Q&A with Xavier Commit: Taylor Williams

October 31, 2014

By Jeff Markle
Assistant State Director of Scouting

PBR Colorado is continuing it's look at committed players and recently we had a chance to catch up with the No. 14 PBR Colorado ranked player in 2015 and Xavier commit, Taylor Williams. The 5-foot-11, 160-pound, right-handed pitcher from Douglas County High School had a solid junior season making 11 appearances, collecting 4 wins and 37 strikeouts. The upper 80's pitcher will be counted on heavily to lead Douglas County through a tough Continental League and position them for a spot in post season play.

PBR: Why did you choose Xavier?

Williams: I choose Xavier is because when I went there to play baseball last summer, the campus stuck out to me. The baseball field was awesome, the campus just had that "wow" factor, and Cincinnati itself was pretty cool.

PBR: Where did Xavier first see you compete?

Williams: Xavier first saw me compete last summer when I pitched against Ohio elite at Miami. I had pitched the day before but I was so impressed by Xavier that I had to throw again the next day when I knew they were there watching.

PBR: What role do the coaches expect you to play during your first year on campus?

Williams: The roles the coaches expect me to have art Xavier is to not just compete on the mound, but also to be a better person both socially and academically. They expect us to act like young men.

PBR: What is your biggest strength as a player and how do you feel that will help Xavier?

Williams: My biggest strength is my pitching. This will help at Xavier because I can compete on the mound, and it gives Xavier another fresh arm to use whenever it is needed.

PBR: What advice would you give about the recruiting process?

Williams: Some advice I would give is to put yourself out there. There is so many players that it's hard for every coach to come see you specifically, so start by talking to the college(s) you want and get some exposure.

PBR: What is your most memorable baseball moment to date?

Williams: My most memorable baseball moment would be when I was around 10 or 11, I won my team the game by a sac bunt that was about a foot over my head.

PBR: Who has had the biggest impact on you as a baseball player?

Williams: John Cronican has had the biggest impact on me as a player because he got me in front of colleges, he talked to them, and he helped show me what college baseball is like.

PBR: Who do you play for in the summer and what was your most exciting experience?

Williams: Last summer I played for 5280 Victorian and my most exciting experience was pitching a complete game in the Boulder invitational against Twins Blue for game #2 (we won) to then come back 2 and 1/2 days later and pitch another complete game to win the championship against the same team.

PBR: What would you say are your best assets on and off the field that will help your team next year?

Williams: My best asset on and off the field is my work ethic. I'm not one to shy away from a challenge or hard work, and that will help me at Xavier because I know I'm gonna need to work extra hard to have the opportunity to pitch my freshman year as well as stay on top of my grades.

PBR: What are your goals both individually and for the team going into your senior season?

Williams: My goals for my senior season in high school is to win at least 7 games pitching, and to help my team make it to play offs. I want to make it past round one this year.

Q&A with Xavier Commit: Taylor Williams

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