Clemson signeed Austin Meadows will be one of the top players selected in the Major League Baseball draft in just over a month. TheClemsonInsider.com caught up with one of the nation’s top outfielders as he prepares to lead his team through the playoffs.
“My season is going good so far. Last Friday we lost to Parkview in the region championship. We can’t worry about that. We have to move on and worry about the playoffs and see if we can win a state championship,” said Meadows.
The future first round draft pick is having an outstanding senior season at Grayson High.
“I am hitting above .500 right now. I have been working on hitting line drives and my average this year,” said Meadows.
Austin has been more focused on his senior year than the decision about where he will play next season.
“Right now honestly I haven’t thought much about the draft or going to Clemson. I am just worrying about my senior season and finishing out the year strong. It has been a fun process with the scouts and everything, but I am trying to maintain my focus and enjoy my senior year,” said Meadows.
What is Austin hearing from the scouts?
“They have been showing a lot of interest. I haven’t really gotten caught up in all the mock drafts,” replied Meadows.
If the prize recruit enrolls at Clemson he will have three former teammates to make the transition easier. Nick Schuessler, Wayne Gallman and Ryan Carter have all played different sports with Austin over the years.
“Nick and I are pretty close. We played baseball together going all the way back to middle school with the Georgia Storm. It is good to see him doing good things at Clemson. Wayne came from Florida to our high school. It was good to be his teammate last year on the football team. I am excited to see him do good things at Clemson. We became friends really fast. Me and Ryan played basketball together going back to middle school. It was good to see him get a scholarship offer,” said Meadows.
Austin’s parent have been very supportive through the process.
“Right now they are pretty relaxed about the process. It has been a blessing, but at times it is almost overwhelming. It is good to have family to support me. They have been talking with other families that have been through the process. They are going to support me either way,” said Meadows.
Austin feels like he will win whether he selects to enroll at Clemson or head to professional baseball.
“I can’t go wrong either way. I just have to keep working and maintain a level head,” said Meadows.
Austin hasn’t made it to Doug Kingsmore this season but has been following the Tigers season.
“I have been keeping in touch with coach LeCroy. I haven’t been to a game yet. It has been hard with my schedule, but I still have a plan to see if I can get up there. It is tough with the playoffs going now. I know they are doing great. It is good to see them at the top of the leaderboard in the ACC. It is good to see them having success with all of the young players,” said Meadows.