Class of 2008 Commitments So Far -- VA kids

I'm not sure, but I think Farrar is a Richmond area player. I could be wrong. As to his college commitment, I have no clue about that part

You were right about Ryan Farrar being a Nova guy, he goes to Centreville with me... but he doesn't even play Baseball, he plays basketball I don't know if he commited to UVA for Bball though. On another note the Snyder twins from Westfield might be going to North Carolina (If they don't get drafted first). Also Colin Flaherty from Madison is getting looks from Auburn, Florida State, and Miami to name a few.

I did a quick search for Farrar, and it looks like the baseball playing Ryan Farrar goes to Atlee in the Richmond area:

CAPITAL DISTRICT

First team: Ryan Farrar, Atlee

So, I don't know what this means about which one might have committed to UVA.

Also, these Snyder twins from Westfield....younger brothers of O's 2005 first rounder Brandon?

yes, Matt and Mike Snyder are younger brothers of Brandon Snyder, and sons of former major leaguer Brian Snyder. Mike is right handed hitting 3B, Matt is left handed hitting 1B. While not at Brandon's level (yet), both are excellent players with tremendous upside.

I have heard by word of mouth that Gary Ward of Hickory (chesapeake) has committed to U of Miami....not sure if thats the case though

Gary Ward received more than a 50% scholarship to Miami (FL).

Brett Bowers, Pope Paul VI, East Carolina University

My bad, I got my wires crossed on names. I meant to say Shane Halley of Lake Braddock, and VaPreps confirms he has committed to UVA as well as those noted above.

Ryan Farrar may wind up there some day, too! But he's not a 2008.

Sorry guys, I didn't know there was another Ryan Farrar out there.

Hi guys! Told by the parents that Andrew Deal of L.C. Byrd gave verbal to VMI.

JH

quote:

Originally posted by j2h6:
Keith Werman, Oakton, UVA

Kyle's little brother? It's good having Kyle back at UVA coaching.

Current PG Virginia 08 list, state ranking first, national ranking second.

01 / 6 Kyle Long - St. Anne's
02 / 21 Daniel Marrs - James River
03 / 98 Luke Erickson - St. Christopher
04 / 102 Peter Verdin - PVI
05 / 121 Taylor Buran - Benedictine
06 / 127 Austin Stadler - James River
07 / 186 Alfred Rodriguez - Oakton
08 / 196 Chad O'Connor - Western Branch
09 / 207 Will Roberts - Governer's School
10 / 289 Chris Forsten - NDA
11 / 345 Adam McConnell - Tabb
12 / 351 Jake Lowery - Midlothian
13 / 366 Jamie Blackwell - Forest Park
14 / 368 Matthew Snyder - Westfield
15 / 377 Ryan Crosby - NDA

here is the updated list as I've read thus far:

Daniel Marrs, James River, Wake Forest
Austin Stadler, James River, Wake Forest
Jackie Bradley, Prince George, South Carolina
Chad O'Connor, Western Branch, UVA
Will Roberts, Maggie Walker, UVA
John Austin Hicks, Goochland, UVA
Danny Hultzen, St. Alban's, UVA
Kyle Long, St. Anne's-Belfield, Florida State
Peter Verdin, Pope Paul VI, U. Georgia
Brett Bowers, Pope Paul VI, East Carolina
Gary Ward, Hickory, Miami
Shane Halley, Lake Braddock, UVA
Andrew Deal, LC Bird, VMI

GT, This thread is about commitments.

Taylor Buran of Benedictine committed to Maryland.

Armor, was to go on another thread. Posted here by mistake.

Cole Shain, Broad Run, committed to William & Mary.
Justin Thompson, Tunstall, committed to UVA.
Will Lamb, Seaford, committed to Clemson.

ive heard phillip clark from norfolk collegiate has committed to east carolina

A new military family has moved in to our great state of Virginia and they have an '08 player by the name of Levi Hyams. It appears he'll be playing for Colonial Forge HS in Stafford and he's verbally committed to the University of Georgia.

New commits:

Zack Hegelson, Hidden Valley, to U. of Maryland
Daniel Bowman, Turner Ashby, to Coastal Carolina
Dustin Galbraith, Douglas Freeman, to West Va. U.

Reported, not yet confirmed:

Ronnie Shaban, Cosby, to Va. Tech
Tadd Bower, Cosby, to Wm. & Mary

quote:

Originally posted by Midlo Dad:
Reported, not yet confirmed:

Ronnie Shaban, Cosby, to Va. Tech
Tadd Bower, Cosby, to Wm. & Mary

What position does Bower play? I only saw Cosby once, and the only players I remember specifically were the two Shabans and Lowery

Big first baseman.

I have just heard that the Snyder Twins from Westfield High School, both Matt and Michael have accepted scholarship offers to play ball in the SEC. The University of Mississippi (Ole Miss) have picked up two great kids !

here is a revised list of those committed thus far from the Class of 2008......

Daniel Marrs, James River, Wake Forest
Austin Stadler, James River, Wake Forest
Jackie Bradley, Prince George, South Carolina
Chad O'Connor, Western Branch, UVA
Will Roberts, Maggie Walker, UVA
John Austin Hicks, Goochland, UVA
Danny Hultzen, St. Alban's, UVA
Justin Thompson, Tunstall, UVA
Shane Halley, Lake Braddock, UVA
Kyle Long, St. Anne's-Belfield, Florida State
Peter Verdin, Pope Paul VI, U. Georgia
Levi Hyams, Colonial Forge, U. Georgia
Brett Bowers, Pope Paul VI, East Carolina
Phillip Clark, Collegiate, East Carolina
Gary Ward, Hickory, Miami
Andrew Deal, LC Bird, VMI
Taylor Buran, Benedictine, Maryland
Zack Hegelson, Hidden Valley, Maryland
Cole Shain, Broad Run, William & Mary
Tadd Bower, Cosby, William & Mary
Will Lamb, Seaford, Clemson
Matthew Snyder, Westfield, Ole Miss
Michael Snyder, Westfield, Ole Miss
Daniel Bowman, Turner Ashby, Coastal Carolina
Dustin Galbraith, Douglas Freeman, West Virginia
Ronnie Shaban, Cosby, VA Tech

Jonathan Watson, LC Bird, Longwood

For those of us who may be interested in how a class is shaping up position-wise can someone enlighten us as to what primary positions these young men play?

Thanks....

quote:

Originally posted by j2h6:
Jonathan Watson, LC Bird, Longwood

WATSON IS TO LONGWOOD, BUT HE'S CLASS OF '07

Snyders to Ole Miss? Where did you hear that?

I added in positions of those I knew.....but others will have to double check and make additions or subtractions.....

Daniel Marrs, RHP, James River, Wake Forest
Austin Stadler, LHP/1B, James River, Wake Forest
Chad O'Connor, RHP, Western Branch, UVA
Will Roberts, RHP, Maggie Walker, UVA
John Austin Hicks, C, Goochland, UVA
Danny Hultzen, RHP/1B, St. Alban's, UVA
Justin Thompson, RHP, Tunstall, UVA
Shane Halley, RHP/OF, Lake Braddock, UVA
Peter Verdin, OF/RHP, Pope Paul VI, U. Georgia
Levi Hyams, 3B/MIF/OF, Colonial Forge, U. Georgia
Brett Bowers, 3B/MIF, Pope Paul VI, East Carolina
Phillip Clark, SS/OF, Collegiate, East Carolina
Taylor Buran, RHP, Benedictine, Maryland
Zack Hegelson, , Hidden Valley, Maryland
Cole Shain, LHP/1B, Broad Run, William & Mary
Tadd Bower, C, Cosby, William & Mary
Matthew Snyder, 1B, Westfield, Ole Miss
Michael Snyder, 3B/RHP, Westfield, Ole Miss
Daniel Bowman, Turner Ashby, Coastal Carolina
Dustin Galbraith, Douglas Freeman, West Virginia
Ronnie Shaban, MIF, Cosby, VA Tech
Will Lamb, Seaford, Clemson
Gary Ward, LHP/1B, Hickory, Miami
Andrew Deal, LC Bird, VMI
Jackie Bradley, OF, Prince George, South Carolina
Kyle Long, LHP/1B, St. Anne's-Belfield, Florida State

I'd use their first position listed as their primary position !

Bower is 1B, not C.

Shaban can play 2B, SS and 3B, also will pitch at Tech I'm sure.

Deal and Galbraith are RHP's.

