CINCINNATI - Added growth has helped college interest grow in St. Xavier southpaw Aaron Blum.

The sixth-rated left-handed pitcher in Ohio’s 2022 class is now talking with schools from the SEC, Big 10, MAC, AAC and Big East.

“They like my 6-3 frame that I can continue to build on,” noted Blum, who began to receive a following from schools his freshman year and it only expanded with exposure from summer ball and showcases such as the PBR Preseason All-State Underclass event. “I’m 175 pounds now, so they like my frame and that I’m projectable.”

An inch taller and 25 pounds heavier than a year ago, the 41st-ranked junior in the state has seen his game advance with the added size.

“I lifted for strength and conditioning,” Blum pointed out as to how improvement has come. “My goal was to gain weight with muscle, gain weight and add athleticism. I’m still continuing to lift and add muscle and explosiveness.”

An 84-mile-an-hour fastball at the PBR showcase last February has shown a major increase according to Blum.

“Last week I threw my first bullpen and it was 89.2,” Blum said. “I’m hoping to add to that as the bullpens continue.”

Pitching coach Greg Williams along with strength and conditioning trainer Josh Ellerman have been vital in the cause for Blum, who also credited the St. X coaching staff and Midland Baseball organization as being major influences in his development.

“Since I was a little kid watching TV and growing up with it, I’ve always wanted to play college baseball,” Blue related. “When it was my eighth-grade summer going into freshman year I saw myself as someone that can play at the next level.”

Covid-19 did not hinder that ambition according to the top-rated uncommitted 2022 left-handed pitcher in Ohio.

“With the covid circumstances in place, the focus is to prepare to get better every day,” Blum noted. “I focus on controlling what I can control.”

Jordan Chiero, Ohio PBR Director of Scouting, sees a big future ahead for the seventh-ranked uncommitted junior in the state.

“Aaron is a high follow,” Chiero said. “He is one of the top arm talents left on the board. His delivery comes together well and his stuff has shown signs of electricity, along with showing the physical signs of more velocity to come. I'm sure his starts will be heavily attended by college scouts this spring.”

The southpaw believes he will bring a strong work ethic to the next level.

“Wherever I end up I’m ready to give everything I have every day,” Blum said. “Staying focused on the goals and believing in a strong work ethic will help everyone there.”

Blum, who carries a 3.2 GPA and is unsure about a major in college, has no time frame when it comes to choosing a school for the future.

“I’m not in any rush right now,” Blum explained. “I just want to make sure it’s the right choice for me.”

Unofficial visits have been made along the way.

“I’ve been on some campuses,” Blum said. “I’m looking for a place where I enjoy the atmosphere and somewhere that I can keep developing and be a good teammate.”

The hard-throwing lefty also looks forward to showing off the pitcher he is becoming.

“I just want to keep going with the process and maintain my focus,” Blue said. “I’m excited to show what I’ve worked for this offseason.”