UT MARTIN BASEBALL ADDS 14 COMMITMENTS TO 2019 SIGNING CLASS
12/5/2018 9:05:00 AM | Baseball
MARTIN, Tenn. – University of Tennessee at Martin head baseball coach Ryan Jenkins has announced the addition of 14 players to the 2019 signing class.
Jenkins has made sure that his first signing class is a well-rounded one as it features two outfielders, three infielders, four right-handed pitchers, two left-handed pitchers, a pair of utility players and a catcher. Jenkins, along with recruiting coordinator Hunter Morris and pitching coach Matt Heath, have traveled to seven different states as Tennessee, Alabama, Missouri, Georgia, South Carolina, Illinois and Indiana are represented in this class.
Thomas Fullerton – OF, L/L, 5-10, 180, Mt. Juliet, Tenn. (Mt. Juliet HS)
Fullerton was a standout at Mt. Juliet High School under head coach Mark Purvis as he was named 2018 all-district 9-AAA outfielder, all-district 9-AAA tournament team and all-county first team. He also helped the Golden Bears to a 2018 District 9-AAA championship while also claiming the title in 2016 as well.
"Thomas is an outfielder who is also a plus runner and great athlete," Morris said. "He will add a great deal to our outfield and look to be a key contributor to replace some very talented upperclassmen at the position."
Christian Hall – OF, L/L, 6-2, 205, Calera, Ala. (Calera HS)
Hall comes from Calera High School where he was named to the all-state team his sophomore and junior years while claiming all-county honors his first three years of high school baseball. He was a member of the team that won the USA Classic Baseball Tournament champions in 2018.
"Christian is one of the most talented players in the state of Alabama with high level tools across the board," Morris said. "We look for him to be able to come in and contribute both offensively and defensively early in his career and be an impact player for us."
Nate Self – INF, R/R, 6-1, 210, Sikeston, Mo. (Sikeston HS)
Self was a three-sport athlete at Sikeston High School as he lettered in baseball, basketball and football. His versatility on the diamond helped guide the Bulldogs to a district and sectional championship in 2017. He was named a 2018 all-conference and all-district first team as well as all-state second team under head coach Brett Kolons.
"Nate brings a physical presence as a corner infielder who can really defend," Jenkins said. "He will have a chance to hit at a very high level for us in the future while also giving us plus defense."
Ryan Insco – RHP, R/R, 6-0, 185, Kirkwood, Mo. (St. John Vianney HS)
Insco comes out of the highly touted St. John Vianney High School baseball team that finished the 2018 season ranked third nationally and in the top-10 in several polls throughout the country and claimed the 2018 Missouri Class 5A State Championship under head coach Scott Brown. He made the All-MCC second team for his hard work on the mound and finished just two saves short of the state record for the most saves in a single season during the 2018 campaign. He was also named to the Perfect Game WWBA all-tournament team in July of 2018.
"Ryan is an extremely talented pitcher," Morris said. "He has a low arm slot that will give us a different look and will be an extremely valuable piece of our bullpen."
Austin Kasick – LHP, L/L, 5-11, 190, Thompsons Station, Tenn. (Grace Christian Academy)
Kasick was a dual-sport athlete at Grace Christian Academy as he lettered in both baseball and basketball. He led the Lions to a District 7A Championship and Region 4A Championship in 2018 as well as a district title in 2016. He has been ranked as the fifth-best left-handed pitcher in Tennessee according to Perfect Game and the organization has also ranked him as a top-500 player in the nation.
"Austin is one of the most talented left-handed pitchers in the state of Tennessee," Morris said. "He will have a tremendous opportunity to compete to pitch on the weekends for us or be a valuable piece of our bullpen early in his career."
Eric Steensma – RHP, R/R, 6-2, 185, Western Springs, Ill. (Lyons Township HS)
Steensma has been a key piece on the diamond as he has served as a pitcher as well as third baseman under head coach Kevin Diete at Lyons Township High School. During his time as a Lion, he has been named all-conference for the past two seasons. He is slated to be on Team Demarini for the state of Illinois in 2019 by being asked to man the hot corner for the squad.
"Eric is a pitcher that is polished beyond his years with a great frame and plenty of room to grow and continue to develop," Morris said. "He will be an impact for us on the mound from the time he arrives on campus."
Marek Bauner – RHP, R/R, 6-2, 160, Crown Point, Ind. (Crown Point HS)
Bauner is an all-around athlete at Crown Point High School as he has claimed numerous accolades in wrestling, served as the quarterback of the football team all while playing baseball to round out the school year. He was a member of the Bulldogs team that claimed a conference title in 2017 under head coach Steve Strayer.