Has Hudgins from Douglas Freeman committed? I think I've mentioned before how much he and his teammate Galbraith remind me of each other

Last I heard he was still sorting out suitors.

Of the five HS top rounders in the 08 amateur draft in the 'enlarged; Greater Wash-DC-MD-VA Metro, two are from 'area' that being Richmond and Charlottsville. With that said, neither will set foot on campus and will sign prior to Aug 14, 2008 (and for a whole lot of dollars!)

quote:

Originally posted by Bear:
Of the five HS top rounders in the 08 amateur draft in the 'enlarged; Greater Wash-DC-MD-VA Metro, two are from 'area' that being Richmond and Charlottsville. With that said, neither will set foot on campus and will sign prior to Aug 14, 2008 (and for a whole lot of dollars!)

A lot can happen in the next year, so I don't think I would make absolute statements regarding these players a year in advance. Both have scholarships to ACC schools with strong academic and baseball programs, so both guys have options. Remember, nobody thought Justin Bristow would ever see a college campus either.

Just saw where Bristow has transferred from Auburn to East Carolina -- reported on Baseball America.

Will Bristow have to sit out a year due to the transfer?

Just a note about all the "commitments" from Virginia....I think it is important to realize that there are many top Virginia players out there that are receiving offers but not acting on them at this early in the process. My son, as well as I, look on this site and others to see who has made a verbal commitment recently. Truth is he is as antsy as the rest of those seeking to play at the next level, but when he reads headlines like "MANY TOP VIRGINA PLAYERS MAKE COMMITTMENTS" it misleads him and other to think that he might be missing the boat somewhere. In fact there are hundreds of players in Virginia that will eventually sign to play at D1,2,3,NAIA, or other programs. I don't think that the number of players announced on this board or others constitute "MANY" it doesn't even hit the mark of a few. There is still a lot of time left in this process.

As my son and I have felt in the past and continue to feel today, is that waiting for the right offer may mean waiting till late October or even next baseball season. In my opinion, and this is certainly not the case for all, is that some of the verbals are being done out of haste in order to satisfy or alley their fears that they might not get a better offer or opportunity elsewhere. Bristow going to East Carolina...might...be an example of that haste, but that could be a stretch as his situation coming out of high school with the pro-draft in the mix makes it different.

What I mean to say is that it's nice to hear of the players making it to the next level as that has certainly been the goal of many of them and of course is the goal of my son. This is just a reminder to the one's that haven't received the offers yet or that have received offers but not acted to not worry. If you look back at the past 5 years of top players, they "all”, or at least 95% of them have eventually signed somewhere.

Good points all.

As for Bristow, the change in the transfer rule takes effect in 2008, so he can play right away at ECU.

I don't take the reports of early commitments as anything other than folks sharing the excitement for the players involved, including sons, sons of friends, teammates, kids we may have coached in Little League or played against, etc. Obviously my own son is on the lists above, but I know nearly all of the kids listed one way or the other, and I'm happy for each and every one of them.

I definitely agree that kids should not be discouraged for themselves just because they see others committing early.

In particular, early commits tend to be pitchers, so players who don't pitch shouldn't be comparing their situation to the pitchers. To a great extent that's an "apples and oranges" thing.

Every year there are kids who don't get deals done until just WEEKS before school starts! I wouldn't say you should wait that long on purpose, but the point is, there's still a lot of road ahead.

I look forward to the day when you get to share the good news that we all know is coming, too!

Congrats to Jake Lowery, RHP/C/OF, Cosby HS, James Madison

and congratst to Chris Hardee on his choice -

congrats indeed, Chris Hardee, P, Manchester HS, verbally committed to Old Dominion

revised list as of today 8/28/07.....

Daniel Marrs, RHP, James River, Wake Forest
Austin Stadler, LHP/1B, James River, Wake Forest
Chad O'Connor, RHP, Western Branch, UVA
Will Roberts, RHP, Maggie Walker, UVA
John Austin Hicks, C, Goochland, UVA
Danny Hultzen, RHP/1B, St. Alban's, UVA
Justin Thompson, RHP, Tunstall, UVA
Shane Halley, RHP/OF, Lake Braddock, UVA
Peter Verdin, OF/RHP, Pope Paul VI, U. Georgia
Levi Hyams, 3B/MIF/OF, Colonial Forge, U. Georgia
Brett Bowers, 3B/MIF, Pope Paul VI, East Carolina
Phillip Clark, SS/OF, Collegiate, East Carolina
Taylor Buran, RHP, Benedictine, Maryland
Zack Hegelson, , Hidden Valley, Maryland
Cole Shain, LHP/1B, Broad Run, William & Mary
Tadd Bower, 1B, Cosby, William & Mary
Matthew Snyder, 1B, Westfield, Ole Miss
Michael Snyder, 3B/RHP, Westfield, Ole Miss
Daniel Bowman, Turner Ashby, Coastal Carolina
Dustin Galbraith, RHP, Douglas Freeman, West Virginia
Ronnie Shaban, MIF, Cosby, VA Tech
Will Lamb, LHP/OF, Seaford, Clemson
Gary Ward, LHP/1B, Hickory, Miami
Andrew Deal, RHP, LC Bird, VMI
Jackie Bradley, OF, Prince George, South Carolina
Kyle Long, LHP/1B, St. Anne's-Belfield, Florida State
Chris Hardee, RHP, Manchester HS, Old Dominion
Jake Lowery, RHP/C/OF, Cosby HS, James Madison

Maybe Chris can help ODU with that football team they're trying to start up, too. He's a heckuva QB!

For those keeping track, that's 4 pitchers in the Dominion District committed to Division I schools so far ...

It's going to be a tough spring for our area hitters!

it's now official.....congrats to Keith Werman, MIF/C, Oakton HS, verbally committed to UVA !

Werman really knows how to play ball. Hey to you guys who keep coming up with these kids committing everywhere, where do you hear this news? Do you just have the inside sources of people?

Posted on VirginiaPreps.com:

Mikey O'Brien, Hidden Valley, to Winthrop (RHP/SS)
Brett Mollenhauer, recent transfer to Hidden Valley, to Radford (SS)


My purpose in starting this thread was to get info from all over posted in one place so that we could all know all that we all know, so to speak.

Some of the info here is found on VirginiaPreps.com. Other of it comes from different people knowing different players and their families.

Does Werman still throw with either hand? The first time I saw him play he pitched left handed and played short stop right handed in the same Babe Ruth playoff game.

Congrats to him.

O'Brien to Winthrop? His minor shoulder issues this spring must have scared off the ACC teams. That's a huge haul for the Eagles.

...just heard that Jesse Beal, RHP/1B, from South County HS has verbally committed to the University of Maryland....congrats !

JT, Winthrop outranks several ACC teams.

latest update.....

Daniel Marrs, RHP, James River, Wake Forest
Austin Stadler, LHP/1B, James River, Wake Forest
Chad O'Connor, RHP, Western Branch, UVA
Will Roberts, RHP, Maggie Walker, UVA
John Austin Hicks, C, Goochland, UVA
Danny Hultzen, RHP/1B, St. Alban's, UVA
Justin Thompson, RHP, Tunstall, UVA
Shane Halley, RHP/OF, Lake Braddock, UVA
Keith Werman, MIF/C, Oakton HS, UVA
Peter Verdin, OF/RHP, Pope Paul VI, U. Georgia
Levi Hyams, 3B/MIF/OF, Colonial Forge, U. Georgia
Brett Bowers, 3B/MIF, Pope Paul VI, East Carolina
Phillip Clark, SS/OF, Collegiate, East Carolina
Taylor Buran, RHP, Benedictine, Maryland
Zack Helgeson, 1B/DH, Hidden Valley, Maryland
Jesse Beal, RHP/1B, South County HS, Maryland
Cole Shain, LHP/1B, Broad Run, William & Mary
Tadd Bower, 1B, Cosby, William & Mary
Matthew Snyder, 1B, Westfield, Ole Miss
Michael Snyder, 3B/RHP, Westfield, Ole Miss
Daniel Bowman, Turner Ashby, Coastal Carolina
Dustin Galbraith, RHP, Douglas Freeman, West Virginia
Ronnie Shaban, MIF, Cosby, VA Tech
Will Lamb, LHP/OF, Seaford, Clemson
Gary Ward, LHP/1B, Hickory, Miami
Andrew Deal, RHP, LC Bird, VMI
Jackie Bradley, OF, Prince George, South Carolina
Kyle Long, LHP/1B, St. Anne's-Belfield, Florida State
Chris Hardee, RHP, Manchester HS, Old Dominion
Jake Lowery, RHP/C/OF, Cosby HS, James Madison
Mickey O’Brien, RHP/SS, Hidden Valley HS, Winthrop
Brett Mollenhauer, SS, Hidden Valley HS, Radford

quote:

Originally posted by Midlo Dad:
JT, Winthrop outranks several ACC teams.

