Troy University Athletics
Trojans Ink 13 During Early Signing Period
11/20/2009 7:00:00 PM | Baseball
The Troy University baseball program and head coach Bobby Pierce have announced their recruiting class for the 2011 season. The class includes six high school signees and seven junior college signees.
This class will bolster the pitching staff as six pitchers and four dual position players have been signed.
"We are extremely pleased with the 2010 recruiting class, both in terms of their playing ability and the entire group filling the immediate needs of our program," Pierce said. "Overall, this group of 13 players has impressed our staff in every way imaginable and we are looking forward to them becoming Trojans in the near future."
Here is a closer look at all 13 players.
Mikole Pierce (SS - De Pere HS - De Pere, WI)
Hit .441 last season as a junior … recorded 14 doubles and three home runs … named to the All-State team in 2009 … garnered All-District honors as a sophomore and a junior … was also an All-Conference performer in 2007, 2008 and 2009.
Coach Pierce says: "Mikole is one of the most dynamic kids we have ever recruited and our expectations for him are very high. His passion for the game and his commitment should project well at the Division I level."
Kyle Brown (1B/P - Beauregard HS - Opelika, AL)
Hit .339 last season as a junior … posted 11 doubles, nine home runs and 46 RBI … went 7-2 on the mound with a 2.06 ERA … recorded 60 strikeouts and 25 walks.
Coach Pierce says: "Kyle is a physical young player that will have a chance to make an impact with the bat and on the mound. We are impressed with his hitting ability and his power at this stage of his career. We anticipate great things from him early in his career."
Clay Holcomb (CF/P - Huntsville HS - Huntsville, AL)
In 2008 and 2009 as a sophomore and junior, hit .400 with 28 stolen bases … on the mound he went 9-2 with a 1.59 ERA … struck out 58 batters in 53 innings of work … played in the 2009 Alabama North-South All-Star Game.
Coach Pierce says: "Clay is an above average athlete who runs and throws extremely well. He has the speed and range to be an everyday type center fielder and the arm strength to develop as a pitcher. It will be interesting to see how quickly both develop at the Division I level."
Jimmy Hodgskin (LHP - Bishop Moore HS - Windermere, FL)
Last season as a junior, went 11-1 with a 1.01 ERA … Struck out 123 batters with just 18 walks in 71.1 innings … In 2009 was named to the All-State, All-Central and All-Metro teams … Won the Cy Young award … is the Florida Diamond Club No. 4 prospect.
Coach Pierce says: "Jimmy is the most celebrated high school recruit in the last several years at Troy. His statistics and accomplishments are exceptional and we expect him to contribute early in his career on the mound. As a young left-handed pitcher, he brings a wealth of success and experience with him to the Division I level."
Jeremy McGowan (RHP/OF - Holmes County HS - Esto, FL)
Has gone 9-2 with a 1.75 ERA on the mound thus far at Holmes County HS … Has struck out 67 batters in 62 innings pitched … Threw two no-hitters during his junior season last year … has also hit .385 with 30 doubles and 62 RBI … in the summer of 2009, earned All-Tournament honors at the Dizzy Dean World Series … was 11-for-22 with 14 RBI and a 2-0 record on the mound.
Coach Pierce says: "Jeremy comes from one of the most respected high school programs in this area and we believe he is on the verge of some great things. He is a late developing pitcher that has a tremendous ceiling and is one of the better athletes we have signed here at Troy in my eight years. We expect him to pitch and hit with success at the Division I level."
Austin Jamieson (1B/P - Russell County HS - Phenix City, AL)
As a junior in 2009 batted .455 with 12 home runs and 46 RBI … struck out only four times all season … was named a second team All-State performer.
Coach Pierce says: "Russell County is one of the programs in our state that wins consistently and Austin is accustomed to winning. He had a great junior year with the bat and his extremely low strikeout total speaks well to his overall hitting ability. According to his coach, he could become one of the better pitchers in the state with more opportunity on the mound as a senior."
William Teal (RHP - Northwest Shoals CC/Charles Henderson HS - Troy, AL)
Last season as a freshman he went 3-4 with a 4.87 ERA … ranked third in Alabama in strikeouts … led his team in innings pitched, walks and ERA … as a senior at Charles Henderson HS he was named All-State and to the Dothan Eagle Super 12 … was an All-Area performer in 2007 and 2008.
Coach Pierce says: "We are all excited about William returning home to pitch here at Troy. He was the No. 1 starter as a freshman at Shoals and his work this fall was outstanding. We expect him to contribute immediately next year."
Josh Dozier (RHP - Lurleen B. Wallace CC/Pleasant Home HS - Andalusia, AL)
Went 6-3 in 2009 as a freshman with a 3.35 ERA … also recorded four saves.
Coach Pierce says: : "Josh is a hard throwing right-hander who has tremendous potential and is getting better each and every day. He has started and been the closer in junior college and that experience will give him a great advantage once he gets to Troy."
Chris Fisher (RHP - Wallace State CC/Cullman HS - Cullman, AL)
Was 3-2 with a 3.77 ERA as a freshman.
