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By Jerry Shank
Maryland Scouting Director

Ryan Bywaters RHP/OF Smithsburg
MD/DE Rank: No. 7
Overall Rank: No. 368
Position Rank: No. 4
Radford Commit

What made Radford the right fit for you?
+ I loved the campus, It wasn't too big or too small. The coaches know their stuff and want to win games.

What was the recruiting process like?
+ Once the recruitment started in the winter it was pretty slow, a couple schools here and there would call but not a whole lot of action. Once the summer season started more and more schools contacted me. There were also slow times in the recruitment where I wouldn't get a text or call for two or three weeks.

What other schools did you consider?
+ Old Dominion, Penn State, Liberty, Millersville, VMI

What were key factors you were looking for during the process?
+ I wanted to go to a school south of Maryland but also be where I could make a trip home over a long weekend. I wanted to go to a school where I feel like I could be a contribution to the team as a freshman. I also wanted to go to a school that didn't have a large amount of students but also wasn't to small.

What are your goals now before you step on campus?
+ My main goal right now is to gain weight. I want to gain at least 20 pounds before I get on campus. On top of that I want my fastball to gain velocity so I can be a starter as a freshman.

What have you learned from your time with your high school / travel organization?
+ One thing that I have taken away from high school ball is that every time you step on the field it is a blessing and you never know when your last time running on the field might be. Travel ball with the Mid Atlantic Red Sox taught me to have a positive attitude at all times because you never know who is there to watch you.

What advice do you have for players going through the recruiting process?
+ Don't rush the process! Trust yourself and your ability that the right college will see you. If a school that you want to go to hasn't contacted you email them, text them, or call them. Have questions prepared for the coach that calls you so that he knows you are interested. Have fun in the process!!!

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