"Marek is another extremely talented right-handed pitcher to add to our staff," Morris said. "He shows tremendous arm speed and the ability to use some of the best secondary pitches in this class. He will be another hugely impactful freshman on the mound for us."
Warren Lee – LHP, R/L, 6-2, 190, Mt. Juliet, Tenn. (Mt. Juliet HS)
Lee joins UT Martin out of Mt. Juliet High School where he was prepped under head coach Mark Purvis. He is a standout lefty on the bump while also proving to be an exceptional first base option. He has been on a member of the Golden Bears team that has claimed the 2018 and 2016 District 9-AAA Championship. He was named King of the Hill and the QAB King in 2017 for his superb work on the mound.
"Warren is a polished lefty that has a knack for getting outs," Morris said. "He exemplifies body control and the ability to pitch with command of all of his pitches. He has an already physical frame that will allow him to contribute early but also develop at a very high level."
Baylor Jones – INF, R/R, 6-0, 195, Spring Hill, Tenn. (Grace Christian Academy)
Jones has been a key member of the Grace Christian Academy Lions for head coach Brad Myers. His versatility has proven to be a vital piece of the team's success as he has manned every infield position as well as toeing the rubber on occasion. He has seen success every season of his prep career as he has been named to the all-district tournament team in 2016, all-district team in 2017 and all-region team in 2018. He was a member of the squad that claimed a district championship in 2016 and a region championship in 2018.
"Baylor is a solid defender and the shortstop for Grace Christian Academy that will develop into a great second or third baseman," Morris said. "He will be an offensive impact for us at any position on the field."
Wilson LaFollette – INF, L/L, 5-10, 210, Chelsea, Ala. (Heritage Christian Academy)
LaFollette was a dual-sport athlete at Heritage Christian Academy as he lettered in baseball as well as bowling. On the diamond, he has logged playing time in the infield as well as the outfield while also proving to be a go-to left-handed option on the mound for head coach Adam Russell. He has proved to be a leader among his Eagle teammates at the prep level as he was named the squad's most valuable player for two years.
"Wil is one of the best pure left handed hitters in this class with great feel for the barrel and the ability to repeat his swing," Morris said. "He has the opportunity to play first base at a very high level and also corner outfield positions."
Preston Jones – C/INF, R/R, 6-1, 185, Trussville, Ala. (Bessemer Academy)
Jones was prepped at Bessemer Academy under the tutelage of head coach Jeremy Brown where he played shortstop, third base and catcher while also serving as the team captain. Prior to his time at Bessemer Academy, Jones spent time at Hewitt-Trussville High School where he helped lead the program to a state championship appearance in 2018 and a junior varsity metro championship in 2017.
"Preston is the most versatile position player coming in for our 2019 class," Morris said. "He can hit at a high level and will continue to develop as he gets stronger. Right now, Preston is a shortstop for the most part in high school but will be transitioning to catcher at UT Martin while also seeing time in the infield as well as corner outfield positions."
Houston Wright – INF/OF, L/L, 6-3, 215, Gaffney, SC (Spartanburg Methodist College)
Wright comes to UT Martin out of Spartanburg Methodist College where he boasted a .367 batting average and a 1.091 on base plus slugging percentage for the Pioneers in 2018. He belted 12 home runs and 15 doubles while driving in 45 runs last season. His superb numbers gained him All-Region X 1st Team honors. At Gaffney High School, he was an all-state player his senior year and an all-region player for three years under head coach Jeff Osment.
"Houston has a great track record of hitting for average and power at every level," Morris said. "He is our lone junior college signee in the early signing period and will be an immediate impact in the middle of the lineup for us at first base or a corner outfield position."
Sam Wright – RHP, R/R, 6-5, 182, Newborn, Ga. (Piedmont Academy)
Wright has proven to be an exceptional athlete in both basketball and baseball at Piedmont Academy. On the diamond, he has seen great success as he has helped the Cougars claim state titles each of the last two seasons en route to also being named to the all-region squads for the respective seasons.
"Sam comes in with the ability to throw multiple pitches for strikes and a frame that will allow him to develop into a high level, impact arm for us," Morris said. "With his frame, ability to command the baseball and athleticism, we look for Sam to have a great career with us at UT Martin."
Chance Merithew – C, R/R, 6-2, 165, Goodlettsville, Tenn. (Greenbrier HS)
Merithew comes to UT Martin out of Greenbrier High School and has excelled at shortstop as well as catcher. He has been named a Rawlings-Perfect Game All-American (2018) and a three-time Under Armour Preseason All-American (2016-18). He has helped lead the Bobcats to a district championship as well as a region championship, both in 2017 while also being named to the all-district second team. In 2018, he claimed all-district first team honors under head coach Justin Alberson.
