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Q&A with Pepperdine recruit Zachary Durben

December 4, 2025
Prep Baseball AZ

We recently caught up with Zachary Durben (Desert Mountain HS, AZ | 2026) to discuss his commitment and the path he’s taken through the recruiting process. Durben has been a major contributor within a deep and talented Desert Mountain roster, a group with impact players that has helped shape the program into one of the most consistently competitive in Arizona. With his recruitment now complete, Durben reflected on his development, the moments that pushed his career forward, and the factors that led him to his final decision. His full Q&A can be found below.

OUR Q&A

PB: What were your expectations about the recruiting process, and what were you looking for out of a college program to continue your baseball career at?

Durben: Honestly, didn’t know that I’d end up being a division one guy. I looked at a lot of JUCOs going into recruiting my junior year, but ended up receiving a lot of division one school attention.

PB: What do you like most about the program you chose, and what were the key factors in making your decision?

Durben: The personality of the coaches at the school. They’re invested in developing me as a player, not just me going through a cookie cutter system, but building a relationship that will last beyond college professionally.

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

Durben: be delusional

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

Durben: Not really, being able to play tournaments in the south west and in the east gave me opportunities and looks to schools all over the country.

PB: When did the recruiting process really start to heat up for you, and where did the school you committed to first see you play?

Durben: I played the area code games going into my junior year. I received a lot of calls from the event, then pretty much the rest of my junior year. I didn’t have a lot of attention. Going into senior year, I played on the summer circuit, and that’s where my school Pepperdine ended up seeing me.

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

Durben: Air Force, GCU, UC Riverside, Columbia, Boston College

PB: Who is the best player you have faced in your state, and what makes them a tough opponent?

Durben: Cam Caminiti, just a tough at bat

PB: If you could steal any tool or quality from another player in the state, what would it be and who would it be from?

Durben: Probably Jack Petroff’s power

PB: Who is the next talented young player to keep an eye on out of your high school or travel program?

Durben: Cole Sonne, Adrian Sisco, Bo Raines, Easton Morgan

PB: 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?

Durben: After the area code games 2024 under Class

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

Durben: Having an 11 pitch at bat off Savion Sims at the area code games

PB: Preview your high school team’s season for us. How do you feel your team will be?

Durben: We’re running 5a Arizona