Ohio committed to the Mid-American Conference school in late summer just before senior year of high school began.

“I shared with them a couple videos of me in Georgia and then they came to see me play in Cincinnati,” Fogg related. “They like what they saw, we talked for a few weeks and they gave me an offer.”

The recently-turned 18-year-old - whose other interest came from “smaller D-II schools” - then pondered what to do.

“I talked it over with family and coaches,” reflected Fogg, whose sister attends Toledo. “I’ve seen the campus and I’ve talked to baseball guys and all the coaches are really nice.”

The decision was made to make Toledo home for the next four years.

“I’ve always wanted to play college baseball, the big thing is the fact that it’s D-I,” Fogg said. “I felt Toledo was the best option for me.”

The desire to play in college has been there since he was young.

“My whole life I’ve thought I could do it, but going into my junior year of high school my body started changing,” Fogg explained. “I got more athletic and schools became interested. That’s when I knew I could do this.

“I started lifting more and got in better shape,” Fogg added about what helped the cause. “I’ve gotten faster.”

Changing positions was another vital part of it, according to the 85th-ranked 2022 in the state, who points to his father, Trey, as being his biggest influence when it comes to the baseball aspect of his development.

“Third base was my main position in eighth grade and freshman year,” Fogg noted. “Sophomore year is when I switched to the outfield. I’ve got more speed now and have the ability to track balls better.”

But there is another aspect of the game that stood out the most for Toledo about Fogg.

“They like bigger guys and they really like my hitting,” pointed out the 6-2 190-pounder, who batted leadoff this past season for Liberty. “I’m a lefty hitting backside, that’s a big thing for them. Outfield will be my position, but the main thing is they just like my hitting.”

There is more that Fogg believes he can provide the UT program.

“My leadership role will be huge,” Fogg proclaimed. “At Liberty we do things with a different feel.with the way we are coached about accountability and leadership. I think that’s going to be a big thing I can bring them.”

Business management will be the major for the 3.3 student, who admits to being relieved the recruiting process has come to an end.

“After I made a few phone calls about my commitment, it was one of the biggest stress releases ever,” Fogg said. “It took a lot off my shoulders.”

But according to Fogg, the process was stressful right up to the end.

“I think it was more stressful after I got the offer than before,” Fogg said. “After that I had to make sure I was making the right decision.”