By Doug Hall
Tennessee Director of Scouting

Jack Rude, a 6-foot-4, 190 pound RHP from Houston HS recently announced his commitment to continue his education and baseball career at Samford University.  We caught up with Rude to discuss his decision.

PBR:  What was it about Samford that made it feel like the right fit for you?

Rude: I related really well with all the coaches and really loved their power pitching philosophy. They develop big arms and have results to back up their teaching methods as seen in some of the more recent guys they've had drafted. Also, the school just felt right, the campus is beautiful, small classes and personal relationships with teachers was big for me and I just didn't think I could get that at a larger university. When I arrived on campus and met with the coaches it felt like I was at home.

PBR: What other schools were you considering?

Rude: I was considering Southern Miss, Cincinnati, Ole Miss, Memphis, Austin Peay, MTSU, South Alabama and a few others.

PBR:  Where did the coaching staff first see you compete?

Rude: They first saw me when I attended a camp there in the fall of 2013.

PBR: What role does Coach Dunn expect you to play during your first year on campus?

Rude: They expect me to be a starter with the possibility of working into being a weekend starter.

PBR:  Who has had the biggest impact on you as a baseball player?

Rude: My dad has had the biggest impact on me as a baseball player. It may sound cliche` but he's always been my number 1 fan and has paid for every lesson, showcase, and camp I could have ever wanted to attend, as well as always being my loudest supporter in the stands. We share a mutual love of the game and I'm excited I'm able to let him see me play for hopefully  4 more years.

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

Rude: I play for the Ohio Warhawks and my most exciting experience was winning a National Championship with the 22 other guys I lived with for 2 1/2 months with on the Warhawks. It was the best summer of my life and all the Warhawks are my brothers.

PBR: What are your goals for your upcoming senior season?

Rude: The only goal I have in mind is to try and lead my team, the Houston Mustangs, to a State Championship title. We came up just short last year in the final game and I don't want to let it happen again.

PBR: Who is the toughest hitter you have faced in Tennessee?

Rude: The toughest hitter I have faced in Tennessee has to be Brandon Montgomery hands down, he graduated last year and is currently at Memphis and is also my closest friend.