Trust me, I am well aware of that, since I work at Liberty Univ...it still surprises me and I am happy for the Eagles and the Big South.

JT, didn't mean it as a slam. Just pointing out that I don't think going to Winthrop as opposed to the ACC counts as a come-down. I'm not that familiar with the program at Winthrop, but they must have a history of recruiting successes to be where they are.

Another point that should be noted -- following up on Armyofone's comments back a bit -- is that while all of the boys above have committed, not all of them are getting baseball money. Some received admissions consideration only, for example. I don't want to get into who got what, because that's not something that should be talked about on the world wide web. But a kid who's wondering why everyone but him is getting scholarship money should understand the realities and remain patient through the coming school year.

Jamie Blackwell, Forest Park SS, to UNC-Charlotte.

up to date list as of 8/31/07...

Daniel Marrs, RHP, James River, Wake Forest
Austin Stadler, LHP/1B, James River, Wake Forest
Chad O'Connor, RHP, Western Branch, UVA
Will Roberts, RHP, Maggie Walker, UVA
John Austin Hicks, C, Goochland, UVA
Danny Hultzen, RHP/1B, St. Alban's, UVA
Justin Thompson, RHP, Tunstall, UVA
Shane Halley, RHP/OF, Lake Braddock, UVA
Keith Werman, MIF/C, Oakton HS, UVA
Peter Verdin, OF/RHP, Pope Paul VI, U. Georgia
Levi Hyams, 3B/MIF/OF, Colonial Forge, U. Georgia
Brett Bowers, 3B/MIF, Pope Paul VI, East Carolina
Phillip Clark, SS/OF, Collegiate, East Carolina
Taylor Buran, RHP, Benedictine, Maryland
Zack Hegelson, 1B/DH, Hidden Valley, Maryland
Jesse Beal, RHP/1B, South County HS, Maryland
Cole Shain, LHP/1B, Broad Run, William & Mary
Tadd Bower, 1B, Cosby, William & Mary
Matthew Snyder, 1B, Westfield, Ole Miss
Michael Snyder, 3B/RHP, Westfield, Ole Miss
Daniel Bowman, Turner Ashby, Coastal Carolina
Dustin Galbraith, RHP, Douglas Freeman, West Virginia
Ronnie Shaban, MIF, Cosby, VA Tech
Will Lamb, LHP/OF, Seaford, Clemson
Gary Ward, LHP/1B, Hickory, Miami
Andrew Deal, RHP, LC Bird, VMI
Jackie Bradley, OF, Prince George, South Carolina
Kyle Long, LHP/1B, St. Anne's-Belfield, Florida State
Chris Hardee, RHP, Manchester HS, Old Dominion
Jake Lowery, RHP/C/OF, Cosby HS, James Madison
Mickey O’Brien, RHP/SS, Hidden Valley HS, Winthrop
Brett Mollenhauer, SS, Hidden Valley HS, Radford
Andrew Thomas, C, St. Albans, Furman
Jamie Blackwell, MIF/3B, Forest Park HS, UNC – Charlotte

Patrick Somers, Chantilly High School LHP/1B, has verbally committed to East Carolina University.

Congrats to Patrick and his family.....very exciting news !

...just a comment....any one else surprised by how few VA Tech recruits are on this list thus far. I know they wanted several players who are on this list but with alot of talent still out there....I'm just a little surprised.

Here's an update !...


Daniel Marrs, RHP, James River, Wake Forest
Austin Stadler, LHP/1B, James River, Wake Forest
Chad O'Connor, RHP, Western Branch, UVA
Will Roberts, RHP, Maggie Walker, UVA
John Austin Hicks, C, Goochland, UVA
Danny Hultzen, RHP/1B, St. Alban's, UVA
Justin Thompson, RHP, Tunstall, UVA
Shane Halley, RHP/OF, Lake Braddock, UVA
Keith Werman, MIF/C, Oakton HS, UVA
Levi Hyams, 3B/MIF/OF, Colonial Forge, Georgia
Peter Verdin, OF/RHP, Pope Paul VI, Georgia
Brett Bowers, 3B/MIF, Pope Paul VI, East Carolina
Phillip Clark, SS/OF, Collegiate, East Carolina
Patrick Somers, LHP, Chantilly HS, East Carolina
Taylor Buran, RHP, Benedictine, Maryland
Zack Hegelson, 1B/DH, Hidden Valley, Maryland
Jesse Beal, RHP/1B, South County HS, Maryland
Cole Shain, LHP/1B, Broad Run, William & Mary
Tadd Bower, 1B, Cosby, William & Mary
Matthew Snyder, 1B, Westfield, Ole Miss
Michael Snyder, 3B/RHP, Westfield, Ole Miss
Daniel Bowman, Turner Ashby, Coastal Carolina
Dustin Galbraith, RHP, Douglas Freeman, West Virginia
Ronnie Shaban, MIF, Cosby, VA Tech
Will Lamb, LHP/OF, Seaford, Clemson
Gary Ward, LHP/1B, Hickory, Miami
Andrew Deal, RHP, LC Bird, VMI
Jackie Bradley, OF, Prince George, South Carolina
Kyle Long, LHP/1B, St. Anne's-Belfield, Florida State
Chris Hardee, RHP, Manchester HS, Old Dominion
Jake Lowery, RHP/C/OF, Cosby HS, James Madison
Mickey O’Brien, RHP/SS, Hidden Valley HS, Winthrop
Brett Mollenhauer, SS, Hidden Valley HS, Radford
Andrew Thomas, C, St. Albans, Furman
Jamie Blackwell, MIF/3B, Forest Park HS, UNC – Charlotte

Interesting question about Virginia Tech. I would also be interested in any insights people may have.

I have heard from several sources that Va Tech recruited a unusually large number of players for THIS year. With the new rules, roster limits I wouldn't be surprised if Va Tech recruits an unusually low # of players from the class of 08.

I know VT has some offers out there - they missed on a few already - I think the above comment is correct they have limited money to offer this year and are being very selective. On a couple of the kids that they 'missed' on they could not offer the same amount of $ that the schools that eventually landed the prospects did

I agree with the things said as to why VT might not be getting many kids this year.

Additionally, I know they have shown an exemplary committment to many kids they recruit by keeping them for the entire time they are at VT (as long as they make the grades) some programs "run off' kids to get better kids.

When Coach hartman was there they did not do this. it would appear that the new coach isn't either but we'll wait and see until rosters are posted.

I think they only have 6 rising seniors vs. 11 lost seniors (why they had a big fresh class). So they may only have a few spots.

here's to them keeping their word to the young men they recruit.

I understand that Tech has attempted to recruit a number of in-state '08 prospects as walk-ons, some who have many substantial offers and other options. I will be interested to see their recruiting class this year.......

I don't know what financial terms have been offered to anyone by Tech, whether they landed them or not.

I do know that Tech pushed hard with a lot of kids listed above who for whatever reasons went elsewhere. You would probably get as many different reasons as you would get kids. In my own son's case, there was nothing negative about Tech, he just loved Wake, that's all. I think folks can read too much negative into situations where the negatives aren't really there.

I also know that there's a lot of time left, and Ronnie Shaban is a good start on anyone's recruiting class. Frankly I wish Wake had gotten him and I'm not looking forward to facing him (except that I like to see a talented kid like that perform, it's just plain fun). If I were a Hokie fan, I would not despair just yet. Progress is being made. It's just that it's a tough conference for trying to climb over folks in the standings. But hey, UVA did it, so it can be done.

FWIW, I could list you a dozen elite players who are still in play. And those are just the ones I know. Give it some time and we'll see how it all shakes out.

I think it's quiet period 1 - 14 September?

With apologies, I had to delete one report above, found out it was bad info. If you notice something missing it is intentional; please don't spread my mistake around if you remember it or have a copy of it, thanks!

Quiet Period is September 1-13. Only restriction is that coaches must make in-perons contacts on THEIR campus only during this time. They can still call or email recruits during quiet period, though.

