By: Zac Bottoms
Arkansas Scouting Director

I had the opportunity to talk about recruiting and his entire process, with 2018 MIF Matt Aiken. He committed to Southern Arkansas University  

PBR: What were your expectations about the recruiting process? 

Aiken; I didn't know what to expect about the recruiting process. I was given the advice to play hard and let the recruiting take care of itself.

PBR: Did location or distance from home play a factor in your decision?

Aiken; Location wasn't much of a factor in my decision, but feeling at home was a pretty big factor.

PBR: Where did the college you chose first see you? How did your relationship develop with them?

Aiken; I'm not sure exactly where they saw me first, but I believe it was at a PBR event. 

PBR: Who is the best player you have faced in your state, and why?

Aiken; Kaleb Hill; The movement on his ball is just insane.

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?

Aiken; I've always had the dream to play college baseball, but I think my freshman year is when I noticed I had the ability to actually do it. 

PBR: What were you looking for out of a college program to continue your baseball career at?

 Aiken; I wanted to feel at home and be surrounded with a good coaching staff, but more importantly I wanted to play for a winning program. 

PBR: What is your best attribute as a baseball player and how does that transfer onto the field for your team?

Aiken; I feel like I'm a hard-nose and witty player. I think I'm able to make smart decisions to give my team an advantage. 

PBR: What part of your game needs the biggest improvement, why, and what will you do to improve it?

Aiken; The biggest improvement I need to make is to slow the game down and get mentally stronger. This will improve the more I play and learn.

PBR: What advice would you give to young baseball players striving to get where you are?

Aiken; Just focus on playing the game the way you know how to play, and don't try to be someone you're not. Trust the process and keep grinding. 

PBR: What do you do in the offseason to keep yourself in baseball shape and prepare for the upcoming season?

Aiken; I get in the weight room as much as I can because in any sport, to get better you need to get faster and stronger. 

PBR: What do you like most about the college you committed to and what were the key factors in making your decision?

Aiken; I loved the winning tradition SAU has. The campus and coaching staff made me feel at home. 

PBR: What other schools were on your short list before you made your final decision?

Aiken; Henderson State and Crowder

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