"Chance is an extremely athletic catcher that spends most of this season playing shortstop at Greenbrier High School," Morris said. "He shows great discipline behind the plate, works hard to block at a high level and throws accurately with a quick release. Chance is also a great leader and will be a great addition behind the plate for us."
Jenkins has made sure that his first signing class is a well-rounded one as it features two outfielders, three infielders, four right-handed pitchers, two left-handed pitchers, a pair of utility players and a catcher. Jenkins, along with recruiting coordinator Hunter Morris and pitching coach Matt Heath, have traveled to seven different states as Tennessee, Alabama, Missouri, Georgia, South Carolina, Illinois and Indiana are represented in this class.
Thomas Fullerton – OF, L/L, 5-10, 180, Mt. Juliet, Tenn. (Mt. Juliet HS)
Fullerton was a standout at Mt. Juliet High School under head coach Mark Purvis as he was named 2018 all-district 9-AAA outfielder, all-district 9-AAA tournament team and all-county first team. He also helped the Golden Bears to a 2018 District 9-AAA championship while also claiming the title in 2016 as well.
"Thomas is an outfielder who is also a plus runner and great athlete," Morris said. "He will add a great deal to our outfield and look to be a key contributor to replace some very talented upperclassmen at the position."
Christian Hall – OF, L/L, 6-2, 205, Calera, Ala. (Calera HS)
Hall comes from Calera High School where he was named to the all-state team his sophomore and junior years while claiming all-county honors his first three years of high school baseball. He was a member of the team that won the USA Classic Baseball Tournament champions in 2018.
"Christian is one of the most talented players in the state of Alabama with high level tools across the board," Morris said. "We look for him to be able to come in and contribute both offensively and defensively early in his career and be an impact player for us."
Nate Self – INF, R/R, 6-1, 210, Sikeston, Mo. (Sikeston HS)
Self was a three-sport athlete at Sikeston High School as he lettered in baseball, basketball and football. His versatility on the diamond helped guide the Bulldogs to a district and sectional championship in 2017. He was named a 2018 all-conference and all-district first team as well as all-state second team under head coach Brett Kolons.
"Nate brings a physical presence as a corner infielder who can really defend," Jenkins said. "He will have a chance to hit at a very high level for us in the future while also giving us plus defense."
Ryan Insco – RHP, R/R, 6-0, 185, Kirkwood, Mo. (St. John Vianney HS)
Insco comes out of the highly touted St. John Vianney High School baseball team that finished the 2018 season ranked third nationally and in the top-10 in several polls throughout the country and claimed the 2018 Missouri Class 5A State Championship under head coach Scott Brown. He made the All-MCC second team for his hard work on the mound and finished just two saves short of the state record for the most saves in a single season during the 2018 campaign. He was also named to the Perfect Game WWBA all-tournament team in July of 2018.
"Ryan is an extremely talented pitcher," Morris said. "He has a low arm slot that will give us a different look and will be an extremely valuable piece of our bullpen."
Austin Kasick – LHP, L/L, 5-11, 190, Thompsons Station, Tenn. (Grace Christian Academy)
Kasick was a dual-sport athlete at Grace Christian Academy as he lettered in both baseball and basketball. He led the Lions to a District 7A Championship and Region 4A Championship in 2018 as well as a district title in 2016. He has been ranked as the fifth-best left-handed pitcher in Tennessee according to Perfect Game and the organization has also ranked him as a top-500 player in the nation.
"Austin is one of the most talented left-handed pitchers in the state of Tennessee," Morris said. "He will have a tremendous opportunity to compete to pitch on the weekends for us or be a valuable piece of our bullpen early in his career."
Eric Steensma – RHP, R/R, 6-2, 185, Western Springs, Ill. (Lyons Township HS)
Steensma has been a key piece on the diamond as he has served as a pitcher as well as third baseman under head coach Kevin Diete at Lyons Township High School. During his time as a Lion, he has been named all-conference for the past two seasons. He is slated to be on Team Demarini for the state of Illinois in 2019 by being asked to man the hot corner for the squad.
"Eric is a pitcher that is polished beyond his years with a great frame and plenty of room to grow and continue to develop," Morris said. "He will be an impact for us on the mound from the time he arrives on campus."
Marek Bauner – RHP, R/R, 6-2, 160, Crown Point, Ind. (Crown Point HS)
Bauner is an all-around athlete at Crown Point High School as he has claimed numerous accolades in wrestling, served as the quarterback of the football team all while playing baseball to round out the school year. He was a member of the Bulldogs team that claimed a conference title in 2017 under head coach Steve Strayer.
"Marek is another extremely talented right-handed pitcher to add to our staff," Morris said. "He shows tremendous arm speed and the ability to use some of the best secondary pitches in this class. He will be another hugely impactful freshman on the mound for us."