I would like to say this about Va Tech's coaches. Coach Hughes and Gambino are first class guys. Some of the best people I met during my sons recruiting. Honest , upfront , and down right down to earth folks. Passionate about the university and their desire to bring a winning program to the Va Tech campus. They will get it done. They have some very good players coming in already. If my son had ended up at Va Tech I would have been very happy for him to play under those guys watch. Gracious folks and first class all the way.

Brooks Martin, OF, Deep Run, to VMI

Midlo, is the O'Brien kid the same one who was at the UNC winter camp last year? If so, I thought his name was Mikey, not Mickey. He is listed on the Carolina Cubs showcase roster. Do you know if he is playing with them? Thanks.

NDA catcher Chris Forsten committed to William & Mary.

It IS the same kid...MIKEY O'Brien.

The list continues to grow.....congratulations to those below:

Daniel Marrs, RHP, James River, Wake Forest
Austin Stadler, LHP/1B, James River, Wake Forest
Chad O'Connor, RHP, Western Branch, UVA
Will Roberts, RHP, Maggie Walker, UVA
John Austin Hicks, C, Goochland, UVA
Danny Hultzen, RHP/1B, St. Alban's, UVA
Justin Thompson, RHP, Tunstall, UVA
Shane Halley, RHP/OF, Lake Braddock, UVA
Keith Werman, MIF/C, Oakton HS, UVA
Jared King, MIF, Pulaski County HS, UVA
Levi Hyams, 3B/MIF/OF, Colonial Forge, Georgia
Peter Verdin, OF/RHP, Pope Paul VI, Georgia
Brett Bowers, 3B/MIF, Pope Paul VI, East Carolina
Phillip Clark, SS/OF, Collegiate, East Carolina
Patrick Somers, LHP, Chantilly HS, East Carolina
Taylor Buran, RHP, Benedictine, Maryland
Zack Hegelson, 1B/DH, Hidden Valley, Maryland
Jesse Beal, RHP/1B, South County HS, Maryland
Cole Shain, LHP/1B, Broad Run, William & Mary
Tadd Bower, 1B, Cosby HS, William & Mary
Chris Forsten, C, Notre Dame Academy, William & Mary
Matthew Snyder, 1B, Westfield, Ole Miss
Michael Snyder, 3B/RHP, Westfield, Ole Miss
Daniel Bowman, Turner Ashby, Coastal Carolina
Dustin Galbraith, RHP, Douglas Freeman, West Virginia
Ronnie Shaban, MIF, Cosby, VA Tech
Will Lamb, LHP/OF, Seaford, Clemson
Gary Ward, LHP/1B, Hickory, Miami
Andrew Deal, RHP, LC Bird, VMI
Brooks Martin, OF, Deep Run HS, VMI
Jackie Bradley, OF, Prince George, South Carolina
Kyle Long, LHP/1B, St. Anne's-Belfield, Florida State
Chris Hardee, RHP, Manchester HS, Old Dominion
Jake Lowery, RHP/C/OF, Cosby HS, James Madison
Mickey O’Brien, RHP/SS, Hidden Valley HS, Winthrop
Brett Mollenhauer, SS, Hidden Valley HS, Radford
Andrew Thomas, C, St. Albans, Furman
Jamie Blackwell, MIF/3B, Forest Park HS, UNC – Charlotte

First posted on Virginiapreps.com, congratulations to George Piccirilli, C/RHP, Osbourn Park High School has accepted a scholarship offer to play baseball at VMI.

man, the list continues to grow... how many have backed out and verbeled to another program, anyone???

Haven't heard of any and don't expect any. Didn't happen last year that I know of, either. I don't think this happens much nationally, even though it is permissible.

No decision made, but a name not mentioned on here before, Daniel Hawkins of Central (Woodstock), has several D-I offers and likely more coming. He's a 6'4" RHP, pitched in Commonwealth Games for North squad, currently playing for the Oriolelanders in the fall, has hit 92-93 in several different settings.

Yes Virginia, there is baseball in the Valley!

Denbigh High School product Chris McDougal made a verbal commitment to Liberty University and Head Coach Jim Toman last monthg.

McDougal also plays for Canes Coach Jeff Petty who stated "Chris is one of the most valuable players on our team. He can do so many things well. He swings the bat with some authority, and is an excellent infielder in addition to that he does a great job behind the plate, and can flash upper 80 mph on his fastball from the bump with a good feel for a change up. He is an excellent player, and person. Great fit! Congrats Chris!

Congratulations to Hickory OF/P Brett Harris who committed to ODU this past week. Interest in Brett had come from Radford, Norfolk State, JMU and ODU. Brett is an extremly hard worker and we are all very proud of him.

L.C. Bird twin MIF/RHP's Joshua and Jacob Karr have committed to Wingate.

Congratulations to Alfred Rodriguez MIF (Oakton HS) who last night verbally committed to a scholarship offer to play ball in the ACC at the University of Maryland.

VirginiaPreps.com is now reporting that Chantilly LHP Patrick Somers has committed to East Carolina.

Congratulations to Paul VI's Matt Murakami, MIF, who yesterday verbally committed to a scholarship offer from the University of Maryland. This is the 3rd player from Paul VI to verbally commit early to a D-1 program.

I heard this past weekend that Ryan Crosby from Notre Dame Academy has verbally committed to a scholarship offer from Virginia Commonwealth University(VCU)....congratulations.

Also congratulations goes out to Collin Flaherty from James Madison HS who recently verbally committed to a scholarship offer from VMI....congrats !

If I've left anyone off this list, please update us with your status !

Virginia Commitments for the Class of 2008

Daniel Marrs, RHP, James River, Wake Forest
Austin Stadler, LHP/1B, James River, Wake Forest
Chad O'Connor, RHP, Western Branch, UVA
Will Roberts, RHP, Maggie Walker, UVA
John Austin Hicks, C, Goochland, UVA
Danny Hultzen, RHP/1B, St. Alban's, UVA
Justin Thompson, RHP, Tunstall, UVA
Shane Halley, RHP/OF, Lake Braddock, UVA
Keith Werman, MIF/C, Oakton HS, UVA
Jared King, MIF, Pulaski County HS, UVA
Levi Hyams, 3B/MIF/OF, Colonial Forge, Georgia
Peter Verdin, OF/RHP, Pope Paul VI, Georgia
Brett Bowers, 3B/MIF, Pope Paul VI, East Carolina
Phillip Clark, SS/OF, Collegiate, East Carolina
Patrick Somers, LHP, Chantilly HS, East Carolina
Taylor Buran, RHP, Benedictine, Maryland
Zack Hegelson, 1B/DH, Hidden Valley, Maryland
Jesse Beal, RHP/1B, South County HS, Maryland
Alfred Rodriguez, MIF, Oakton HS, Maryland
Matt Murakami, MIF, Pope Paul VI, Maryland
Cole Shain, LHP/1B, Broad Run, William & Mary
Tadd Bower, 1B, Cosby HS, William & Mary
Chris Yates, RHP, Chantilly HS, William & Mary
Chris Forsten, C, Notre Dame Academy, William & Mary
Matthew Snyder, 1B, Westfield, Ole Miss
Michael Snyder, 3B/RHP, Westfield, Ole Miss
Andrew Deal, RHP, LC Bird, VMI
Brooks Martin, OF, Deep Run HS, VMI
Collin Flaherty, C/3B, James Madison HS, VMI
George Piccirilli, RHP/C, Osbourn Park HS, VMI
Brett Harris, OF/P, Hickory HS, Old Dominion
Chris Hardee, RHP, Manchester HS, Old Dominion
Kenny Stoneback, SS/OF, Colonial Heights HS, ODU
Joshua Karr, MIF/RHP, LC Bird HS, Wingate
Jacob Karr, MIF/RHP, LC Bird HS, Wingate
Daniel Bowman, Turner Ashby, Coastal Carolina
Dustin Galbraith, RHP, Douglas Freeman, West Virginia
Ronnie Shaban, MIF, Cosby, VA Tech
Will Lamb, LHP/OF, Seaford, Clemson
Gary Ward, LHP/1B, Hickory, Miami
Jackie Bradley, OF, Prince George, South Carolina
Kyle Long, LHP/1B, St. Anne's-Belfield, Florida State
Jake Lowery, RHP/C/OF, Cosby HS, James Madison
Mickey O’Brien, RHP/SS, Hidden Valley HS, Winthrop
Brett Mollenhauer, SS, Hidden Valley HS, Radford
Andrew Thomas, C, St. Albans, Furman
Jamie Blackwell, MIF/3B, Forest Park HS, UNC – Charlotte
Chris McDougal, C/MIF/RHP, Denbigh HS, Liberty University
Cody Brown, SS/RHP, Tabb HS, High Point University
Seth Cutler-Voltz, P, Henrico HS, Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU)
Josh Alford, SS,Trinity Episcopal,VCU
Ryan Crosby, RHP/3B, Notre Dame Academy, VCU

Congrats to teammates Hunter Parrish and Phil McCarthy from Great Bridge HS. They both have verbally committed to scholarship offers from Old Dominion University.

