Nate Pearson, a two-sport standout from Toledo St. John's, recently committed to the University of Toledo. Learn more about his recruiting process and decision to focus on baseball at the next level.

 

PBR: What schools were you considering?
Pearson: Toledo, Kent State, Ohio State, Bradley, Siena Heights, and Owens.

PBR: Why did you choose Toledo?
Pearson: I chose Toledo because I felt very comfortable with the staff and I know a few people on the team already.

PBR: You are talented football player and your dad is the varsity football coach at St. John’s, so many would expect that you would play football at the next level. What makes baseball your first love?
Pearson: Baseball has always been more appealing to me because I started playing when I was 5. I didn't play football until 5th grade. Also, I feel that I am better at baseball than football.

PBR: What role do the coaches expect you to play your first year on campus?
Pearson: After talking with the coaches at Toledo, I feel that my role is to work hard and compete. Hopefully I can make an offensive contribution right away.

PBR: What were your expectations about recruiting heading into the summer? Did you think you would become a Division I commitment?
Pearson: I was leery about recruiting because I had not been contacted by many schools. I felt like I was missing something and honestly, I began to question myself. I've always felt like I could hit D-1 pitching, but up until this summer I wasn't sure if I could cut it defensively.

PBR: What is your biggest strength as a player and how do you feel that you will help Toledo?
Pearson: Being a coaches kid, I have been raised to be a leader, both verbally and by example. I think that I will be able to show good leadership skills. Physically, I think that I can contribute offensively, as hitting is my strong point.

PBR: Do you know any of the other players committed to Toledo in your class? Did you talk with any of them before or after your commitment?
Pearson: Yes. I played against 2 of our 6 commits this spring and summer (Ross Achter and Deon Tansel) and another contacted me on Facebook. ( Kevin Kline from Patrick Henry H.S) I have talked to Kevin a few times, but he is really the only one.

PBR: After your spring season, you were selected to play on Team Ohio in the Sunbelt Classic. Please describe your experience.
Pearson: It was the best baseball experience of my life. I had an awesome host family, roomed with two of my good friends, and did well. The challenge was big, but I am a big believer in the fear of the unknown. No one down there knew me; it was just a bunch of 17, 18 year old kids playing as hard as they could. Everyone brought their A game and the competition was awesome.

PBR: What was it like to be the only player from Ohio named to the All-Tournament Team at the Sunbelt Classic?
Pearson: It was an awesome feeling. Many of my teammates were deserving of it. I was speechless when the tournament director called my name.

PBR: Who has had the biggest impact on you as a baseball player?
Pearson: My father. Hands down. My dad was a baseball coach long before he was a football coach and he taught me and coached me from 5 years old until now. He spent and still does spend so much time and money so that I can be successful. I owe it all to him. During the recruiting process, my H.S coach DJ Eckhart made a huge impact as well. He played in the MAC at Miami and really guided me along with the process.

PBR: What were your stats for this spring season at Toledo St. Johns?
Pearson: BA .420, 2 HR's, 37 rbi's.

PBR: What are your goals for your senior season?
Pearson: Our team is in a new league this year so my first goal is to win that league. Every year Coach Eckhart preaches about how hard work and dedication lead to good things. Hopefully, everyone will buy in and we can make a state run. Personally, I want to hit .500, hit two more home runs to set a career record at SJJ, and make first team All State.

PBR: Who is the toughest pitcher that you have faced in Ohio?
Pearson: Big Lefty named Zach Shockly from Cleveland St. Ignatius. Throws hard, good off speed and is very crafty.