Brigham Hill assesses being the Friday starter, Aggies' road ahead

On what factored into his decision to come to A&M...

"It was close to home, SEC school, great environment and an agriculture school. Back home I live on a ranch and I feel like it's like home here."

On him and A&M assistant Justin Seely both being from Nacogdoches, Texas...

"Oh, I've heard of him. He is kind of a legend in Nacogdoches, so I'd say he played a pretty big part in it."

On the sophomore pitching class...

"We have a great pitching class. We just try to throw more strikes this year than last year. Obviously most of us didn't get much playing time last year, and this year we are just really focused on throwing strikes and let the defense work, and I think that's what really helps us out."

On what the pitching staff is working on to get more consistent...

"Just challenging other teams on the road. We've been pitching great at home, but we need to get better pitching in uncomfortable environments and just attacking our strike zone. In the Florida series we gave up way too many free bases and this Georgia series was a lot better. Going into Mississippi State we just plan on continuing to throw strikes and let the defense work."

On what was going through his mind when Rob Childress told him he was the Friday night starter...

"It was a blessing. It's awesome that he has confidence in me to go out there, and my teammates have confidence in me. I just told him that any position that he puts me in, I just want to do the best for him and for the team. And that was a blessing."

On the thoughts and emotions after his pitching performance against Georgia...

"I was just excited. We try not to look too much into who we are playing, but just to play Aggie baseball. Like I said, it was just overwhelming — it was an awesome feeling."

On the challenges he sees Mississippi State bringing this team...

"I think they will just be a scrappy offense. They are going to play small ball and be really hard to strike out. We just have to throw strikes and can't get behind in the count. Their game plan is to hit their pitches and our game plan is for them to hit our pitches. So like I said, just attacking them with strikes."

On what he does in the dugout to keep the team loose in tough situations...

"I don't know who says that, but I just just be myself. I didn't realize that I was that funny, but I'm not sure."

On the team calling him a "country boy that loves the outdoors and cat fishing"...

"No doubt, I love it. Especially after baseball is over, go work on the ranch. It's kind of my dream."