Coach Pierce says: "Chris is another hard throwing right-hander who has a high ceiling. His body type and arm strength project very well to the Division I level and we expect his development this year to continue. He should have a great opportunity to contribute right away on our team."
Ryan Sorce (LHP - University of West Florida /Pensacola JC/Pace HS - Pace, FL)
As a freshman at West Florida went 5-3 with a 4.14 ERA … posted three saves … led the team with 21 appearances.
Coach Pierce says: "We recruited Ryan while he was in high school and are excited he has chosen to come to Troy next year. His brother Chris had an outstanding 2009 season in our program and we anticipate Ryan doing great things as well. His bulldog mentality and competitiveness will give him a terrific chance to pitch right away."
Drew Prichard (OF - Faulkner State CC - Mobile, AL - Baker HS)
Hit .377 as a freshman with 12 home runs and 48 RBI … also posted 14 stolen bases … was named to the first team All-Southern Division ACCC and second team All-Region 22 … hit .375 with 16 home runs and 58 RBI in his high school career … as a senior was named first team All-Region and honorable mention All-State.
Coach Pierce says: "Drew had a fantastic freshman year in junior college in all offensive categories. We love his extra base hitting ability and the fact that he can steal a base as well. He should provide immediate help in the middle of the lineup next year."
Hunter Smith (1B - Central Florida CC - Inverness, FL)
Last season as a freshman he hit .414 with 18 doubles, six home runs and 55 RBI … posted a .632 slugging percentage … was named second team All-State, first team All-Mid-Florida Conference … was a member of the FCCAA All-Star team.
Coach Pierce says: "Hunter is one of the best left handed hitters in the state of Florida and we are excited that he chose Troy. He was one of the more highly recruited players we signed and his overall hitting ability projects well to the Division I level. He hits for both average and power and should provide some middle of the lineup type ability right away."
Nathan Hill (LHP - Wallace State CC/Hazel Green HS - Meridianville, AL)
Was 7-1 with a 2.73 ERA as a freshman … led the Northern Division in ERA … was first team All-Northern Division ACCC and second team All-Region 22 … during his high school career, was named Huntsville Times All-Metro 5A/6A Pitcher of the Year in 2007 … also participated in the AHSAA All-Star game.
Coach Pierce says: "Nathan is a quality left-hander that has a great first year at Wallace State. He led their league in ERA as a freshman and he is a fiery competitor, which we think bodes well for him in our program. We have great expectations for him once he arrives in Troy."
Eight of the signees call Alabama home, including one player from Troy via junior college. The class also includes four players from Florida and one from Wisconsin.
This class will bolster the pitching staff as six pitchers and four dual position players have been signed.
"We are extremely pleased with the 2010 recruiting class, both in terms of their playing ability and the entire group filling the immediate needs of our program," Pierce said. "Overall, this group of 13 players has impressed our staff in every way imaginable and we are looking forward to them becoming Trojans in the near future."
Here is a closer look at all 13 players.
Mikole Pierce (SS - De Pere HS - De Pere, WI)Hit .441 last season as a junior … recorded 14 doubles and three home runs … named to the All-State team in 2009 … garnered All-District honors as a sophomore and a junior … was also an All-Conference performer in 2007, 2008 and 2009.
Coach Pierce says: "Mikole is one of the most dynamic kids we have ever recruited and our expectations for him are very high. His passion for the game and his commitment should project well at the Division I level."
Kyle Brown (1B/P - Beauregard HS - Opelika, AL)
Hit .339 last season as a junior … posted 11 doubles, nine home runs and 46 RBI … went 7-2 on the mound with a 2.06 ERA … recorded 60 strikeouts and 25 walks.
Coach Pierce says: "Kyle is a physical young player that will have a chance to make an impact with the bat and on the mound. We are impressed with his hitting ability and his power at this stage of his career. We anticipate great things from him early in his career."
Clay Holcomb (CF/P - Huntsville HS - Huntsville, AL)In 2008 and 2009 as a sophomore and junior, hit .400 with 28 stolen bases … on the mound he went 9-2 with a 1.59 ERA … struck out 58 batters in 53 innings of work … played in the 2009 Alabama North-South All-Star Game.
Coach Pierce says: "Clay is an above average athlete who runs and throws extremely well. He has the speed and range to be an everyday type center fielder and the arm strength to develop as a pitcher. It will be interesting to see how quickly both develop at the Division I level."
Jimmy Hodgskin (LHP - Bishop Moore HS - Windermere, FL)Last season as a junior, went 11-1 with a 1.01 ERA … Struck out 123 batters with just 18 walks in 71.1 innings … In 2009 was named to the All-State, All-Central and All-Metro teams … Won the Cy Young award … is the Florida Diamond Club No. 4 prospect.
Coach Pierce says: "Jimmy is the most celebrated high school recruit in the last several years at Troy. His statistics and accomplishments are exceptional and we expect him to contribute early in his career on the mound. As a young left-handed pitcher, he brings a wealth of success and experience with him to the Division I level."
