Q&A With Akron Commit Alex Dirienzo
November 19, 2013
By Greg Williams
PA Director of Scouting
Alex Dirienzo is a talented two-way prospect that has made continuous strides over the past 18 months. The 6-foot, 180-pound righty sat 85-86 from a high three-quarter arm slot at the Elite Prospect Showcase earlier this month after sitting 80-82 in June at the Pennsylvania Top Prospect Games. Dirienzo also showcased a strong arm across the diamond and an 87 mph exit velocity off the tee.
Dirienzo's jump in velocity on the mound and his ability to potentially be a two-way guy at the next level brought considerable interest from college coaches. The recruiting process came to a conclusion this week for the Somerset HS senior when he announced his commitment to play his college baseball at the University of Akron.
Dirienzo discussed the process and his ultimate decision to become a Zip with Prep Baseball Report.
PBR: Where have you decided to attend college and why did you make this choice?
Dirienzo: I have decided to attend the University of Akron because I feel it is a good fit for me both academically and athletically. I really like the campus and am very excited to play in the MAC conference.
PBR: What other schools were you considering?
Dirienzo: I was also considering Gannon, Shippensburg, IUP, and Seton Hill.
PBR: Was distance from home a factor in your decision?
Dirienzo: No, distance from home was not a factor at all. I actually like how it’s almost three hours away.
PBR: Where did the coaches first see you? How did your relationship develop with their coaching staff?
Dirienzo: The coaches first saw me at a camp that I attended in August of 2013. It was an all day camp so I got to speak with them a lot. After that they saw me at the Ed Santa showcase in West Virginia. We stayed in touch after this showcase and I eventually committed to Akron.
PBR: What role do the coaches expect you to play your first year on campus?
Dirienzo: They expect me to play shortstop and they also want to see how I develop as a pitcher.
PBR: What is your biggest strength as a player and how do you feel that will help your team?
Dirienzo: My biggest strength is my hard work and dedication to become the best player I can be on and off the field. I hope this will result in making my teammates better as well.
PBR: Who do you play for in the summer and what was your most memorable experience from this past summer?
Dirienzo: I play for Flood City Elite and my most memorable experience from this past summer was pitching down in Georgia against great competition.
PBR: What is your current GPA?
Dirienzo: My current GPA is 3.96 out of 4.0.
PBR: Now that you have your commitment out of the way, what are your goals both individually and for the team going into your senior season?
Dirienzo: My goals individually are to work hard in the weight room and on the field to maximize my potential. My goal for our team is to win the AAA state championship.
PBR: How did Prep Baseball Report aid you in gaining exposure as a potential college baseball recruit?
Dirienzo: Prep Baseball Report was a huge help for me in gaining exposure with college coaches. I highly suggest any high school player that isn't committed to attend some PBR events because it will be very beneficial for them. There is always a great turnout of college coaches that attend.
additional pa news:
- PA - Nov 19, 2013
Q&A With Alderson Broaddus Commit Connor McGinnis - PA - Nov 18, 2013
PA Notebook: Fall Program Review - PA - Nov 17, 2013
Q&A With East Carolina University Commit Zach Wielgus - PA - Nov 16, 2013
Q&A With Susquehanna University Commit Alex Salesky - PBRPlus - Nov 15, 2013
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