This is the second installment of the Arizona Baseball 2020 Follow Friday series, in which we will highlight each member of the incoming 2020 class of student-athletes looking to make their mark at Hi Corbett Field. Get to know our newest Wildcats with the below Q&A, and when you're done be sure to follow them on social media to stay connected.

Today's feature focuses on incoming freshman Kyle Casper, an outfielder/right-handed pitcher from Valhalla High School in El Cajon, California. 

Previous editions of Follow Friday: Jacob Berry
 

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Q: What made you choose Arizona?
A: Arizona just felt right; the coaching staff was the perfect fit for me. I also wanted to get out on my own away from home, but not too far away. Arizona was an opportunity to play at a good school with a great platform.

Q: What are you looking forward to the most in your first year at Arizona?
A: My first year of college is a great opportunity to grow up as you get away from home. I also can't wait to play with the guys that are coming back for another year and learning from them. 

Q: What achievement from your baseball career so far are you most proud of?
A: Turning around our high school baseball program with my buddies. We came in there and helped turned a 3-25 team into a program that won the CIF.

Q: What do you think is the strongest part of your game?
A: The strongest part of my game is my aggressiveness. I like to steal a lot of bags and I like to go after first pitch fastballs.

Q: Who influenced you to get into baseball?
A: I would probably have to say my cousin, who played college baseball at Point Loma Nazarene University. I was always trying to be like him when I was younger, always wanted to follow in his footsteps.

Q: If you weren't playing baseball, what sport would you most want to play?
A: Definitely it would be football. I played football growing up as a slot receiver/outside linebacker and stopped after my freshman year of high school, but I always liked hitting guys. 

Q: If you could have one MLB player's skill, what would it be?
A: Honestly, I would want to play like Fernando Tatís right now. He brings a lot of excitement onto the field and he brings the energy to the game that I would like to bring.

Q: If you could face one Major League Baseball player right now, who would it be and why?
A: Aroldis Chapman, because I want to see his fastball and see if I could at least try and get a piece of it. 

Q: What are some of your non-baseball hobbies you enjoy spending free time on?
A: I like to go to the beach a lot, usually when I'm not playing baseball I'm at the beach with my friends. We enjoy just hanging out, surfing, going in the water. I picked up surfing this year during quarantine, we've been going out there and learning and having a good time since it's one of the only things open.

Q: What does your pregame/gameday routine look like?
A: I'll start by getting a good meal in me, but not something too heavy like eggs and toast so I still feel light. Then I like to stretch a little bit before I get to the field. Once I get to the ballpark I'll get some work in the cages, not overwork myself but still feel loose.

Quick Hits:

Favorite baseball player: Kris Bryant
Favorite MLB team: Los Angeles Angels
Favorite baseball movie: Moneyball
Favorite gameday snack: Teriyaki beef jerky
Favorite TV show: Criminal Minds
Favorite movie: The Purge