Warren Lee – LHP, R/L, 6-2, 190, Mt. Juliet, Tenn. (Mt. Juliet HS)
Lee joins UT Martin out of Mt. Juliet High School where he was prepped under head coach Mark Purvis. He is a standout lefty on the bump while also proving to be an exceptional first base option. He has been on a member of the Golden Bears team that has claimed the 2018 and 2016 District 9-AAA Championship. He was named King of the Hill and the QAB King in 2017 for his superb work on the mound.
"Warren is a polished lefty that has a knack for getting outs," Morris said. "He exemplifies body control and the ability to pitch with command of all of his pitches. He has an already physical frame that will allow him to contribute early but also develop at a very high level."
Baylor Jones – INF, R/R, 6-0, 195, Spring Hill, Tenn. (Grace Christian Academy)
Jones has been a key member of the Grace Christian Academy Lions for head coach Brad Myers. His versatility has proven to be a vital piece of the team's success as he has manned every infield position as well as toeing the rubber on occasion. He has seen success every season of his prep career as he has been named to the all-district tournament team in 2016, all-district team in 2017 and all-region team in 2018. He was a member of the squad that claimed a district championship in 2016 and a region championship in 2018.
"Baylor is a solid defender and the shortstop for Grace Christian Academy that will develop into a great second or third baseman," Morris said. "He will be an offensive impact for us at any position on the field."
Wilson LaFollette – INF, L/L, 5-10, 210, Chelsea, Ala. (Heritage Christian Academy)
LaFollette was a dual-sport athlete at Heritage Christian Academy as he lettered in baseball as well as bowling. On the diamond, he has logged playing time in the infield as well as the outfield while also proving to be a go-to left-handed option on the mound for head coach Adam Russell. He has proved to be a leader among his Eagle teammates at the prep level as he was named the squad's most valuable player for two years.
"Wil is one of the best pure left handed hitters in this class with great feel for the barrel and the ability to repeat his swing," Morris said. "He has the opportunity to play first base at a very high level and also corner outfield positions."
Preston Jones – C/INF, R/R, 6-1, 185, Trussville, Ala. (Bessemer Academy)
Jones was prepped at Bessemer Academy under the tutelage of head coach Jeremy Brown where he played shortstop, third base and catcher while also serving as the team captain. Prior to his time at Bessemer Academy, Jones spent time at Hewitt-Trussville High School where he helped lead the program to a state championship appearance in 2018 and a junior varsity metro championship in 2017.
"Preston is the most versatile position player coming in for our 2019 class," Morris said. "He can hit at a high level and will continue to develop as he gets stronger. Right now, Preston is a shortstop for the most part in high school but will be transitioning to catcher at UT Martin while also seeing time in the infield as well as corner outfield positions."
Houston Wright – INF/OF, L/L, 6-3, 215, Gaffney, SC (Spartanburg Methodist College)
Wright comes to UT Martin out of Spartanburg Methodist College where he boasted a .367 batting average and a 1.091 on base plus slugging percentage for the Pioneers in 2018. He belted 12 home runs and 15 doubles while driving in 45 runs last season. His superb numbers gained him All-Region X 1st Team honors. At Gaffney High School, he was an all-state player his senior year and an all-region player for three years under head coach Jeff Osment.
"Houston has a great track record of hitting for average and power at every level," Morris said. "He is our lone junior college signee in the early signing period and will be an immediate impact in the middle of the lineup for us at first base or a corner outfield position."
Sam Wright – RHP, R/R, 6-5, 182, Newborn, Ga. (Piedmont Academy)
Wright has proven to be an exceptional athlete in both basketball and baseball at Piedmont Academy. On the diamond, he has seen great success as he has helped the Cougars claim state titles each of the last two seasons en route to also being named to the all-region squads for the respective seasons.
"Sam comes in with the ability to throw multiple pitches for strikes and a frame that will allow him to develop into a high level, impact arm for us," Morris said. "With his frame, ability to command the baseball and athleticism, we look for Sam to have a great career with us at UT Martin."
Chance Merithew – C, R/R, 6-2, 165, Goodlettsville, Tenn. (Greenbrier HS)
Merithew comes to UT Martin out of Greenbrier High School and has excelled at shortstop as well as catcher. He has been named a Rawlings-Perfect Game All-American (2018) and a three-time Under Armour Preseason All-American (2016-18). He has helped lead the Bobcats to a district championship as well as a region championship, both in 2017 while also being named to the all-district second team. In 2018, he claimed all-district first team honors under head coach Justin Alberson.
"Chance is an extremely athletic catcher that spends most of this season playing shortstop at Greenbrier High School," Morris said. "He shows great discipline behind the plate, works hard to block at a high level and throws accurately with a quick release. Chance is also a great leader and will be a great addition behind the plate for us."
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