Q&A With Southwest Minnesota State Commit: AJ Overton, RHP/3B, Elk River

December 11, 2015

By Rob Allison
Prep Baseball Report Minnesota

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Name: AJ Overton
Position: RHP/3B
Class: 2016
Height/Weight: 5-foot-11, 195-pounds
High School: Elk River
PBR Rank: #57 in MN 2016 Class

Evaluation: 5-foot-11, 195-pound 2-way player. Strong lower half. Bulldog mentality on mound. Attacks zone. Short arm action from ¾ slot. Hides ball from hitter and fastball shows some life at 79-81 mph. Curveball has tight rotation with sharp 11/5 break. Has above average feel for changeup and is a quality out pitch. Quiet actions in box. No stride. Front heel turn trigger. Good hands to ball. Flashes pop to gaps. Spins off at contact occasionally. 86 mph exit velocity off tee. Solid actions and glove at third base. Long release. Usable feet. ¾ slot. Ability on slow roller. 77 mph across infield.

PBR: Why did you choose Southwest Minnesota State University?
OVERTON: I chose Southwest Minnesota State University because it felt like home from the minute I got there. The coaching staff is great, they offer the major I am interested in and I like the location. I am away from home, but not too far.

PBR: What other schools were you considering?
OVERTON: I was considering Bemidji State, Century College, St Cloud State as well as Mankato.

PBR: Where did the coaching staff first see you? How did your relationship develop with them?
OVERTON: The head coach first saw me when I played in Marshall at a VFW tournament in 2013. The assistant coach saw me play this past summer during the Legion season. The coaching staff reached out to me this summer and encouraged me to come to Marshall and visit. They have stayed in contact with me from the summer until after I committed.

PBR: Do you feel relieved now that the process is over and you can just focus on baseball and not deal with everything that goes into picking a school?
OVERTON: I am very relieved this process is over. I didn't realize how stressful, yet exciting it would be. I am glad it is over and I am able to now focus on school and baseball.

PBR: Was there one deciding factor that put your choice over the top?
OVERTON: The deciding factor for me was how comfortable I was during the tour as well as how great my visit was with the coaching staff. They made me feel comfortable and excited to be a future Mustang.

PBR: Who has helped you the most to get to where you are today?
OVERTON: My parents have been the biggest reason I am where I am today. They have believed in me from the start and have been my biggest support system.

PBR: What were your expectations about the recruiting process? Was it easy/difficult?
OVERTON: I didn't think the recruiting process would be as difficult as it was. The class of 2016 has many great baseball players in it. The showcases I attended helped get me noticed as well as summer ball.

PBR: What plans does the coaching staff have in store for you in your freshman season?
OVERTON: The coaching staff has plans to play me in the field as well as on the mound. I am really looking forward to my freshman season at SMSU.

PBR: What is your most memorable baseball moment to date?
OVERTON: My most memorable baseball moment to date is my first game as a varsity starting pitcher. I not only hit a 3-run homerun in the first inning; I also pitched a complete game no-hitter. Elk River beat Irondale 10-0.

PBR: Who is the best player that you have competed against?
OVERTON: The best player I have competed against is Nick Hanson from Prior Lake.

Q&A With Southwest Minnesota State Commit: AJ Overton, RHP/3B, Elk River

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