Recruiting Q&A; Peyton Holt
October 4, 2017
By: Zac Bottoms
Arkansas Scouting Director
I had the opportunity to talk about recruiting and his entire process, with 2019 MIF Peyton Holt from Greenwood High School. He committed to Louisiana Lafayette, in early August.
PBR: What were your expectations about the recruiting process?
Holt; I thought that it would be constant invites to colleges for visits. I thought that it would last longer and I would make a decision just before signing.
PBR: Did location or distance from home play a factor in your decision?
Holt: All I wanted in a college program, is one that had a chance to be at Omaha! I wanted a top 25 program with a great fan base and playing atmosphere. Distance was only relative to my parents – not me!
PBR: Where did the college you chose first see you? How did your relationship develop with them?
Holt: I was playing for the Sticks Elite in New Orleans, LA and I happened to be at lead-off hitter for the first time all season and had great opportunities at the plate and in the field where I could show my ability. They immediately wanted me to take a visit and tour of the campus. My family and I stopped in Lafayette, LA on the way home from the same tournament in New Orleans and immediately fell in love with the coaches, stadium, and facilities. I stayed in constant contact with the coaches and eventually took another visit of the town, school, and dorms. My parents and I were sold on the core values of the program and our belief they could compete for a national championship. The 7.5 hour drive was back-seat to the college and the baseball program!
PBR: Who is the best player you have faced in your state, and why?
Holt: Jaden Hill. His presence and power is awesome!
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?
Holt; When I was 14 I played a LOT of baseball all over the country and knew that I was as good as anyone I had played against.
PBR: What were you looking for out of a college program to continue your baseball career at?
Holt: I had to believe that they HAD to be able to recruit and play well enough to get to Omaha!
PBR: What is your best attribute as a baseball player and how does that transfer onto the field for your team?
Holt; I always have a great attitude and I do not let anything bother me and it carries over into my team mates.
PBR: What part of your game needs the biggest improvement, why, and what will you do to improve it?
Holt; Every aspect can improve and needs to be constantly improving!
PBR: What advice would you give to young baseball players striving to get where you are?
Holt; Don’t let anyone tell you that you “can’t” or that “your not good enough”. You have to do lots and lots of extra work when no one is watching.
PBR: What do you do in the offseason to keep yourself in baseball shape and prepare for the upcoming season?
Holt; I play football and basketball as well. I continue to work on my swing 5 days a week while at the same time I work on strength and speed. I start bands and heavy balls in September and long-toss in October.
PBR: What do you like most about the college you committed to and what were the key factors in making your decision?
Holt; I love the total program and how the coaches run and build the program from the inside-out and work at developing “Men” with core values and devotion to their team mates.
PBR: What other schools were on your short list before you made your final decision?
Holt; My short list was ANY top 5 program in the country!
Related Content
Scouting Report
Top Prospect Games
Holt is a 5-foot-10 175-pound middle infielder with an athletic frame and build. He runs a 6.90 in the 60. Defensively he shows advanced actions playing through the baseball with fluid footwork, smooth transition and quick arm from a H ¾ arm slot. He throws the baseball 82 mph across the infield. Offensively he starts from an open stance, he strides into the plate and uses a slight hand load back. He gets online and uses a slight uphill swing that produces exit velocities up to 90 mph. He has shown a feel for his barrel and the ability to hit balls to all fields on a consistent basis. Overall Holt is an advanced athlete with solid skill set both offensively and defensively.