Meet Your Diamond Dawgs: Jared Padgett
September 24, 2015 | Baseball
STARKVILLE, Miss. – During the fall, HailState.com will interview select Mississippi State newcomers as an introduction to the MSU fanbase. Left-handed pitcher Jared Padgett arrived in Starkville after being chosen by the Chicago Cubs in the 26th round of the 2015 Major League Baseball Draft.
For more information on Padgett's 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."
JARED PADGETT Q&A
Q: What pitches do you throw and what are the velocities on those pitches?
A: My fastball sits anywhere from 88-92 mph and I can crank it up get up to 93-94. My changeup is anywhere from 79-82. My curveball is my best pitch and it's anywhere from the mid- to high-70s.
Q: What is it about the curveball which makes it your out pitch?
A: I am not one to talk about it much, but Coach Thompson tells me that it falls off the table. Scouts told me in the draft process it was one of the better curveballs in the 2015 class.
Q: Why did you choose Mississippi State?
A: I narrowed my decision down to Florida State, South Carolina and Mississippi State, but just the atmosphere here at MSU is why I chose Starkville. What this place is about is just unreal.
Q: What is this place about?
A: I don't know how to explain it other than it's just where you as a college athlete want to play baseball at. The people make this place special. The stadium is packed out and it's an unbelievable atmosphere. It's just an environment that every college baseball player wants to pitch in.
Q: What led to the decision to attend MSU and not sign with the Chicago Cubs?
A: It was a thoughtful decision. I put so much thought into it. Of course, prayer and everything else went into it as well. The Cubs offered me in the third round, but I did not bite on it. I personally felt like I was worth more and I wanted it to be life-changing money. I know that coming here and proving myself will get the job done.
Q: What has the transition from living in Graceville, Florida, to living in Starkville been like?
A: Starkville is small and where I'm from is a tiny town, so Starkville has felt like home since the second I showed up. I love it.
Q: What is the biggest difference between a scrimmage or practice at MSU and what you experienced in high school?
A: The biggest difference is the competition and intensity. The drive here excites me. I want to go out there and pitch against some of my teammates and prove myself.
Q: How have your experiences been with the strength and conditioning program so far?
A: Since arriving on campus at 195 pounds I've gained weight. I currently weight 205 pounds. The food, nutrition and protein provided prepare me to play well. The workouts and the running are everything I've expected it to be, honestly. Coach Brian Neal works with us a lot and I appreciate it because I know it makes us better.
Q: What are you majoring in and what would you like to do after playing baseball?
A: I'm going to major in business administration. That is what I want to do but that's prone to change of course. I haven't really made up my mind yet, but right now I want to possibly own a chain of restaurants one day. Perhaps I can be a CEO or something. That is what I would love to do.
Q: What are you like away from the diamond?
A: I am a funny guy. I keep everybody on their toes and laughing.
Q: What are your top shows on Netflix?
A: The two shows I enjoy the most on there are Bates Motel and Breaking Bad. I don't watch much movies on there.
Q: What was the last movie you saw in theaters?
A: Straight Outta Compton. It was a great movie.
Q: What are your thoughts on the new Dudy Noble Field?
A: I think it's going to be the best in college baseball and it's going to be electric. I truly believe it is going to live up to the hype. I love the fact that they're mixing in a combination of stadiums to make it the best in college baseball. It will be amazing
