Griffons starter signs with Razorbacks

Nevada Griffons pitcher Chris Rhoads signs a letter of intent to play at the University of Arkansas beginning this fall. Rhoads, who is from North Little Rock High School in Little Rock, Ark., was recently scouted by former Nevada Griffons head coach and current Arkansas pitching coach Dave Jorn.

By Joe Warren

Nevada Daily Mail

Nevada Griffons starting pitcher Chris Rhoads has decided to return to his home state to play college baseball.

The North Little Rock, Ark., graduate signed a letter of intent Saturday to play at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville.

One of only two Nevada Griffons players to begin the season without a school for the fall, Rhoads has gone 1-1 so far with a 5.11 ERA. Rhoads had appeared in six games, starting four, with 24 strikeouts in 24 2/3 innings pitched. He has given up 26 hits and eight walks, and opponents are currently hitting .265 against him.

Rhoads spent the past two springs pitching for Pratt Community College in Pratt, Kan.

Rhoads was recently scouted during a start for the Griffons by Arkansas pitching coach Dave Jorn on June 17. Jorn, who was the first head coach of the Griffons in 1985, must have liked what he saw during his trip to Nevada since Rhoads had a letter of intent sent to his home a few days later.

Rhoads said he talked with Jorn after the game June 17.

"He seemed like a really nice guy and said he would work with me a lot," Rhoads said.

Rhoads was initially asked to walk on but he held out for a scholarship, which he received.

"Arkansas was where I really wanted to go," Rhoads said. "My uncle (former Griffon Keith Helton) played for Arkansas. He always told me how great a place it was. I knew they'd come around eventually."

Rhoads previously played at Baum Stadium in Fayetteville during high school state championship games and all-star games.

"I fell in love with it," Rhoads said.