Josh Alford, SS at Trinity Episcopal in Richmond, has committed to VCU.

Charles "Buddy" Fields, SS/OF/P, Stonewall Jackson, Mount Saint Mary's

Midlo may be this will help !

Midlo,

go to personal profile....edit profile....click on edit avatars.....chose custom avatars and then post this link in the box.....

http://www.mypicshare.com/./thumbs/20071006/d0mvgtsk.jpg

hopefully this takes care of you !

....first reported on virginiapreps.com, congratulations to the following players on their early verbal commitments.....I wish them all the best at the next level.....


Cody Brown, SS/RHP, Tabb HS, High Point University

Chris Yates, RHP, Chantilly HS, William & Mary

Seth Cutler-Voltz, P, Henrico HS, Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU)

Kenny Stoneback, SS/OF, Colonial Heights HS, Old Dominion University. Congratulations Kenny!

as first reported on virginiapreps.com website, congratulations to the following virginia '08's on their verbal commitments:

Taylor Perkins, RHP, Dinwiddie HS, Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU)
Kevin Wager, 3B/OF/P, Oakton HS, Villanova University
Adam McConnell, SS, Tabb HS, University of Richmond
Alan Watts, RHP, Lord Botetourt HS, VMI
Josh Holskey, 1B/OF, Lord Botetourt HS, Campbell University

Ryan Mallory, Midlothian High School 1B, University of Richmond.

Jacob Morely, OF/Utility, WT Woodson HS, VMI

congrats Jacob !

Adam Lopez, Stafford High Schhol, VMI.

Will Hudgins, RHP from Douglas Freeman in the Richmond area, has committed to Notre Dame!

Here are a handful more, gleaned off various VirginiaPreps.com posts, that I don't think have been mentioned above yet:

Max Langford, Chantilly RHP/3B, to Dartmouth
Martin Teig, Alliance Christian 1B, to Hampden-Sydney
Alan Watts, Lord Botetourt P, to VMI
Josh Holskey, Lord Botetourt 1B, to Campbell
Steven Keener, Alleghany 1B, to Liberty

does anyone know everyone who has signed with VMI, i know they usually have big classes becuase of the standards they have but i have so far.
Alan Watts- Lord Botetourt-P
Collin Flaherty- James Madison- C/3B
Andrew Deal- Lc. Bird P
Brooke MArtin- Deep Run-OF
George Piccirilli- Osbourn Park- C/P
Jacob Morley- WT woodson- OF/Util
Adam Lopez-Stafford - ?

Does anyone know of anyone else?

quote:

Originally posted by nobbie30:
does anyone know everyone who has signed with VMI, i know they usually have big classes becuase of the standards they have but i have so far.
Alan Watts- Lord Botetourt-P
Collin Flaherty- James Madison- C/3B
Andrew Deal- Lc. Bird P
Brooke MArtin- Deep Run-OF
George Piccirilli- Osbourn Park- C/P
Jacob Morley- WT woodson- OF/Util
Adam Lopez-Stafford - ?

Does anyone know of anyone else?

Lopez is a big RHP.

We are now I think in a "dark period" as NLI forms are going out, to be returned next week. I was thinking we'd get some last minute additions. Nobody with any good news to report?

Im aware of a couple of NC boys that have verballed to VMI. Steele Myers mif Durham Jordan , Jeremy Peede outfield RHP Roxboro Person.

quote:

Originally posted by nobbie30:
does anyone know everyone who has signed with VMI, i know they usually have big classes...

Yes they do...and I think they have already lost 8 out of their 1006 class, including all three catchers they brought in. I really wonder how the new NCAA rules will affect the hoards that they usually bring in?

They just can't handle the Rat treatment...

Part of the travesty that is the NCAA's rules changes is the impact the imposition of the transfer sit-out year rule on baseball, but no one will feel that more than VMI. When players leave there, they will have to sit out a year, even though their reason for leaving may have nothing to do with baseball.

I don't know if this will hurt VMI's recruiting, because no one thinks they'll bail out at the time they sign up. But I do think some of those kids are going to be dismayed when they find the consequences of leaving VMI for a more typical college environment are greater than they realized.

quote:

Originally posted by Shantzee:
They just can't handle the Rat treatment...

Some left after last season...some after this fall. I doubt it is all due to the Rat Line. If you go to a school to play baseball...and the coach brings in 12-20 players (including walk-ons) every year, it is natural players will leave.

Midlodad is correct.
Dead period begins today and extends through 11/15.
We are then in a quiet period from 11/16 until 2/29, 2008. With the exception that there is another dead period over Christmas (specifically Jan 3-7, 2008).

For those unfamiliar with the terms:
Dead period - not permissible to make in-person recruiting contacts or evaluations on- or off-campus or permit official or unofficial visits.

Quiet period - permissible to make in-person recruiting contacts only on the member institution's campus.

Phone calls: NO calls during Dead period, but coaches CAN make calls during the Quiet period.

The key here is that coaches can NOT evaluate players at showcases/camps during quiet period UNLESS it is at THEIR OWN campus.

CONGRATS to ALL players signing NLIs this week, AND good luck to all who will be waiting until spring to sign. Remember, the MAJORITY of baseball signees occur in the spring (but with the new NCAA rule changes, who knows?

Maybe VMI will have to adjust to the new rules so as not to risk losing so many players?

I may be overlooking them above, but here are two more reports from VirginiaPreps.com that I don't think we've seen before:

Shawn Sizemore, Menchville, ODU
Kizuku Scott, Bethel, Liberty

Sorry I don't know their positions.

Actually college coaches are still allowed the one phone call per week during "dead periods" as stated to me by the NCAA.

quote:

Originally posted by jbbaseball:
Midlodad is correct.
Dead period begins today and extends through 11/15.
We are then in a quiet period from 11/16 until 2/29, 2008. With the exception that there is another dead period over Christmas (specifically Jan 3-7, 2008).

For those unfamiliar with the terms:
Dead period - not permissible to make in-person recruiting contacts or evaluations on- or off-campus or permit official or unofficial visits.

Quiet period - permissible to make in-person recruiting contacts only on the member institution's campus.

Phone calls: NO calls during Dead period, but coaches CAN make calls during the Quiet period.

The key here is that coaches can NOT evaluate players at showcases/camps during quiet period UNLESS it is at THEIR OWN campus.

CONGRATS to ALL players signing NLIs this week, AND good luck to all who will be waiting until spring to sign. Remember, the MAJORITY of baseball signees occur in the spring (but with the new NCAA rule changes, who knows?

It is within the rules for coaches to make phone calls, and receive phone calls for that matter, during the dead period.

Former Great Bridge HS standout set to sign with PAC 10 school Ty Morrison (OF, 2008), formerly of Great Bridge HS, currently at Mililani HS (HI), has accepted an offer to play at the University of Oregon. Ty was selected first team All Southeastern District, first team All Eastern Region, honorable mention All State, second team All Tidewater OF as a junior; second team All Southeastern District as a sophomore; and was a two year starter at Great Bridge for Coach Wiley Lee before he moved to Hawaii in July. Ty is also a member of the Richmond Braves 08 team which finished 2nd at the 2007 WWBA 17U National Championship in Marietta, GA.

With its 2008 recruiting class, Oregon will field its first baseball team since 1981 and will start play in the spring of 2009. Coach George Horton, formerly of Cal State Fullerton, is the new head coach at Oregon.

Found these on PGCrosschecker.com, I don't think they are listed anywhere above:

Luke Erickson, LHP, St. Christopher's, to Va. Tech

Zach Jung, RHP/3B, Collegiate, to U. of Richmond

Philip Clark, SS, Norfolk Collegiate, East Carolina

Andrew Rash, C, T.L. Hanna, to Va. Tech

Also, I hear a good friend may sign an NLI soon, but can't be sure until the terms are firm. Hope to have more good news to report.

