Q&A with FSU commit Justin Cohen

December 9, 2014

By Rob Sidwell
Florida Scouting Director

Catcher Justin Cohen (Sarasota Riverview, 2015) is a strong body guy with good athleticism behind the plate. He has very good catch-and-throw skills with line drive power to the gaps at the plate. His size and strength along with his defensive skills has attracted a lot of attention, not only from Florida State and other major colleges but from professional scouts as well.

Here's our conversation with Justin and how he came to his decision to sign with FSU.

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

Cohen: I expected only a few schools to make contact with me because I never though too much about college baseball. My experience was more difficult than anticipated because it was tough selecting which school would be best suited for me.

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

Cohen: I was looking for a college that had the credentials in order to help me with my next step, professional baseball.

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

Cohen: My entire life I have lived in the state of Florida, and I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to stay in my home state. I also have the opportunity to play for one of the best schools in the country.

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?

Cohen: Believe it or not, the recruiting process didn’t begin to heat up until my senior year. I felt that all events helped but my final two tournaments really solidified my exposure.

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

Cohen: When choosing Florida State I took a good look at the coaches’ philosophies and how they treat their players. Not only did they have a personal relationship with each player but they enforced a strong academic background as well.

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

Cohen: Other than Florida State I would have had the opportunity to play at Miami and North Carolina State.

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

Throughout my career I have played against the best but the player that stood out to me the most was Juan Hillman. While hitting against him you have to keep on your toes for his hard slider or sinking fastball.

PBR: At what point in your career did you realize you were a college caliber player and became serious about taking your game to the next level?

Cohen: Since I was in Little League I have always had intentions to play professional baseball, but I really understood my caliber of play during the Jupiter tournament my junior year.

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

Cohen: To the young players, my only advice to you is when people ask about you, you should be known as the guy that leads his team and works hard too.

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

Cohen: My most memorable moment in my career is when the Riverview Rams baseball team and I won our first district championship since 1995.

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

Cohen: When looking at the 2015 Riverview Rams I see a young and developing squad that will need to play small ball in order to be successful. My goal in the 2015 spring season is to be a leader, support my team, and have fun. I will continue to work hard each day and be a role model for younger players.

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

Cohen: At the end of the summer I had the opportunity to participate in the 2014 Under Armour All American baseball game. At this event I was able to meet new friends and play against the best players in the country.

Q&A with FSU commit Justin Cohen

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