Texas A&M Fall 2012 commit RHP Grayson Long Profile --- February 1, 2012

Grayson Long (6-6/205) looks forward to joining the Aggie Family after his Barbers Hill High School career concludes this spring.

"Texas A&M has always been on the top of my list," Long said in an email interview today. "It's the perfect distance away from home, has an unbelievable fan base, and it's a rural community similar to Barbers Hill."

Off the diamond, Texas A&M is known for its numerous traditions including the Twelfth Man and the Aggie Ring. "I have been told of the traditions," the Baytown native said. "I am definitely looking forward to them."

The right-handed pitcher, thanks to his tall build and long limbs, has a balanced, low-effort delivery. Perfect Game USA, who ranked Long the 189th best prospect in the country following last season, projected his fastball, change-up, and overall command as potential plus tools.

Last summer, he earned a spot on the 2011 Texas Rangers Area Code baseball squad when Long bested roughly 280 Houston-area prospects for a roster spot.

A future selection this June at the 2012 Major League Baseball First-Year Player Draft, the pitcher, aware of his draft stock, will look over his options.

"If I am taken high enough I will sign in the draft," Long said.

Spring Preview

Barbers Hill baseball, coached by David Denny, fields a deep, veteran team; the program recently earned recognition as the Region III District 19-4A favorite.

"This is the strongest group of players we've ever had," Long said. "We are preseason ranked number one but we try not to let that get to our head. The rankings at the end of the season are the only ones that matter."

The Eagles will need to rely on the right-hander during a tough league schedule that includes Crosby, Goose Creek Memorial and Lee high schools. To ready for the season this winter, Long spent extra time working on one of the key pitches in his arsenal. "My curveball has been my main focus this offseason," Long said. "I didn't start throwing it until my sophomore year so I haven't really perfected it yet."

Individually speaking, Long was named to the prestigious 16-member All-Greater Houston Preseason High School Team, a squad that includes nationally recognized prep players including outfielder Billy 'Nick' Williams out of Galveston Ball High School.

"It was a great feeling." Long reflected. "Out of all the outstanding talent in the Houston area, it was crazy to see that I was one of the top pitchers."

The players will be honored on February 10 at the 2012 Annual Houston Baseball Diner which benefits Grand Slam for Youth Baseball.

Even with the Aggie program and a potential pro career on the horizon, Long remains focused on his senior year mission.

"As a team, we won't settle for anything less than champions. As an individual, I would love to make First Team All-State but that's unpredictable so we will just have to see what happens."

Five For Fun

1. Quote that inspires you?

Grayson Long: "The only way of finding the limits of the possible is by going beyond them into the impossible."

2. If I wasn't playing baseball I would be?

Grayson Long: If I didn't play baseball I would be playing football I played through middle school and freshman year. I really do miss it and I regret not playing my senior year.

3. Super Bowl XLVI champion this weekend?

Grayson Long: My best friend is a die-hard Patriots fan so I am really hoping the Giants kill them.

4. Your favorite restaurant?

Grayson Long: Pappadeaux's

5. Favorite city outside of Texas?

Grayson Long: St. Charles, Arkansas. My father and I went there this duck season and it was the best hunting/people I've ever experienced in my life.

Additional Info

+ Check out Texas A&M baseball coach Rob Childress speaking about the newest Aggie class. He speaks about Grayson Long at 2:56.

Link via TexAgs.

Also scroll down for some notes on Long and the rest of the Aggie class.