CARTERSVILLE, Ga. – The University of Texas recently added an elite 2015 arm to their arsenal in Las Vegas, Nev. right-handed pitcher Nolan Kingham.
Kingham is currently the highest ranked commit for Texas for the 2015 class, ranked No. 14 nationally, the No. 2 right-handed pitcher in the country, and the No. 1 prospect in Nevada for that class.
“I’ve dreamed of going to Texas and I had no idea they had interest in me and when I found out they had interest in me it was a dream-come-true and I was just absolutely shocked,” said Kingham.
“I was asked if I had any interest in Texas and I said ‘of course’ and he said ‘I know the pitching coach very well’ and we started emailing back and forth. Shortly after that they told me they were flying out to see me pitch.”
Kingham took unofficial visits to the University of Texas, Louisiana State University, and the University of California-Santa Barbara, but his gut told him Texas was his future home.
“The academics are awesome. I love the athletic director. I feel like I’m gonna be safe there; I’m in good hands,” Kingham said. “The environment, the people, and of course the baseball field and baseball department just made me feel right at home. I just went with my gut.”
Kingham also cited the location of the baseball field and facilities and being very convenient.
“Everything was right by the baseball field. You don’t need to go across the football field to go train or go to the weight room. The fans are also very nice and fair to you and I just liked it.”
Austin, Texas, the home of the university, is over 1,200 miles away from Kingham’s current home in Las Vegas, Nev., but he is confident that being so far away from home won’t be an issue.
“Getting away from home isn’t all that bad because my parents are gonna come see me play,” said Kingham, “So it wasn’t a big deal.”
The 6-foot-4 righty is now focused on winning a state championship with his high school and continually improving before he finds himself on the University of Texas campus.
The veteran of Perfect Game events has taken steps in the right direction. Last summer he participated in Perfect Game’s Underclass All-American Games, a tournament that’s left a lasting impact on him.
“I was playing against the best kids in the United States and I still talk to kids now that were on my team then. We check up on each other and see how we’re doing,” said Kingham.
He said none of his teammates have committed to the University of Texas, but a lot could happen in the next two years.
The talented thrower gives Texas’ 2015 recruiting class eight commits so far, including seven in the Top 500 and two in the Top 100. The University of Texas’ 2015 recruiting class currently ranks 21st.