Jeremy McGowan (RHP/OF - Holmes County HS - Esto, FL)Has gone 9-2 with a 1.75 ERA on the mound thus far at Holmes County HS … Has struck out 67 batters in 62 innings pitched … Threw two no-hitters during his junior season last year … has also hit .385 with 30 doubles and 62 RBI … in the summer of 2009, earned All-Tournament honors at the Dizzy Dean World Series … was 11-for-22 with 14 RBI and a 2-0 record on the mound.
Coach Pierce says: "Jeremy comes from one of the most respected high school programs in this area and we believe he is on the verge of some great things. He is a late developing pitcher that has a tremendous ceiling and is one of the better athletes we have signed here at Troy in my eight years. We expect him to pitch and hit with success at the Division I level."
Austin Jamieson (1B/P - Russell County HS - Phenix City, AL)
As a junior in 2009 batted .455 with 12 home runs and 46 RBI … struck out only four times all season … was named a second team All-State performer.
Coach Pierce says: "Russell County is one of the programs in our state that wins consistently and Austin is accustomed to winning. He had a great junior year with the bat and his extremely low strikeout total speaks well to his overall hitting ability. According to his coach, he could become one of the better pitchers in the state with more opportunity on the mound as a senior."
William Teal (RHP - Northwest Shoals CC/Charles Henderson HS - Troy, AL)Last season as a freshman he went 3-4 with a 4.87 ERA … ranked third in Alabama in strikeouts … led his team in innings pitched, walks and ERA … as a senior at Charles Henderson HS he was named All-State and to the Dothan Eagle Super 12 … was an All-Area performer in 2007 and 2008.
Coach Pierce says: "We are all excited about William returning home to pitch here at Troy. He was the No. 1 starter as a freshman at Shoals and his work this fall was outstanding. We expect him to contribute immediately next year."
Josh Dozier (RHP - Lurleen B. Wallace CC/Pleasant Home HS - Andalusia, AL)
Went 6-3 in 2009 as a freshman with a 3.35 ERA … also recorded four saves.
Coach Pierce says: : "Josh is a hard throwing right-hander who has tremendous potential and is getting better each and every day. He has started and been the closer in junior college and that experience will give him a great advantage once he gets to Troy."
Chris Fisher (RHP - Wallace State CC/Cullman HS - Cullman, AL)
Was 3-2 with a 3.77 ERA as a freshman.
Coach Pierce says: "Chris is another hard throwing right-hander who has a high ceiling. His body type and arm strength project very well to the Division I level and we expect his development this year to continue. He should have a great opportunity to contribute right away on our team."
Ryan Sorce (LHP - University of West Florida /Pensacola JC/Pace HS - Pace, FL)
As a freshman at West Florida went 5-3 with a 4.14 ERA … posted three saves … led the team with 21 appearances.
Coach Pierce says: "We recruited Ryan while he was in high school and are excited he has chosen to come to Troy next year. His brother Chris had an outstanding 2009 season in our program and we anticipate Ryan doing great things as well. His bulldog mentality and competitiveness will give him a terrific chance to pitch right away."
Drew Prichard (OF - Faulkner State CC - Mobile, AL - Baker HS)
Hit .377 as a freshman with 12 home runs and 48 RBI … also posted 14 stolen bases … was named to the first team All-Southern Division ACCC and second team All-Region 22 … hit .375 with 16 home runs and 58 RBI in his high school career … as a senior was named first team All-Region and honorable mention All-State.
Coach Pierce says: "Drew had a fantastic freshman year in junior college in all offensive categories. We love his extra base hitting ability and the fact that he can steal a base as well. He should provide immediate help in the middle of the lineup next year."
Hunter Smith (1B - Central Florida CC - Inverness, FL)
Last season as a freshman he hit .414 with 18 doubles, six home runs and 55 RBI … posted a .632 slugging percentage … was named second team All-State, first team All-Mid-Florida Conference … was a member of the FCCAA All-Star team.
Coach Pierce says: "Hunter is one of the best left handed hitters in the state of Florida and we are excited that he chose Troy. He was one of the more highly recruited players we signed and his overall hitting ability projects well to the Division I level. He hits for both average and power and should provide some middle of the lineup type ability right away."
Nathan Hill (LHP - Wallace State CC/Hazel Green HS - Meridianville, AL)
Was 7-1 with a 2.73 ERA as a freshman … led the Northern Division in ERA … was first team All-Northern Division ACCC and second team All-Region 22 … during his high school career, was named Huntsville Times All-Metro 5A/6A Pitcher of the Year in 2007 … also participated in the AHSAA All-Star game.
Coach Pierce says: "Nathan is a quality left-hander that has a great first year at Wallace State. He led their league in ERA as a freshman and he is a fiery competitor, which we think bodes well for him in our program. We have great expectations for him once he arrives in Troy."
Skylar Meade, Blake Cavill & Zach Crotchfelt SBC Tournament Postgame - South Alabama
Thursday, May 21
Skylar Meade Postgame - ULM Game 2
Friday, May 15
Skylar Meade & Steven Meier Postgame - UAB
Tuesday, May 12
Skylar Meade, Jabe Boroff & Hayden Smith Postgame - South Alabama Game 3
Sunday, May 10