Campus Newcomer: Strake Jesuit Prep RHP Carrson Canady
We wrap up our Iowa Baseball campus newcomer series by previewing one final incoming freshman for the Hawkeyes. It’s fitting that our final player preview was also the final addition to the 2023 recruiting class. Out of Missouri City, Texas, right-handed pitcher Carrson Canady played his high school baseball with Strake Jesuit College Prep. He is rated as the #87 right-handed pitcher in the state by Perfect Game.
We caught up with the 6-foot-2, 160 pound right-handed pitcher to discuss his move to Iowa and preview his upcoming freshman year with the Hawkeyes.
Q: When do you move to Iowa City and what is your excitement level like for that move in day?
CANADY: I move into my dorm on August 14th. I’m extremely excited to finally get on campus.
Q: What number do you plan on wearing and why?
CANADY: I don’t really have a preference for numbers, but if I had to chose it’d be 3 because it’s what I wore during my senior season.
Q: How would you evaluate the way you played during your senior season?
CANADY: I would say I played pretty good during my senior season. I was mainly used as a bullpen arm.
Q: What pitches do you have in arsenal (speeds)? What would you say is your best pitch?
CANADY: I throw a 4-Seam Fastball 87-90, 2-Seam Fastball 86-88, Changeup 75-79, Curveball 71-75. I would say my curveball is my best pitch because it generates a lot of strikeouts looking.
Q: What have you been doing since the high school season to prepare for when you join the team?
CANADY: Since the high school season ended I went back to training at the Houston Warriors Velo Program. I’ve been training there since I was a freshmen. I’ve just focused on throwing, lifting, and overall just being more athletic. I am usually there Monday-Thursday and Saturday. Outside of this I’ve been working on gaining weight.
Q: Looking back at your recruitment, what stood out about the Iowa Baseball program that made them an easy choice over other schools?
CANADY: Two things that stood out to me about Iowa were the coaching staff and the strong foundation that the program has.
Q: Were there any other teams that you considered during your recruitment?
CANADY: I didn’t have too many offers. I was offered by some JUCOs and D2s, and I talked to some other D1s.
Q: What is your relationship like with the coaching staff? Who do you talk with the most?
CANADY: I have a good relationship with the coaching staff. The coach that I talk with the most is Coach Marty.
Q: What is your relationship like with the other incoming freshman? Current players?
CANADY: I haven’t gotten to meet the other incoming freshman in person (we recently had a zoom meeting), and I haven’t met any of the current players. This is because I was recruited and committed pretty late compared to the other freshman. I am very excited to get to know teammates in the future.
Q: If someone asked you “what do you bring to the Iowa team?” How would you describe your game?
CANADY: I would describe my game as someone who goes out everyday and competes, no matter what it is. I think that competitiveness is one of the biggest parts of my game.
Q: What are your goals for your freshman season at Iowa? What areas of your game do you want to improve?
CANADY: My goal for my freshman year is to be an integral part of the team and help in any way I can. Areas of my game I can improve on are my velocity and command.
