The Prep Baseball Report Mississippi scouting staff recently sat down with Pearl River Central third baseman, Austen Izzio to discuss his recent commitment to Pearl River CC. Below is a transcript of our question and answer session:

PBR: What were your expectations about the recruiting process?
Izzio: My expectations were nothing like this, I didn't expect to have D1 schools interested in me or junior colleges , I thought I was just a high school player. 

PBR: Did location or distance from home play a factor in your decision?
Izzio: Yes, I didn't want to go to far away from my family, because they have always been there to support me. 

PBR: Where did the college you chose first see you? How did your relationship develop with them?
Izzio: I attended a showcase at PRCC, and coach Avalon and Coach Izzio came up and talked to me. My relationship grew really well with them, I love the coaching staff there.

PBR: Who is the best player you have faced in your state, and why?
Izzio: Joe gray, he is always a threat when he is up to bat, and a stud in the outfield. It is hard for a ball to be drop when he is playing center field.

PBR: At what point in your career did you realize you were an elite player and became serious about taking your game to the next level?
Izzio: I played really well this summer and worked out at several showcases where scouting came up to me to talk, and this is when I started to consider myself as an elite player.

PBR: What were you looking for out of a college program to continue your baseball career at?
Izzio: Good coaches and a great community to be around, this is why I chose PRCC. 

PBR: What is your best attribute as a baseball player and how does that transfer onto the field for your team?
Izzio: My best attribute as a player would be my dedication to grind every day; there isn't one day that I'm not in the cage or working out, and I think that helps on the field and in the classroom. 

PBR: What part of your game needs the biggest improvement, why, and what will you do to improve it?
Izzio: The biggest improvement is my arm strength, I always have struggled with my arm. I have been doing bands and a lot of arm exercises to help make advances in this area.

PBR: What advice would you give to young baseball players striving to get where you are?
Izzio: Work everyday as if it was you're last, and always be a good student in the class it carries onto the field. 

PBR: What do you do in the offseason to keep yourself in baseball shape and prepare for the upcoming season?
Izzio: I run miles and hills to increase speed and endurance, and I hit everyday. 

PBR: What do you like most about the college you committed to and what were the key factors in making your decision?
Izzio: The thing I like most about where I committed are the people around the program. The facilities are nice and I believe it's a program on the rise for something great.

PBR: What other schools were on your short list before you made your final decision?
Izzio: I've had interest from South Alabama, MGCC, Northwestern State , UNO, and Loyola.

 

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