Q&A with Nebraska Commit RHP/1B Braxton Bragg (Liberty, 2019)

PBR: What were your expectations about the recruiting process? Was it as expected? Easy/Difficult?

Bragg: I didn’t have much expectations with the recruiting process when I first started going to PBR events I was open to everything but once I went to the Future Games I had more of a perspective on what I wanted. I thought the recruiting process was easy in some areas but it was also difficult at times.

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

Bragg: It played a factor in my decision but I would’ve been fine going far away.

PBR: Where did Nebraska first see you? How did your relationship develop with them?

Bragg: They saw me in Atlanta at Lakepoint. I had already called them before the event but this is where they saw me play first. After the Future Games, I went up for a visit to Nebraska and everything they showed me was just too hard to pass up and I ended committing to them that same weekend.

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

Bragg: Nate Chester, he is a clutch player who doesn’t shy away from big situations and always played good against us.

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

Bragg: Keep working at your game because you can’t get to where you want to be without putting in work, don’t get hooked on one specific school because it may not be the best fit for you, and play every game like it’s your last.

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

Bragg: In the offseason I hit and work on my touch pitches at least 3 out of the 5 weekdays, and depending on what I am doing on the weekend I will get some work in. At my school I have a morning workout class where I get to workout so that helps me out throughout the whole year

PBR: What is the most! memorable moment in your baseball career to this point?

Bragg: The Future Games. I love big atmospheres, I love good competition, and it felt good going six up six down with three K’s against top level players and getting some hits against top level pitchers.

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

Bragg: I’ve grown up a husker fan my whole life, I have been on campus multiple times before my commitment and it’s a great school. I really felt at home with Coach Erstad, Coach Silva, and Coach Kirby, I love their energy and passion for the game and supporting me not only as a baseball player but as a person. I loved the facilities, the environment, the fan base, and the academic opportunities that are offered.

PBR: Describe your experience at the PBR Future Games.

Bragg: It was a great experience, there was a lot of great talent there and the atmosphere with all the scouts was just incredible. Definitely an event that I’ll never forget

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

Bragg: Michigan State, and Wichita State were the main two that I narrowed down my decision to.

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?

Bragg: The Future Games

PBR: Preview your high school season for us. How do you feel your team will be? What are your expectations and goals?

Bragg: I feel our high school team this year will have the possibility of winning it all. Our whole team but three will be returning this year so we will have a lot of experience. We have a lot of depth and experience within our team, and next level players. My only expectation is to win state and my only goal is to win state.

PBR: Where do you play in the summer? And what has been your most memorable experience with them?

Bragg: I play for the Royals Scout Team. I don’t have a specific favorite experience because every tournament we went to in Atlanta or Florida were events that will stick with me throughout my whole life. The Royals have given me an opportunity to showcase my skills to top level schools and that is something I am very grateful for.