Campus Newcomer: Georgia RHP Will Pearson

We continue our Iowa Baseball campus newcomers series, with the latest transfer addition for the Hawkeyes. Georgia right-handed pitcher Will Pearson spent four years with the Bulldogs, including three years with new Iowa pitching coach Sean Kenny on the staff.

Pearson appeared in 64 games over the course of his career at UGA. He posted a 5.06 ERA over 74.2 innings, including 50 strikeouts to 36 walks.

He spent this summer playing in the Valley League with the Charlottesville Tom Sox, where he appeared in 12 games with a 2.45 ERA. Pearson allowed 11 hits over 14.2 innings and totaled 14 strikeouts to eight walks.

Will Pearson (@BaseballUGA) works a low stress relief inning out of the ‘pen. Sinks 87-89 hard under the hands from his low slot, pairs well w sweeping SL in upper-70s. ‘23 Elig pic.twitter.com/A3SHsZM6Ch

— PG College Baseball (@PGCollegeBall) March 4, 2023

I have entered the transfer portal, as a graduate transfer from the University of Georgia. 1 year of eligibility remaining. pic.twitter.com/LWvWKDTSAj

— Will Pearson (@willpearson_) June 4, 2024

We caught up with the 6-foot-2, 175 pound right-hander to discuss his transfer to Iowa and much more.

Q: When do you move to Iowa City and what is your excitement level like for that move in day?

PEARSON: I am planning on getting to Iowa City around August 20th. I am very excited to get there see campus for the first time, and meet all of the guys on the team.

Q: What number do you plan on wearing and why?

PEARSON: I actually haven’t talked with the coaches about what number i’ll be wearing. I would love to be #13 because my dad wore that number in college and I got to wear it in high school.

Q: What have you been doing this summer to prepare for when you join the team this fall?

PEARSON: This summer I played in the Valley League with the Charlottesville Tom Sox. I got to pitch in a bunch of games to continue to sharpen up my pitches before I arrive on campus.

Q: You spent three years with Georgia, what have you learned pitching in the SEC? Where have you improved the most?

PEARSON: Pitching in the SEC you learn a lot not only about pitching but about yourself as well. My biggest takeaways are more on the mental side, and would be you always have to fully believe you are going to win the battle against whoever is in the box.

Q: What pitches do you have in your arsenal (speeds)? What would you say is your best pitch?

PEARSON: I have a low 3/4 or sidearm delivery and throw a sinker, slider, and changeup. My sinker ranges from 87-90, slider 73-75, changeup 81-83. I would say my best pitch is my sinker.

Q: Looking back at your recruitment out of the transfer portal, what stood out about the Iowa Baseball program that made them an easy choice over other schools?

PEARSON: Iowa immediately stood out to me after they hired Sean Kenny as the new pitching coach. I believe he is one of the best pitching coaches in the country, and already had a previous relationship with him at Georgia for three years. Once he got the job Iowa was the place for me.

Q: Were there any other teams that you heavily considered during your recruitment?

PEARSON: I heavily considered Purdue as well, but with Sean Kenny coming to Iowa, it was the place for me.

Q: What is your relationship like with the coaching staff? Who do you talk with the most?

PEARSON: I have talked with all of the coaches on the staff over the phone, I have not met them in person yet but can’t wait to get there to build a relationship with them. The coach I talk with the most is definitely Sean Kenny, with him being not only the pitching coach but my former coach as well.

Q: What’s your relationship like with pitching coach Sean Kenny? You know him from your time at Georgia, what stands out about his coaching?

PEARSON: My relationship with Sean Kenny is the reason I chose to come to Iowa. Our relationship has always been very good, as he recruited me out of high school and was with me for three years. The biggest things that stand out about him are his willingness to have an open line of communication with all of his players. He is always open to meet with guys and not only share what he thinks but also allow the players to share what they think and listen to them. He gets the most out of his players because they love playing for him, and the knowledge he brings to the pitching staff.

Q: Have you gotten a chance to talk with any of the current players on team since you committed?

PEARSON: I have not yet, however I have talked with Keaton Anthony who is a former Iowa player also from the state of Georgia. We played together throughout the travel ball circuit in high school, and have kept in touch.

Q: If someone asked you “what do you bring to the Iowa team?” How would you describe your game?

PEARSON: I think I can bring a lot of experience to the team, along with confidence and a win at all costs mentality. I would describe my game as very confident, calm and fearless.

Q: Where does the coaching staff see you fitting in with the team?

PEARSON: I hope to fit in with whatever role suits the team the best. I chose Iowa not only because of Sean Kenny, but to win a championship. I am willing to take on whatever role that can help us accomplish that.