AJ Kullman, RHP/1B, Olentangy Liberty HS, Class of 2015

PBR: Why did you choose Cincinnati?

Kullman: I am excited about what Coach Neal is building here and the university's commitment to make the baseball program one that can compete at the national level.  

PBR: What other schools were you considering?

Kullman: I was considering Oakland University, Elon University, Wright State, Akron, and Xavier 

PBR:  Last summer, Coach Neal was hired as the new coach at UC.  How does it feel to be a part of his first recruiting class? 

Kullman: It is an honor to be considered by one of the top recruiters in the country someone who can come in and contribute to his program.

PBR:  Coach Neal was a big part of the success at why Indiana went to the College World Series.  How quickly do you think that success can transfer to Bearcat baseball?

Kullman: Coach Neal's record shows that he can put together a winning program quickly, which is another aspect that attracted me to this opportunity. 

PBR:  Where did the Coach Neal first see you compete and how did your relationship develop with the rest of the coaching staff?

Kullman: Coach Neal first saw me play right in his backyard in a tournament in Cincinnati, but he met me back in march when I visited the UC campus for a game. Assistant Coach Lackaff showed my family and me the great facilities and campus. My parents both graduated from Miami University and felt a strong connection with both Coach Neal and Coach Lackaff who also Miami alums.

PBR: Was the recruiting process what you expected?

Kullman: It was a lot more overwhelming than I thought it would be. Once I got my first offer it seemed like every day I waited it was getting closer and closer to the deadline that I had to make a decision even though I wasn't given a timetable.

PBR: Who do you play for in the summer and what was your most exciting experience playing summer ball?

Kullman: I play for the Ohio Warhawks Baseball Club and my most exciting experience is every day I get to play the game I love with a great group of teammates and coaches.

PBR: What were your stats last season for Olentangy Liberty?

Kullman: over the course of the year I batted .398 with 23 RBIs and averaged over 1 strikeout per inning on the mound.

PBR: Who is the toughest pitcher you have faced in Ohio?

Kullman: This is a tough question because there are some great arms in Ohio. I would have to say the toughest arm I have faced has to be a kid who threw very well this season and beat us in the regional finals this year. Mason Daniels is a friend and teammate of mine but when he is locked in like he was in the regional finals he is a very good competitor and can be very hard to hit.