Newest UK baseball commit Chase Estep: "If you feel it, it’s right"

Chase Estep admits these past few days have been surreal.

The 6-foot, 185-pound sophomore infielder from Corbin, Ky., took an unofficial visit to Kentucky on Saturday. He landed an offer from head coach Nick Mingione that night and committed to Kentucky on Sunday.

“Kentucky has always been in my sights because my uncle and dad went there,” Estep said. “We came home and prayed a lot as a family. It’s one of those things that if you feel it, it’s right.”

The recruiting process has been quick for Estep. Kentucky recruiting coordinator Roland Fanning first watched Estep at a tournament in Cincinnati over the summer, but Estep had a broken hand at the time. Fanning invited Estep to a hitting camp which took place three weeks ago. The coaches liked what they saw and invited Estep on an unofficial visit.

Estep, along with his mom and dad, took a tour of the school on Saturday. His father, Chad, was an outfielder for Kentucky from 1991-94. The tour ended with a stop in Mingione’s office.

“(Mingione) took me to his office and told me how he was going to win the SEC,” Estep said. “He didn’t say ‘if we won it.’ He said he wanted me to be a part of it.”

Estep received an offer from Mingione during the meeting and went home to talk it over with his family. He called Fanning on Sunday night and committed to Kentucky.

“He went insane about having me,” Estep said of Fanning. “It’s still surreal. I don’t know what to say. I’m super grateful. I owe all the glory to god. God has been the start and the rock all the way. And I can't thank my savior enough.”

The Kentucky coaching staff likes Estep as a third baseman who has an advanced hitting approach. Estep said the coaches see him as a guy who could hit for power down the road. As a shortstop for Corbin, Estep batted .437 as a freshman with seven doubles, three triples and eight stolen bases.

Indiana, Bulter, Auburn and Mississippi State were other schools in contact with Estep before his commitment.

Corbin High School coach Cody Philpot said Estep’s work ethic made his college decision possible.

“Chase has made it this far because he works his tail off,” Philpot said. “An off day just means he's working to improve on his own. He has a deep desire to be the best and he's always working towards that.”

Southeastern Kentucky rarely produces players who end up in the SEC. Philpot said Estep’s commitment to Kentucky is a validation of his hard work to this point, but also important for the people of Corbin.

“This is tremendous for the program and community,” Philpot said. “Any time someone gets an opportunity like this it's a reminder to young kids that it is possible to achieve their dreams. I'm proud of what Chase has accomplished so far but he hasn't reached his potential yet and that's exciting.”

Estep thanked many people in the community, including his coaches in high school and middle school. He also praised the Corbin Little League system, which is where his journey began. Estep is now wants to be someone other people in the area can look up to.

“I want to become a leader around this area,” Estep said. “Not a lot of people do something like this around our area. I just want to be a role model and put Corbin on the map.”