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Our Q&A 

Prep Baseball: What were your expectations about the recruiting process? What were you looking for out of a college program to continue your baseball career at?

Kam: I was very focused on development and finding the best place for me to become a better pitcher and person. I put a lot of emphasis on the pitching coach and strength coach, along with track record of developing pitchers for the major league draft.

PB: What do you like most about the program you chose, and what were the key factors in making your decision?

K: I really loved the culture and professional environment at Arkansas. Coach Van Horn and the entire staff are first class. They have the most players and pitchers drafted in college baseball since 2018, when Matt Hobbs arrived as pitching coach. I also really connected with strength coach Hunter Bell. 

PB: What advice would you give to young baseball players striving to get where you are?

K: Keep your head where your feet are and make the most of each day. Try to stack good days of hard work and you will put yourself in a great spot to be successful. 

PB: Did location or distance from home play a factor in your decision?

K: Arkansas being only 1.5 hours from home helped, but the quality of the program and development were bigger priorities for me.

PB: When did the recruiting process really start to heat up for you? Where did the school you committed to first see you play?

K: I had attended several camps in the years prior to 2025, and had good relationships with my short list of schools. I attended day camps at Arkansas for a few years and then Coach Hobbs came to see me a few times during my sophomore high school and summer season. 

PB: Was there a particular Prep Baseball tournament or showcase that helped accelerate your recruiting process? If yes, how so?

K: I believe the 2025 Futures Game was a time that most schools saw me pitch. It was very valuable for my recruiting process and I would recommend everyone participate if given the opportunity. 

PB: What other schools were on your short list before you made your final decision?

K: Arkansas, LSU, Georgia, Tennessee, Texas, Vanderbilt

PB: Who is the next talented young player to keep an eye on out of your high school or travel program?

K: My cousin Drake Smith is a freshman at Girard High School and is going to be a very good player. 

PB: At what point in your career did you realize you were a college-caliber player and became serious about taking your game to the next level?

K: I attended a camp at LSU in 8th grade and left there feeling like if I worked hard I could pitch at the next level. 

PB: What is the most memorable moment in your baseball career to this point?

K: The environment at my start in the PBR Futures Game and seeing all the college coaches there to watch the game. 

PB: Preview your high school team's season for us. How do you feel your team will be?

K: We have been young the last two years and should really benefit from that experience. We will also have a few new players that should really help, and I have high expectations for us this year. 

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