GREENSBORO, N.C. — It's a dream come true," said NC State catcher, Jacob Cozart. "I mean, this is what I worked for all my life and it's what I want to do."
NC State is a feeder for first round catchers in the MLB Draft. Most recently, Patrick Bailey was selected 13th overall in the 2020 draft.
This weekend, another Wesleyan Christian and Wolfpack alum is hoping to do the same. Cozart is projected to be the 42 overall pick in the 2024 MLB Draft.
"That's why I went there, just to follow the lines of catchers," said Cozart. "They do a really good job developing them."
The catcher had a standout year turning heads in the NCAA Athens Super Regional and College World Series.
"You're the quarterback of the team," the catcher said. "You're the only guy that sees the whole field, you have to direct the team and the pitchers. It's honestly the most fun because it's the most involved in the game."
But what really sets the catcher apart, his is ability to adapt to the ever changing sport.
"I've been crafting to be the best at that," said Cozart. "Every couple of years, a new method comes out that's better and better, that's the grind that I've accepted to play," said Cozart. "I'm excited to learn and just go along with it."
The catcher is hoping his hard work pays off this Sunday as he waits to hear his name get called.
"I've watched the draft every single year just imagining when my name gets called for it," Cozart said. "Now that it's here, it's getting really surreal. I'm excited for it."
The MLB Draft begins Sunday at 7 p.m.
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