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Sooner Profile: Jake McCarter
March 30, 2008 | Baseball
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A highly touted prospect out of high school, McCarter attended two years of junior college before spending his junior season at the University of Alabama and ultimately arriving in Norman last fall.
Along the way, McCarter has been drafted four times. Yes... four times, though never by the same organization. He could have signed at any point during the process but didn't because he never felt the timing was right.
After sitting out last year due to NCAA transfer rules, McCarter was finally able to suit up for OU this spring. Handed the closer role for the first time in his career, McCarter has excelled as one of the nation's leaders in saves.
For all the places he's been and everything he's gone through to get here, the timing couldn't be more perfect for both McCarter and the Sooners.
On the difficulty of sitting out last year:
"Out of the University of Alabama, I got picked up but it was kind of late. I never really found the right timing for me to go. I figured when I came here I would get some more school in. I didn't get to play last year and that was really tough. If I would have known I wasn't going to get to play last year, I might have stuck it out at Alabama for one more year, as bad as that sounds. But if I could have it any other way, I'm happy I'm here. I think we're having a good year so far and can make a good run at it."
On being drafted four times:
"There was some hype out of high school and to be honest I didn't think I was going to go to college. I went ahead and took the junior college route kind of as a draft and follow type thing. The Yankees picked me up after my freshman year, then after my sophomore year it was the Nationals, then the Red Sox after at Alabama.
 "A lot guys I know who don't play baseball would feel very fortunate and I try not to take that for granted." |
On what allows someone to be drafted multiple times:
"Out of high school the Reds picked me up and basically suggested the whole draft and follow thing. They kept the rights to me until two week's before the next year's draft. It's kind of funny because I haven't been drafted by the same organization. It's been a different organization every year and I've kind of had to follow the same process every year. You learn from it and I've had fun with it. A lot of guys I know who don't play baseball would feel very fortunate and I try not to take that for granted."
On how happy he is with the decision to come to OU:
"I love the guys. We have a good camaraderie here and all seem to gel together really well. I've met a lot of great people here. One thing about the coaching staff that's a huge difference from Alabama is that they care. They really care about the guys, especially after they leave here and move on with their careers. A lot of guys have come back to previous workouts and always talk to the coaches and stuff. You can tell that when you leave here you're still part of that OU family. I feel very fortunate to be a part of that."
On being a closer for the first time in his career:
"It's been new to me. I've always been a starter in the past in junior college and at Alabama. I had some relief appearances at Alabama but never in the closing role. I'm still learning more and more every day with that role. I do like the role just as far as coming to the field knowing there's a chance I might get in any game. It's been fun. The last couple of outings haven't been the prettiest but it's just one of those roles you have to bounce back and not let those speed bumps affect you."
On the mentality needed to be a closer:
"You know you have to come ready to play every day. Almost like a position player, you have to stay in the game. Starters, on the day they don't pitch they're usually keeping charts. As a closer, you have to study the hitters every day. You have to know what's working and what the field is doing that day. It's just an every day grind knowing that there's a chance you might come in. Coming in as a closer you have to go right at hitters, especially when the game is on the line."
On his plans for the future:
"I love the game of baseball and it's always been a dream of mine play professional baseball. I'm just going to put it in God's hands and whatever is meant to be is meant to be. Like I said, I've been very fortunate in college to play with some great teams and great groups of guys. I want to play for as long as I can and see where the road takes me from there."
Johnson and Carmichael Postgame vs North Carolina
Monday, June 02
BB Highlights: OU 9, UNC 5
Monday, June 02
Johnson, Dickerson, Willits Postgame vs North Carolina
Sunday, June 01
BB Highlights: OU 17, Nebraska 1
Sunday, June 01