Virginia Commitments from the Class of 2008

Daniel Marrs, RHP, James River, Wake Forest
Austin Stadler, LHP/1B, James River, Wake Forest
Chad O'Connor, RHP, Western Branch, UVA
Will Roberts, RHP, Maggie Walker, UVA
John Austin Hicks, C, Goochland, UVA
Danny Hultzen, RHP/1B, St. Alban's, UVA
Justin Thompson, RHP, Tunstall, UVA
Shane Halley, RHP/OF, Lake Braddock, UVA
Keith Werman, MIF/C, Oakton HS, UVA
Jared King, MIF, Pulaski County HS, UVA
Levi Hyams, 3B/MIF/OF, Colonial Forge, Georgia
Peter Verdin, OF/RHP, Pope Paul VI, Georgia
Brett Bowers, 3B/MIF, Pope Paul VI, East Carolina
Phillip Clark, SS/OF, Collegiate, East Carolina
Patrick Somers, LHP, Chantilly HS, East Carolina
Taylor Buran, RHP, Benedictine, Maryland
Zack Hegelson, 1B/DH, Hidden Valley, Maryland
Jesse Beal, RHP/1B, South County HS, Maryland
Alfred Rodriguez, MIF, Oakton HS, Maryland
Matt Murakami, MIF, Pope Paul VI, Maryland
Cole Shain, LHP/1B, Broad Run, William & Mary
Tadd Bower, 1B, Cosby HS, William & Mary
Chris Yates, RHP, Chantilly HS, William & Mary
Chris Forsten, C, Notre Dame Academy, William & Mary
Matthew Snyder, 1B, Westfield, Ole Miss
Michael Snyder, 3B/RHP, Westfield, Ole Miss
Andrew Deal, RHP, LC Bird, VMI
Brooks Martin, OF, Deep Run HS, VMI
Collin Flaherty, C/3B, James Madison HS, VMI
George Piccirilli, RHP/C, Osbourn Park HS, VMI
Alan Watts, RHP, Lord Botetourt, VMI
Jacob Morely, OF/C, WT Woodson HS, VMI
Adam Lopez, RHP, Stafford HS, VMI
Brett Harris, OF/P, Hickory HS, Old Dominion
Chris Hardee, RHP, Manchester HS, Old Dominion
Kenny Stoneback, SS/OF, Colonial Heights HS, Old Dominion
Shawn Sizemore, RHP/OF, Menchville HS, Old Dominion
Hunter Parrish, 2b, Great Bridge HS, Old Dominion
Phil McCarthy, RHP, Great Bridge HS, Old Dominion
Joshua Karr, MIF/RHP, LC Bird HS, Wingate
Jacob Karr, MIF/RHP, LC Bird HS, Wingate
Daniel Bowman, Turner Ashby, Coastal Carolina
Dustin Galbraith, RHP, Douglas Freeman, West Virginia
Ronnie Shaban, MIF, Cosby, VA Tech
Luke Erickson, LHP, St. Christopher’s HS, VA Tech
Andrew Rash, C, TL Hanna HS, VA Tech
Will Lamb, LHP/OF, Seaford, Clemson
Gary Ward, LHP/1B, Hickory, Miami
Jackie Bradley, OF, Prince George, South Carolina
Kyle Long, LHP/1B, St. Anne's-Belfield, Florida State
Jake Lowery, RHP/C/OF, Cosby HS, James Madison
Mikey O’Brien, RHP/SS, Hidden Valley HS, Winthrop
Brett Mollenhauer, SS, Hidden Valley HS, Radford
Jamie Blackwell, MIF/3B, Forest Park HS, UNC-Charlotte
Chris McDougal, C/MIF/RHP, Denbigh HS, Liberty University
Steven Keener, 1B, Alleghany HS, Liberty University
Kizuku Scott, MIF, Bethel HS, Liberty University
Cody Brown, SS/RHP, Tabb HS, High Point University
Seth Cutler-Voltz, P, Henrico HS, Virginia Commonwealth University
Josh Alford, SS,Trinity Episcopal, Virginia Commonwealth University
Ryan Crosby, RHP/3B, Notre Dame Academy, Virginia Commonwealth University
Taylor Perkins, RHP, Dinwiddie HS, Virginia Commonwealth University
Chris Fields, SS/OF/RHP, Stonewall Jackson HS, Mount Saint Mary’s
Kevin Wager, 3B/RHP, Oakton HS, Villanova University
Adam McConnell, SS, Tabb HS, University of Richmond
Ryan Mallory, 1B, Midlothian HS, University of Richmond
Zach Jung, RHP/3B, Collegiate HS, University of Richmond
Josh Holskey, 1B/OF, Lord Botetourt HS, Campbell University
Will Hudgins, RHP, Douglas Freeman HS, University of Notre Dame
Max Langford, RHP, Chantilly HS, Dartmouth College
Martin Teig, 1B, Alliance Christian HS, Hampden-Sydney
Ty Morrison, OF, Great Bridge HS, Oregon

My bad on the phone call issue during the dead period. Everyone is correct. Phone calls are allowed.

I think it is worth saying that not everyone on this list, although committed, will sign during this early signing period.

Which ones may not sign?

yeah, Army ! would you elaborate on your comments.....if committed? Why would you not sign in the early signing period?

quote:

Originally posted by j2h6:
yeah, Army ! would you elaborate on your comments.....if committed? Why would you not sign in the early signing period?

In order for a player to sign a NLI there has to be a monetary amount their signing for....Whether it's 1$ or more there has to be a value (scholarship). No one signs a NLI that is not getting a scholarship.

If it's just a committment between the player and the coach for a spot on the roster then that's all it is and will be, a verbal committment...The coach cannot announce you as a recruited player until you sign a NLI or outside those dates sign for a scholarship.

Therefore there will be some that you wont see announced when the coaches make their early signee announcements or even their spring announcements.

If by some miracle money becomes available (by whatever reason) for a player who has committed to a team but is not receiving a scholarship, that scholarship will be signed before spring season begins their freshman year...

Another scenario would be that there is no more money available this year in the recruiting budget, but we want you and we will make it up to you in your sophomore year scholarship. This again is just a verbal committment that only holds the weight of the word of the coach and yes, the player.

These are all I can think of right now...there are possibly hundreds of different scenarios out there.

Bottom line will be seeing the fall/spring rosters of the schools to see where players ended up.

I do know that some of the commitment kids are not getting money, just help with admissions.

I was under the impression they would still be announced as part of their school's "recruiting class", as a consideration to them.

But I must admit, I don't know if NCAA rules permit them to announce kids who don't sign NLI's. And if you're not getting money (now with the 25% minimum), I don't know how that all shakes out. In the past, I guess some of those guys got "book money" and thus signed an NLI. Now, I don't know what happens.

I do think we can let these kids be acknowledged as recruits, though. Making a D-I team is an accomplishment with or without money being involved. And while I suppose some might say, well, they might still get cut next year, let's leave that kind of bad news for if and when it happens. For now, let's not rain on anyone's parade.

There are also schools that do not use the NLI and where a coach's interest in a kid will not absolutely dispose of the issue of admission. In those instances, any announcement short of actual admission is very premature.

That's right Midlo...NCAA rules do not allow them to announce a player without a NLI or signed scholarship...

However, like I said, there are numerous ways a player can be recruited. Not all players currently on a roster are getting money (25% does not apply to them). That's only if a player is recruited beginning with the 08' class. Also, that doesn't mean that the 25% given this year to recruit you cannot be reduced or eliminated next year based on performance in the classroom and on/off the field performance.

Players set themselves up each year to be a candidate for a raise or a canditate for reduction or dismissal.....

Look, that's why it is so important to do the homework on what situation your getting yourself into as a player. Do a history check and find out how your coach conducts fall tryouts/practices? How many players have ever been cut from their program and what were the reasons? How many players recruited were ever cut in the fall? What is the roster size of the team and will they be over-recruiting only to have to make mandatory cuts? Is the coach trustworthy...will he even be there next year? These are things that must be checked out and will become increasingly important as the programs learn how to deal with the 25% minimum requirement along with their roster size requirements.

