PACK9 Transfer Commit Sherman Johnson: "They Care About You"

McLennan (TX) CC infielder Sherman Johnson discusses his NC State commitment with Inside Pack Sports.

Why NC State?
The reason I chose NC State was the coaches... coach Avent, coach Hart, and coach Bo.

As soon as I unsigned from the school I was going to, it was an instant call I received from them.  I knew they wanted me really bad. NC State is a great program with great tradition, and I wanted to be a part of it.

What was their reaction when you committed?
[Laughing] It’s funny because it was raining and I was in the car with coach Hart. He was dropping me off when I did, and he gave me a hug.  Then coach Avent looped all the way around and gave me a hug too.  He got out in the rain and was pumped up, said he couldn’t believe I was committing.

What was their recruiting pitch?
We get players, and we make them better.  They said they knew my goal is to get drafted, and they can help do that for me.

The real thing, though, is they care about you, not as just as a baseball player but as a person.

What did your family think of the visit?
They loved it. As soon as we were done with the facilities and got back to the hotel my dad called me and said he thought I should go there. I agreed, I told him I didn’t need to take any more visits.

How many schools did you hear from when you decommitted from Arkansas?
It was a lot... at least 20.

Did you visit anywhere else outside of NC State?
No, that was my only visit.

How would you describe your game?
I'm a really good defender.

I just started playing shortstop not too long ago so it's still kind of new to me but I can impact with my defense.  I think I have a really good bat too.  I hit a lot of doubles this year and have power. 

I'd say my bat is a plus but the defense is first.

When NC State first reached out, what was the feedback?
We really need you.

Did they talk with you about the tradition at shortstop?
Yes, for sure. They gave me a rundown of all the shortstops they’ve had and how many have been drafted.  They told me I’ll go in and work to be the next and that we’re going to win a lot of games doing it and get to Omaha.  I said lets do it.

Were you familiar with the program?
Yes sir, just growing up in Georgia it's talked about a lot and seieng the 2021 team, that was fun.

What does it feel like to be committed again?
I think it's awesome. The process when I unsigned was difficult, it was stressful, but NC State was the first team to reach out and it felt like home. I wanted to be a part of the Pack.

When do you arrive at NC State?
We talked about it. I'm going to try and go up there August 5th or the 8th.