Meet Your Diamond Dawgs: Noah Hughes
October 02, 2015 | Baseball
STARKVILLE, Miss. – During the fall, HailState.com will interview select Mississippi State newcomers as an introduction to the MSU fanbase. True freshman right-handed pitcher Noah Hughes went 12-0 with 112 strikeouts and a 1.38 ERA this past spring as a senior at Jackson Preparatory School. Along with current MSU teammate Jake Mangum, Hughes led Jackson Prep to its third straight state championship this past spring, earning All-America honors from Louisville Slugger.
Fans can watch Hughes Sunday at 3 p.m. at Dudy Noble Field as MSU plays its 10th open scrimmage of the fall. Admission is free. For more information on Hughes' fall, follow the program on Twitter, like the team on Facebook and join them on Instagram by searching for "HailStateBB." You can also find all-access coverage of the program on SnapChat by searching for "HailStateSnap."
NOAH HUGHES Q&A
Q: How are your classes going? What is your major?
A: Classes are going well so far. It took me awhile to get in the swing of things but I have my routine down now to where I can be successful academically.
Q: What are your main pitches?
A: I throw a fastball, slider and a change-up. I can run my fastball up to around 90 or 91 mph.
Q: What made you decide to come to Mississippi State?
A: I signed with MSU because the atmosphere and tradition here are unbelievable. We played in the Southeastern Conference so every game you battle some of the toughest hitters in the nation. I truly felt a sense of community here and really liked Coach Cohen and Coach Thompson when I came on my visit. Playing here gives me the best chance to play baseball at the highest level professionally while getting a great education.
Q: How has strength and conditioning gone?
A: Coach Neal has been great to train with. It took me about a week to get use to the schedule of balancing conditioning, workouts, school and practice. It is all starting to flow together now and I can feel my body getting stronger with increased flexibility.
Q: What do you like to watch on Netflix?
A: I am actually watching this show called Narcos right now. Sometimes it gets too violent for me, but it is a really good show.
Q: Have you been able to attend a football game yet as a student?
A: I have been to both home games so far and had so much fun. Just like Dudy Noble Field, Davis Wade is an exciting atmosphere when it gets rocking. I really enjoyed it and am looking forward to doing it again the next few weeks.
Q: What are your thoughts on the new Dudy Noble Field?
A: When you look at the renderings the new stadium is unreal. To have a facility like that in college baseball is crazy. It took me a bit to comprehend just how big of a deal it is. I am really looking forward to seeing it once it is finished.
