Commitment Q&A: RHP Jameson Scissum
January 18, 2024
Regarding prospects with some of the higher ceilings in the 2025 class in AL, RHP Jameson Scissum (Etowah, 2025) is certainly one of those names that comes to mind. Listed at 6-foot-4, 195-pounds, Scissum is an athletic, uber-projectable right-hander that has seen his fastball creep into the upper-80's on the mound with more to come in the future. After helping lead the Etowah Blue Devils to back-to-back Class 4A State Championship appearances and a Class 4A State Championship in 2023, the right-hander emerged as one of our picks to click in the summer, and he certainly did at the PBR Future Games this past summer. Competing against elite uncommitted competition from across the Deep South, Scissum did more than hold his own and caught the attention of some major Division 1 programs in the process. After taking visits in the months following the event, the right-hander eventually pledged his verbal commitment to Mississippi State on Christmas day. Scissum was recognized as one of the biggest risers in the recent rankings cycle a couple months ago, jumping up to No. 15 in the 2025 class in AL.
We recently had the chance to catch up with the Mississippi State commit about his recruitment process, what went into his decision, and more.
OUR Q&A
PB: What were your expectations about the recruiting process? What were you looking for out of a college program to continue your baseball career at?
Scissum: I was looking for a competitive baseball program that not only will teach me how to become a good college baseball player, but also train me and teach me what it takes to get drafted and be successful.
PB: Did location or distance from home play a factor in your decision?
Scissum: Yes, it wasn’t too close to home and at the same time it wasn’t too far. It’s only three hours away from me and I knew that would be easy for my family to travel to and from to watch me play.
PB: When did the recruiting process really start to heat up for you? Where did the school you committed to first see you play?
Scissum: At this past summer's PBR Future Games, I went out and competed and about 4 weeks later, Coach Lemonis (Mississippi State HC) reached out and we made a time to get me down there.
PB: What do you like most about the program you chose, and what were the key factors in making your decision?
Scissum: It’s one big family and no matter the outcome, they always have each other's back and the fans in Starkville are electric. Definitely somewhere I’d want to pitch for and not against.
PB: What other schools were on your short list before you made your final decision?
Scissum: Alabama, Auburn, Ole Miss, Jacksonville State, and Troy.
PB: Who is the best player you have ever faced? What about them makes for a tough opponent?
Scissum: Charlie Keller in the 2022 Class 4A State Finals my freshman year. He didn’t strike out he was one of those guys that you had to throw a change up every pitch because he saw the ball so well.
PB: At what point in your career did you realize you were a college-caliber player and became serious about taking your game to the next level?
Scissum: My freshman year I started to see changes in my velocity and started to realize if I put in work, I could actually play college baseball.
PB: What advice would you give to young baseball players striving to get where you are?
Scissum: Believe in yourself and have a humble mindset. There is always somebody that will be more athletic or throw harder than you, but what separates you from them?
PB: What is the most memorable moment in your baseball career to this point?
Scissum: My most memorable moment is balking in the state championship and getting beat my freshman year to becoming the MVP in the state championship the next year.
PB: You guys (Etowah HS) are coming off a Class 4A State Championship last season. How do you feel your team will be?
Scissum: I believe we will be right where we left off. We have a lot of kids that are ready to come in and do what it takes to get another ring. We are all bought in to what it will take to get there and ready for any adversity that comes our way.
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