Look the situation my son found himself in when presented with an offer to play baseball at a school that was on his top choice list may be unique. It still has what if's in it that may not be known until after the draft, and probably would be there wheter he signs a NLI or not...will my son be drafted? Could be a long shot, but I don't know. Would he accept more money in a scholarship offer later down the road if it bacame available after the draft and other drafted players sign and leave college (freeing up that more money)? Hell yes...Do you trust that our word is our bond and that we will fullfill our side of the bargain even if a NLI is not presented and signed or if injury occurs during his senior year in HS (non-career ending injury that is)? Dad says errrch! get back to you on that one....player listening to all this hubbub stops everyone from talking....takes his career and choices into his own hands, stands up and shakes the man's hand....it's done.

What are you going to do...?

army....thanks for elaborating !

A congratulations goes out to the Thomas family ! Ryan Thomas, C, Forest Park HS, signs w/ George Washington University. Ryan will have much success at GW and I can't wait to go watch him play. A talented ball player and an even better young man !

Congrats to Ryan and Family, not enough good things can be said about them...plus they get to see him play locally...that's always a bonus.

Gents:

It would be very interesting to count the number of great baseball players that came from the travel teams that are '08 kids now. Virginia Storm, Richmond Braves, Ashburn Astros and Virginia Bruins. I know the Drillers belong in there too but I've lost track of a lot of those kids. I'm sure there's more '08 that would add to the number.

With Ty Morrison and Ryan Thomas now on the board, the number of DI kids has to be in the 20+ range.

Great job to all and I'm sure there are many more from those teams that will sign.

I would also be interested in knowing this as well. I coached against these teams many times when my son was younger. Add in the Richmond Braves. The Drillers were good they had a couple of pitchers I remember that were very good.

SW, Here's the Virginia Bruins count so far for '07 and '08, I expect three to four more before their all done.

DI
Jake Pruner Forest Park '07 - Dartmouth
Justin Wright Forest Park '07 - Virginia Tech
Jamie Blackwell Forest Park '08 - UNC-Charlotte
Ryan Thomas Forest Park '08 - GWU

DIII
Jonathan Ball Hylton '07 - Virginia Wesleyan

The original Virginia Cardinals (f/k/a Huguenot Trailblazers) from northern Chesterfield had Daniel Marrs, Austin Stadler, Jake Lowery, Ryan Mallory and Robert Oldham (all named above). I am still hopeful that others will get the call before the year is out. EDIT 11-21-07: BRENT MIKIONIS, FORMERLY WITH THE TRAILBLAZERS AND CARDINALS AND NOW AT POWHATAN HS, HAS NOW ALSO COMMITTED TO VCU.

The Braves had Will Roberts and at different times, Tim Melville (now lives in Missouri), Danny Hultzen, Taylor Perkins, Andrew Thomas, Alfred Rodriguez, Stadler and Marrs, and several other D-I guys from outside VA.

JBBaseball is probably your best source for the Astros. I know of Alfred Rodriguez and Cole Shain but I'm sure I'm missing a few, and there are at least two more I'm betting on getting deals done in the coming months.

Form the Virginia Storm:

Ty Morrison '08 - Oregon
Gary Ward '08 - Miami
Brandon Shelton '08 - Old Dominion
Brett Harris '08 - Old Dominion
Chris Hardee '08 - Old Dominion
Hunter Parrish '08 - Old Dominion
Ben Lenda '08 - CNU
Tim Black '07 - Greensboro College
Taylor Reeves '07 - Gulf Coast CC

I expect there will be more.

Congratulations to all that are named in this thread. It has truly been a pleasure watching them grow as ball players and young men! Good luck at the next level!

Since I can not get anyone to post in the NC forum I hope you guys dont mind me coming in here. I stay out of the Texas forum those guys are tough. We played many of your teams over the years so here is our count so far.

Durham Diamonds
Pratt Maynard NC State
Jeff May UNC
Sean Madden Lenoir Rhyne
Douglas Dalley NCCU
Steele Myers VMI
Justin Duncan UNNC
Jacob Ezzel Rockingham CC

Hopefully more to come. I guess we did some things right back then huh? No wonder that was high caliber baseball at such a young age. Alot of talent on the field and in both dugouts.

Michael and Matthew Snyder from Westfield HS made it official and signed their NLI this week to Ole Miss. Congratulations and read more below:

Snyder twins sign w/ Ole Miss

Peter Verdin from Paul VI HS made it official and signed his NLI this week to Georiga. Congratulations and read more below:

Verdin signs with Georgia

Mikey O'Brien from Hidden Valley HS made it official and signed his NLI this week to Winthrop. Congratulations and read more below:

O'Brien signs w/ Winthrop

Aaron Atkinson from Caroline Co. HS made it official this week by signing his NLI to Radford. Congratulations and read more below:

Atkinson signs w/ Radford

Congratulations to Brett Mollenhauer from Hidden Valley HS who made it official this week by signing his NLI to Radford. Congratulations and read more below:

Mollenhauer signs w/ Radford

That is one heckuva coup for Radford. Apparently the new coaches there mean business!

I've seen Aaron up to 91 mph and his "slurve" is about as wicked as any breaking pitch I've seen at the high school level. Wish him the best!

Gents:

People are blending all sorts of teams. I can understand that many want to jump on the wagon, but Alfred Rodriguez, Brett Bowers, Cole Shain and many more were Astros for years before the splut off to the Braves, Tigers and whomever. The Braves had Will Roberts, Tim Melville. Actually, Danny Hultzen was a BCC Hurricane long before Jeff Roberts got him. J2H6 will certainly tell you that Verdin was with a bunch of no-names, then the Spiders, then the Braves.

Anyway, congrats to all the boys. '08 was/is a great year. There are lots more to come. Late signings will bring the number way up but from what I know, here is the list:

Jake Pruner Forest Park '07 - Dartmouth
Justin Wright Forest Park '07 - Virginia Tech
Jamie Blackwell Forest Park '08 - UNC-Charlotte
Ryan Thomas Forest Park '08 - GWU
Ty Morrison '08 - Oregon
Gary Ward '08 - Miami
Brandon Shelton '08 - Old Dominion
Brett Harris '08 - Old Dominion
Chris Hardee '08 - Old Dominion
Hunter Parrish '08 - Old Dominion
Ben Lenda '08 - CNU
Tim Black '07 - Greensboro College
Taylor Reeves '07 - Gulf Coast CC
Cole Shain '08 - W&M
Alfred Rodriguez '08 -Maryland
Brett Bowers '08 - ECU
Will Roberts '08 - Virginia
Kyle Irish '07 - Shenandoah

As for Jeff Roberts's kids....there are more. I guess he could add Jackie Bradley, Taylor Perkins and others.

Coah May...I know the Diamond Dawgs well...wasn't that a 10U team?

Cheers. Greta job '08.

sw...just for clarification....Peter never played for Robert's Braves. Good Info though!

any one heard anything about Kyle Irish? How's he doing? Kyle's name came up in in conversation a while back and I just saw it again in the post above.

Irish is doing pretty well at Shenandoah, he's competing for time with his BAT during the fall.

thanks mem, I'm happy to hear he's doing well.

East Carolina University this year more than ever seems to be tapping more Virginia talent. Congratulations to the following Virginia players who made it official by signing their NLI's this week.

Brett Bowers, Paul VI HS
Philip Clark, Norfolk Collegiate HS
Patrick Somers, Chantilly HS
Paul Clemens, Louisburg College (NC), Robinson HS (VA)
Zach Woods, Louisburg College (NC), Princess Anne HS (VA)

Bowers, Somers, Clark, Woods and Clemens all sign w/ ECU

Congratulations to Levi Hyams from Colonial Forge HS in Stafford VA. Levi made it official and signed his NLI this week to Georgia. Read more below:


Hyams signs w/ Georgia

Picked up off VirginiaPreps.com again:

Brent Mikionis, Powhatan SS, to VCU

Also, the William & Mary release lists the following, some of whom are listed above and some of whom I don't think we've covered before:

Tadd Bower – IF/OF, 6’3”, 205 (Cosby H.S., Midlothian, Va.)
Matthew Davenport – RHP, 6’8”, 175 (Nansemond Suffolk Academy, Suffolk, Va.)
Christopher Forsten – C, 6’2”, 185 (Notre Dame Academy, Warrenton, Va.)
Garrison Sarrett – 6’6”, 200 (Hampton Roads Academy, Newport News, Va.)
Cole Shain – LHP, 6’0”, 175 (Broad Run H.S., Ashburn, Va.)
Christopher Yates – RHP, 6’3”, 180 (Chantilly H.S., Centreville, Va.)

