By TJ Hunt
New Jersey Scouting Director

Name: Zach Dreznin
School: Northern Highlands
Position: RHP
Class: 2017
Rank: 11

Commitment: Notre Dame

LEADING OFF

PBR: What’s the biggest part of your game that has improved over the last year?
Dreznin: The biggest improvement I’ve made is my strength. I’ve gained 25 lbs of muscle going from weighing 185 lbs to 210lbs. This has made my velocity spike and improved my command. 

PBR: What is an area you would like to become more consistent with?
Dreznin: I’d like to be more consistent with my offspeed command.

 

MIDDLE INNINGS

PBR: Name the best hitter you’ve faced over your high school years and why?
Dreznin: The best hitter I’ve faced is Alejandro Toral from Florida. He has unbelievable power and a large presence in the batters box.

PBR: Name the best opposing pitcher you’ve seen and why?
Dreznin: The best pitcher I’ve gotten to play with and against is Jason Groome. Besides his talented arm, he has unreal command.

PBR: Current or former pro player that you would like your game to emulate?
Dreznin: Nolan Ryan because he was really intense and tough on the mound. That's how I try to pitch.

CLOSING IT OUT

PBR: Give us 3 goals for this upcoming 2017 season.
Dreznin: 3 goals I have are to be able to sit in the low 90s, locate my offspeed more consistently, and be a leader to the underclassmen on my young high school team.

PBR: What were the deciding factors on choosing Notre Dame?
Dreznin: The most important factor was the education. A degree from Notre Dame will help me the rest of my life. The coaches are also experienced and knowledgeable in the game. It felt like the best fit for me.

PBR: How are you hoping to contribute during your freshman year in South Bend?
Dreznin: I hope to get good playing time as a freshman, but if I don’t I will positively influence the team with a good attitude and by working hard in practice.

EXTRA INNINGS

PBR: Ok, let’s finish with some fun...Favorite pre-game snack or meal?"
Dreznin: My mom always brings me a Philly Cheesesteak before every game.

PBR: Most embarrassing moment on a baseball field
Dreznin: When I was 8 years old, I walked out to the mound and tripped over the rubber.

PBR: Superstitions?
Dreznin: During a rally, you need to stay in the same spot in the dugout.

PBR: Nickname? The story behind it?
Dreznin: Either Big Z or Drez. Big Z because I’m known as one of the bigger kids and Drez because of my last name.

PBR: Choose your eternal walk up song (Edited Versions of course).
Dreznin: I think my walk up song would be Power by Kanye West because it gives me a lot of adrenaline when I go out to the mound.