Dec. 14, 2007

NORMAN, Okla. -- Soonersports.com's brings fans the 15th installment of the 2008 Baseball Newcomer Video Spotlights, featuring freshman right-handed pitcher Ryan Duke.

In preparation for the 2008 season, SoonerSports.com will feature one of the Sooners' newcomers each week throughout the rest of the year.

Each spotlight will include an updated bio, Q&A session and a series of videos including practice footage and a scouting report from OU head coach Sunny Golloway.

Duke comes to OU after an impressive high school career in both baseball and football at Callalen High School in Texas.

Duke and the Sooners recently completed fall practice last month and will resume team practice on Feb. 1.  The Sooners set to open the 2008 season at UCLA on Feb. 22 for a three-game set.  

Click the links below to listen to Coach Golloway talk about recruiting Duke and how he will help the pitching staff this season.

Duke Scouting Report   OU's head coach talks about Duke's recruiting process.   Golloway discusses Duke's role on the 2008 pitching staff. Archive   Newcomer Video Spotlight Archive   KOCO's Sports Extra Feature

 
 
 Ryan Duke | BIO
 Freshman | RHP | 6-0 | 160 | R/R
 Corpus Christi, Texas - Callalen High School

 Duke Q&A
 Read below to find out Duke's biggest accomplishments and the
 one thing he can not go without during the baseball season:

Q: What are your interests outside of baseball?
A: Football, golf and fishing.

Q: Why did you choose OU?
A: The tradition and because I wanted to win a national championship.

Q: What's the one memory that stands out from your childhood?
A: When I hit my first home run.

Q: What was your favorite baseball team when you were young?  Now?
A: Houston Astros then and N.Y. Mets now.

Q: Who is your favorite non-baseball athlete?
A: Tiger Woods

Q: What's your nickname? And what is the reasoning behind it?
A: Rhino, because its goes with my first name.

Q: What are your biggest accomplishments?
A: Winning state title in baseball and helping the football team get to state tournament for first time in school history.

Q: If there is one player that you pattern your game after, who would it be?
A: Nolan Ryan.

Q: Who is the most famous person you have met?
A: Larry Dierker

Q: What can you not go without during the season?
A: Winning.

Q: What is your dream job?
A: Designing cars.

Q: What are your plans after college?
A: Coaching.