Q&A with Kansas State Commit Jaxon Passino (Rockwood Summit, 2017)
April 12, 2017
Shon Plack
Missouri Scouting Director
Jaxon Passino (Rockwood Summit, 2017) is a 6-foot 180-pound right-handed hitting shortstop and is committed to Kansas State.
He ran a 6.96 60 and a 4.09 home-to-first. He has a 94 mph exit velo. At the plate, Passino has no wasted movement in his swing. He has a gap-to-gap approach, with smooth rhythm and stays on ball after contact.
On the infield, Passino has been as high as 93 mph this winter. He has athletic actions, and a quick catch and throw. Passino has a loose high three-quarters arm action, with accurate throws with back spin carry.
This spring Passino has led the Falcons to the second consecutive Midwest Classic championship, being named to the all tournament team. Passino currently has two home runs and 13 RBI on the season, He has also 1-0 on the mound this spring, with twelve strike outs in nine innings of work.
Here is a look inside the recruiting process for Jaxon Passino.
PBR: What were your expectations about the recruiting process? Was it as expected? Easy/Difficult?
Passino: Going into the recruiting process, I didn't think it would be super stressful. I had always thought that it would be easy and exciting.
PBR: Did location or distance from home play a factor in your decision?
Passino: I wanted to go to school far away enough from home where I wouldn't be able to go home every weekend, but I also didn't want to be stuck at school all year. I chose to go about 5 1/2 hours away so I can occasionally go home if the opportunity arises.
PBR: Where did Kansas State first see you? How did your relationship develop with them?
Passino: Kansas State first saw me play at Mizzou. After the two games we played that day they were at every other game we played in the Columbia tournament. At the end of the tournament I received a phone call from their assistant coach and he initially just introduced himself and told me how he felt and what Kansas State baseball was about. From there it progressed into weekly conversations and eventually they asked me to go down for a visit.
PBR: Who is the best player you have faced in your state, and why?
Passino: The best player I've faced in Missouri is Brett Bond because he was a phenomenal hitter and he moved exceptionally well behind the plate.
PBR: What advice would you give to young baseball players striving to get where you are?
Passino: If you think you are working hard, work harder because you're not reaching your full potential. Everyday you should be doing something to better your game whether it be physical or mental.
PBR: What do you do in the offseason to keep yourself in baseball shape and prepare for the upcoming season?
Passino: I work out 4-5 times a week, swim once a week, speed training 1-2 times per week, and hit everyday.
PBR: What is the most memorable moment in your baseball career to this point?
My most memorable moment would be committing to play college baseball because it has been a life long dream of mine to play in college and it came true.
PBR: What do you like most about Kansas State and what were the key factors in making your decision?
Passino: The thing I like most about Kansas State is the opportunity it gives me to excel my game even more. Their coaches know exactly what they're talking about. My summer coach played for their head coach so I knew they would have the same coaching styles.
PBR: What other schools were on your short list before you made your final decision?
Passino: Central Missouri, Xavier, Drury, and West Virginia.
PBR: When did the recruiting process really start to heat up for you? Was there a particular game or event that you feel turned the corner for you?
Passino: The recruiting process started to heat up for me at the beginning of the summer going into my senior year. After Kansas State watched me play, I hit a hot streak and that's when other schools began to contact me.
PBR: Preview your high school season for us. How do you feel your team will be? What are your expectations and goals?
Passino: Our team has very high expectations for this upcoming season as we have fallen short he last three years. We definitely have the talent but we will need to come together as a team and play as one instead of individuals. If we play as one I believe we can achieve our goal of winning a state title, but if we play for the name on the back then we will end up short of our goal, just like we have the last couple of years.
PBR: Where do you play in the summer? And what has been your most memorable experience with them?
Passino: In the summers I play for the St. Louis Rawlings Prospects. My most memorable experience was winning the Columbia tournament only allowing 3 runs in 6 games.