Baylor quarterback Nick Tiano can play piano - and trumpet

NICK TIANOBaylorQuarterback6-5, 225Committed to Mississippi StateCoach's quote: Nick's a kid that definitely has a big-league arm. He's a big kid that can stay in the pocket and throw the ball, and he has the size to protect himself. There's still a lot of untapped potential. He hasn't peaked with what he'll do as a quarterback." - Phil Massey

photo Nick Tiano

Baylor quarterback Nick Tiano is the No. 2-ranked college football prospect among area high school seniors. Tiano, who ended his recruiting after committing to Mississippi State early this summer, sat down with the Times Free Press recently before the start of his final prep season.

Q: What is your favorite football memory and why?

A: "Beating McCallie last year, because I was the starter and we were underdogs. We played a great game as a team, and it felt great to go out and prove people wrong."

Q: Who has had the most influence on your life and sports career and why?

A: "My dad (Vince Tiano) has always pushed me to outwork everyone. That really helped me get a good foundation on my career and who I am as a person. He also told me during the recruiting process that when I was ready to commit to be sure, because he didn't want me to go back on my word to any coaches."

Q: What is something about you that most people don't know?

A: "I can play the trumpet and the piano a little bit."

Q: What is the main thing you hope to improve in your game this season?

A: "I want to cut down on mental errors, be sharp making my reads and be more consistent. I don't want to go out and make one big throw and then follow that up with a miss on third down. I want to be consistent with my playmaking."

Q: How does it help to have the recruiting process behind you?

A: "I feel really comfortable knowing that the pressure is off my back. I know where I'm going, so now I can just go out and work to help make our team and our season as good as it can be this year. I can focus on Baylor and not worry about where I'm going to play next."

Upcoming Events