Congratulations to Ronnie Shaban, Cosby HS and Luke Erickson, St. Christopher's HS, both signed their NLI this past week to play ball for Virginia Tech. Read official press release and what Coach Pete Hughes had to say.

shaban and erickson sign w/ VA Tech

Congrats to Kizuku Scott, Chris McDougal, Steven Keener and Tim Dudley who all signed their NLI to play baseball for Liberty University.

Liberty signees

Congrats to Cody Brown from Tabb HS who made it official signing his NLI to play baseball for High Point University.

Brown signs w/ High Point

congrats to Josh Holskey who signed his NLI this past week to play ball at Campbell University.

Holskey signs with Campbell

Congratulations to the following signees who will be attending UVA to play ball.

The class includes Shane Halley (OF/RHP, Burke, Va./Lake Braddock), John Hicks (C, Sandy Hook, Va./Goochland), Jared King (IF, Radford, Va./Pulaski), Chad O'Connor (RHP, Chesapeake, Va./Western Branch), Will Roberts (RHP, Richmond, Va./Maggie Walker), and Justin Thompson (RHP, Danville, Va./Tunstall).

UVA signees

Didnt know that was the case. Thought maybe he changed his mind.

I get that everyone wants to know exactly what is going on with all players from Virginia. Well, that's impossible....we will never know what deals have or are being made...we may never know...it's none of our business.

You can assume what you want from the omission of a particular players name from the early signing period announcements. I thought I had made it clear why that would be the case in a previous posting...(no sports money at this point then no scholly, then no NLI, then no announcement) This does not mean they were not offered a roster spot and the possibility of sports money further down the line, say after the June draft (players can sign a scholly anytime after April and up to the last week before class begins in the fall). It also does not mean that the player didn't qualify for an academic scholarship which is already taking care of their cost of attending the institution.

The better thing to do would be to just wait until the Fall 2008 rosters are posted and then you will undoubtedly know where everyone is. How they got there is their business, no one else’s.

I agree with Midlo in that we shouldn’t be making reference to someone’s scholly or non-scholly and just be happy that the player was picked up at this point. If a player announces that they are attending an institution and have committed to play baseball there….believe it!

Congrads to Mike Cleary of Mountain View who signed his NLI with Shepherd Univ. Wish the BIG guy best of luck.

Congrats to James River HS teammates Daniel Marrs and Austin Stadler who both recently signed their NLI's to play ball for Wake Forest University.

Marrs and Stadler sign w/ WFU

Congratulations to Daniel Hawkins of Central High School (Woodstock, VA), who has signed a NLI to play for WVU.

congrats to Will Hudgins from Douglas Freeman HS who signed his NLI to play ball for the Fighting Irish.

Hudgins signs w/ Notre Dame

VCU signs 5 from the state of VA....congrats to all five players in the 2008-2009 recruiting class including Brent Mikionis from Powhatan High School, Joshua Alford from Trinity Episcopal High School, Seth Cutler-Voltz from Henrico High School, Taylor Perkins from Dinwiddie High School and Ryan Crosby from Notre Dame Academy in Northern Virginia.


VCU signs 5

Chase Worthington, RHP/IF at Atlee HS, committed to VMI.

Congratulations to Chase and his family. I was fortunate to have Chase on my Driller team for 2 plus years. Let me say, Chase is one of the most dedicated, hard nose, talented and skilled baseball players I have ever been associated with. One thing I can say about Chase, he is an incredable competitor on the field. I have never seen a kid compete with such fire in his eye and in his heart. But, more than that, Chase is one of the most respectful young'ins I know and I know a lot of them. Coach Ikenberry may not have seen his competiveness or his respectfulness, but I guarrantee you, Coach Ike will love it when he does.
We'll be keeping track of you!

VCU signs 5 from the state of VA...Seth Cutler-Voltz from Henrico High School...
Congratulations to Seth. Or, as we say, Coach Seth. This kid is smart and talented. While playing for me, he called all his own pitches when he caught & with much success and he always knew what to do in many on field situation. All this is when he was 12 yr. old. VCU will love him. Again, Seth played for the Drillers, along with Chase, One can see why we won and won a lot. I'm not sure what VCU's plans are for Seth, but he can do it all. He can catch, pitch, play infield and OF. As is Chase Worthington, Seth is a big time fierce competitor. Seth will not say die!
With Chase and Seth and others such players on my teams, you can see why I always had to look behind me....to make sure other coaches weren't going after my players.

Old Dominion University Head Baseball coach Jerry Meyers announced the signing of seven recruits for the fall period. Phil McCarthy (RHP, Great Bridge HS, Chesapeake, VA.), Erick Baker (RHP, Elizabethtown Academy, Marrietta, PA.), Chris Hardee (RHP/catcher/1b, Manchester HS), Hunter Parrish (infielder, Great Bridge HS, Chesapeake, VA.), Shawn Sizemore (RHP/of, Menchville HS, Newport News, VA.), Brett Harris (RHP, Hickory HS, Chesapeake, Va.), and Chris Boggs, (Louisburg College, RHP, Manassas, VA.) signed letters of intent to play for the Monarchs in the 2008-09 season.

Congratulations!

Read more at: http://odusports.cstv.com/sports/m-basebl/spec-rel/121007aaa.html

Meyers Selected To USA Baseball Coaching Staff
Will serve as pitching coach on National Team in the summer of 2008.

read article at: http://odusports.cstv.com/sports/m-basebl/spec-rel/120707aaa.html

Hopewell High baseball player Adam Capps has committed to play at Chowan College next year. Capps will play third base and shortstop for the Blue Devils this spring. Hopewell coach Ricky Irby said Capps could play third base and first base at Chowan

Congrats to the nine signees, the Terps nabbed three projected starting pitchers in Sander Beck (Severna Park, Md./Severn), Jesse Beal (Lorton, Va./South County) and Matt Fullerton (Williamsport, Pa./Williamsport Area). The Terps also added five new infielders, including middle infielders Alfred Rodriguez (Vienna, Va./Oakton), Matt Murakami Fairfax, Va./Paul VI) and Logan Welch (Tampa, Fla./Plant). Joining them in the infield are first baseman Zach Helgeson (Roanoke, Va./Hidden Valley) and catcher Tyler Bennett (Federalsburg, Md./Col. Richardson). Maryland added one outfielder, Taylor Buran (Richmond, Va./Benedictine). Buran could also pitch for the Terps.


UMD sign 5 from VA

Charlie McCann committed to Boston College

Cameron Scales of The Steward School committed to Elon.

Does anyone know the status for Radford, VCU, Longwood or GMU? Are they filled for the 2008 class or are they still looking?

According to their SID's release, Radford signed 8 2008 players and 2 JuCo transfers in the early period. If they are going to recruit still more, not likely there would be many more.

VCU listed only 5 2008's, Mason 4 on their SID releases, so I would think they would still be actively recruiting for the spring signing period.

I know of one local player (Robert Oldham of James River) who signed with Longwood, but I don't know how many more they are looking for this year. I can't find an SID release for them. But it appears that at least three of the teams you ask about are still "in the market" for talent.

I live about 10 minutes from GMU, and they're always looking... If that helps

Jeremy Brown, RHP/OF at Culpeper HS, committed to VMI.

I just checked Radford's website
http://www.ruhighlanders.com/news/news_detail.php?news_id=1837

10 guys and only one from VA. The new coach has a thing going for Maryland. For a school that has been under funded for years...if he's offering $$ to that many out of state kids...the university must have really ponied up.

There is a report in another thread that Gary Ward will not be attending Miami after all. No idea why. The report also indicated he may be going to ODU instead.

Can anyone confirm or refute?

We frequently get questions about whether teams renege on verbals. Is this a case of that, or did the player change his mind?

I could not find anything on the Miami baseball web site about their 2008 recruiting class, so I couldn't tell if they had announced Ward as a November signee or not.

Midlo-
Sent you a PM.

jb

I was told it had to do with academics and Miami getting him into the school, but I am not willing to confirm that seeing that its not my place to really comment on Gary's ability to get into Miami.

Mido,

what you've heard is true ! PM for more info but I'm sure JBB told you everything I know.

JH

Well, wish him the best!

Scott Reed, C/3B at South Lakes, to Bucknell

(per VirginiaPreps.com)

Andrew Thomas, C at St. Alban's, has now committed to Marietta College in Ohio.