Ronald Sims 
Mississippi Scouting Director

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The Prep Baseball Report Mississippi scouting staff recently sat down with Oak Grove catcher, Kade Shannon to discuss his recent commitment to Louisiana at Lafayette. Below is a transcript of our question and answer session:

PBR: What were your expectations about the recruiting process?
Shannon: From a young age my goal was always to play baseball at the division 1 level, so my expectations for myself were nothing short of that.

PBR: Did location or distance from home play a factor in your decision? 
Shannon: Location did play a factor in my college decision, it was very important for me to play at a place where my family could come watch me play and Louisiana at Lafayette is close enough where family can do so.

PBR: Where did the college you chose first see you? How did your relationship develop with them?
Shannon: I believe they saw me play for the first time at Louisiana Tech. I got closer with the coaches and the program during my first unofficial visit.

PBR: Who is the best player you have faced in your state, and why?
Shannon: The best player I have face in my state is JT Ginn. He plays at Brandon HS which is in my district so we play each other three times in each season.

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?
Shannon: I have always been serious about playing baseball at a higher level. It’s been my dream the majority of my life, but I did not realize I would have the opportunity to play at the next level until this past summer.

PBR: What were you looking for out of a college program to continue your baseball career at?
Shannon: I was looking for a program in which I personally felt the most comfortable playing at for four years.

PBR: What is your best attribute as a baseball player and how does that transfer onto the field for your team?
Shannon: I believe my leadership is my best characteristic as a baseball player. As a catcher I have to hold everyone accountable and be the leader of all the other eight positions on the field.

PBR: What part of your game needs the biggest improvement, why, and what will you do to improve it?
Shannon: I believe no player has a perfect swing every time. I personally think I could work on having quality swings more consistently at the plate. Hitting off the tee or with my dad on my own time will help me make progress in that aspect of my game.

PBR: What advice would you give to young baseball players striving to get where you are?
Shannon: My advice to a younger baseball player is to play with more energy than everyone else on the field. Energy and effort will not only set an example for all of your teammates but will also make you standout on the diamond.

PBR: What do you do in the offseason to keep yourself in baseball shape and prepare for the upcoming season?
Shannon: I personally play football in the offseason. It adds to my mental toughness and also helps me become more athletic and stronger physically.

PBR: What do you like most about the college you committed to and what were the key factors in making your decision?
Shannon: When I first visited the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, it astonished me how much it felt like home even though it was my first time being there. The coaching staff and the culture there made me feel that way and those factors were ultimately the main reasons on why I committed there.

PBR: What other schools were on your short list before you made your final decision?
Shannon: University of Southern Mississippi and Southeastern Louisiana University

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