Devin Futrell is a left-handed pitcher for the Vanderbilt Commodores who I believe is the most underrated pitcher in college baseball.
Futrell has continued to build upon his impressive career at Vanderbilt with a hot start to the 2024 season. Through two starts, Futrell has a record of 1-0 with an earned run average of 1.64 in 11 innings pitched. He also has struck out eight batters and has a WHIP of 0.64.
In his career at Vanderbilt, Futrell has a record of 18-6 with an earned run average of 3.30 in 158 innings pitched. He also has 144 strikeouts and a WHIP of 1.03.
I began my interview with the question, "how did you get your start in baseball?"
"First started playing baseball when I was around four or five," stated Devin. "I first played hockey, but when my older brother made the transition to baseball, that is when I followed him and began my journey."
My next question was, "who has been the most influential person on your atheltic career?"
Futrell answered with, "The people most influential on my athletic career are my brother and my dad. They both took the time to teach me the game helped me grow inside of the game."
With my first two questions, Devin really emphasized how his brother made him the player he is today. I followed with, "what professional player do you model your game after?"
Futrell replied, "I would not say I model my game after anyone, but I did watch watch a lot of Clayton Kershaw growing up."
Futrell has been a very dominant pitcher through his first two years with Vanderbilt and is off to a great third season. If Futrell is trying to play like Clayton Kershaw, he is doing a great job.
My next question was, "who is the best player you have ever competed against?"
"Playing in the SEC, you are always playing someone good," Futrell began with. "I have pitched against multiple first rounders and cannot simply just pick one person because there are so many that were so good."
The SEC is easily the hardest conference to pitch in and Futrell has made it look easy. I followed that question with, "what is your favorite baseball memory?"
Futrell stated, "Favorite baseball memory was when I was 11 years old, going to Cooperstown and competing in the Golden Arm Competition. I was one of the youngest kids there and ended up winning the competition in front of all of the people there."
My next question was, "what was the deciding factor when committing to Vanderbilt University?"
Futrell replied with, "Vanderbilt was always my dream school and when I got the opportunity to commit, I didn't waste any time."
Not a lot of players get the opportunity to play at their dream college. Devin worked very hard to earn a spot on the Commodores roster.
I followed that with, "what do you like most about being a Commodore?"
"My favorite part about being a Commodore is having such loyal fans that are there to support you, " Futrell stated. "No matter if I'm at a basketball game or just around town, people always say hello and are really friendly."
The fanbase in Nashville is very special. To be able to have that connection with players and fans is awesome. Not a lot of universities are able to have such a strong connection.
My next question was, "what is your favorite field to play at on the road?"
Futell stated, "My favorite field on the road that I have played at so far was definitely Globe Life Field. The feeling of playing in such a large stadium with a good amount of fans there was something that I will remember for a long time."
Globe Life Field is the home of the Texas Rangers. With Devin being draft eligble this year, he could find himself pitching in this same field as a professional in the future.
My final question to Devin was, "Is there anything you'd like to say to the Vanderbilt Baseball fanbase?"
"We are ready for the adversities and challenges the season is filled with," Futrell said. "We are ready to compete and give ourselves the best opportunities to be national champions."
I really appreciate Devin for taking the time to answer some questions. Keep an eye out for the Vanderbilt Commodores this season as they look to compete for a national championship.