STORY: 2018 OF Payton Dahl (Cedar Ridge HS)

ROUND ROCK, TX - A new school, new position and new commitment has Payton Dahl hoping to get some new looks.

“I feel I’m a little behind in the recruiting,” admitted the uncommitted senior.

A broken leg during his junior year of football put Dahl behind the eight-ball and the road has not been easy ever since.

“Right after rehab we had baseball tryouts,” Dahl reflected. “I hadn’t touched a bat or glove in months. I felt weak and that’s probably what concerned the coaches.”

So Dahl was cut from the Round Rock High School team.

“Since I did not make the team I had a choice,” Dahl explained. “I could say maybe that’s it. Instead, I took it as a wakeup call and started busting my butt and working on my game. I focused on myself as a hitter. For recruitment it obviously hurt me but, for myself it made me better.”

Dahl ended up transferring to Cedar Ridge, where he currently is a starter. However, while a middle infielder his whole life, Dahl would find that those positions were not open at his new school.

“The infield was pretty set when I got here,” noted the 28th-ranked unsigned senior in the state. “I’m starting now in left field and I’ve never played it before. I’m getting better at it, I don’t think it’s that difficult at all. I’ve made three diving plays so far, so that’s been kind of eye-opening for coach (Daryl) Reeves at Cedar Ridge.”

The eyes Dahl would like to open are those of college coaches.

“Personally, I think I’m being overlooked,” the 5-11 160-pounder said. “I’m not the biggest guy at all, so when I go to showcases everybody is bigger and the scouts want to look at them.”

Contact has been made with Ranger Junior College, Howard Payne University and Angelo State University, while last week interest came from Eastfield Junior College after seeing a PBR video.

“Those I’ve talked with like my speed,” Dahl said. “I was 6.6 at a showcase in Prestonwood. They also like how I’m agile and athletic. They like my approach at the plate and the way I work up the middle. I’ve really improved my range as a middle infielder and with hitting I’ve focused on being more balanced and improved that, too.”

Dahl points to a number of areas he feels contributions can come at the next level.

“I can definitely bring them speed and on-base awareness,” Dahl noted. “I can lay down bunts and be a productive hitter. In the field I have the ability to move around and make plays. I can be a player that’s reliable. I know baseball’s a game of failure, but I can make plays.”

The ability to persevere is another quality of Dahl.

“Since I started playing baseball as a kid it was all about getting to the next level,” Dahl said. “I failed one time and I’m not going to let that happen again. I’ve got heart and desire to do what I want to do. I’m not going to give up on myself. I have it in me. If I can get back into it after what I’ve gone through, I know I can make it and be a person that gives it all to the team.”

A 3.2 student with plans to major in the medical field, Dahl now strives to get recognized.

“First of all I have to reach out more,” Dahl said. “There will be scouts at my games along the way looking at somebody, I just have to have a good game and maybe they’ll take notice. I’ll probably go to one or two more showcases, too.

“This is really important to me,” Dahl continued. “It’s been my dream. I have a back-up plan and that’s to go to ACC (Austin Community College), but I haven’t really checked into school-only. It’s been Plan A only for me - baseball. I’ve seen guys commit that I know I’m better than. With what all I’ve gone through, I’m not giving up.”

It’s something his father taught him.

“My dad (David) has pushed me whenever things have not been too good for me, and keeps telling me I can be better,” Dahl said. “He was upset when I didn’t make the team because he knows how I can play. He’s been there for me every step of the way. I’m not about to give up now.”