Conversations with College Coaches: The University of Mississippi
Baseball Factory is privileged to work with programs from every level of college baseball. We strive to educate and guide our players when it comes to choosing the right school. The more information a player knows about a school, coach and program, the better. Recently, Dan Mooney went one-on-one with Cliff Godwin, assistant coach at Ole Miss. From his mentors, to the type of players he recruits to his approach during fall ball, Coach Godwin gave some insight into the outstanding program he’s helped develop in Mississippi.
1.How long have you been coaching? How long at you current college or university?
I have been coaching since the spring of 2003. I coached at Kinston HS for one spring before moving on to the college ranks in the summer of 2003. This spring will mark my 10th year as a coach. I am going into my 2nd year as an assistant coach at Ole Miss.
2. Who are some of your mentors or coaches that you look up to?
I have a lot of mentors/coaches – It starts with my childhood years. My dad and my grandfather were mentors early on. My high school coach, who is a legend in NC, James “Rabbitt” Fulghum was a great coach and helped me get a baseball scholarship at ECU. My college coach at ECU– the late Keith LeClair helped mold me into the coach I am today. My hitting coach/catching coach at ECU Kevin McMullan has been a great influence on me since the day I met him. Also all the great coaches I have had the opportunity to work for have been great mentors: Mark Scalf (UNCW), Tim Corbin (Vanderbilt), Paul Mainieri (LSU), Terry Rooney (UCF), and now Mike Bianco (Ole Miss). I have been very fortunate to be surrounded by great people my whole life!
3. What is the first thing about your school and program that you’d want a recruit to know about?
We have one of the best coaching staffs in the country. A staff who will help you reach your full potential not only as a baseball player, but also as a student athlete. We want all of our players to graduate with a great education and also win championships on the field.
4. What qualities do you look for in a prospect on the field? Off the field?
On the field we look for players who can help us win a National Championship. Off the field we are looking for good students and quality young men who will represent Ole Miss in a quality manner!
5. How has video helped your recruiting?
Video has helped us identify guys who we need to go see in a game and evaluate further. Video is a tool to evaluate, but not one in which a final decision will be made.
6. Do you recruit from Junior Colleges?
Yes we normally recruit at least one Junior College player per year. In our incoming recruiting class for 2013 we will have three incoming Junior College Players.
7. Can you break down your fall practice schedule? What will you try to accomplish?
Our fall is broken down into 3 phases. Phase 1 is typically 3 weeks long and will take place as soon as the fall semester starts. This is where we will begin individual instruction with our guys along with introducing them to our strength & conditioning program. This time will allow our players to condition their bodies and get them ready for Phase 2. Phase 2 will be our Team Practice Session. This is a six week period where we are allowed to have our entire team together. During this time we will teach team fundamentals and have inter-squad scrimmages. We will introduce them to our system and evaluate them on a daily basis. Phase 3 is typically 4 weeks and will conclude the fall semester. Our focus during this time is strength & conditioning. We want our guys to make tremendous gains in the weight room. Also during this time we will work with our players individually to refine any mechanical issues they may have as a hitter or a pitcher.
8. Do you have a strength and conditioning coach?
We have a full- time strength coach, Rich Levy. He attends all of our practices, home games, and road games. He is with us 24/7 and it gives us a huge competitive advantage.
9. Anything planned for your facilities (upgrades, changes, etc.)?
We are in the midst of placing turf in foul territory on our field. Basically, the entire field is surrounded by turf and the actual field itself is natural.
10. Is there anything you would like to add about your assistant coaches, recruits, parents, or program that we have not asked you about?
We play in one of the nicest college baseball stadiums in the country Swayze Field. We have awesome fans and our student section in right field is the best student section in the country! Hotty Toddy!
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