KENNESAW, Ga. – Kennesaw State head baseball coach Mike Sansing announced the signings of twelve top student-athletes to a National Letter of Intent to play for the Owls beginning in the 2009 season.
“This recruiting class, under the direction of recruiting coordinator Ryan Coe, is clearly the strongest class we’ve had since becoming Division I,” said Coach Sansing. “Coach Coe has taken a strong hold in our state and recruited not only great players, but excellent student-athletes with outstanding families. Coach Coe and pitching coach Kevin Erminio have addressed our recruiting needs and filled them with great talent.”
The 2009 signees includes three of the Top 100 players in America including the top-ranked pitcher in Georgia and the nation’s sixth best player in Zach Wheeler of East Paulding High School.
The Owls class also includes power-hitting first baseman/outfielder Telvin Nash (70th) from Griffin HS and left-handed pitcher Kelly Holt (23rd) from Lulla HS. The signing class also includes eight of the Top 100 players in the state of Georgia.
The class of 12 includes seven pitchers and five two-way players, which includes two primary catchers, two infielders and an outfielder. A brief look at Kennesaw State’s full early recruiting class is listed below.
Ronnie Freeman
Ronnie is a catcher as well as a first baseman from Brookwood High School. He played under Rick Howard and helped his team win the state championship. He played summer ball with Team Elite under Brad Boras.
Sansing on Freeman:”Ronnie is considered the best hitter in Gwinnett County by many coaches, but we believe him to be one of the best hitters in the state of Georgia. His countless hours in the batting cage have elevated him to the position as one of the best hitters in the state of Georgia.”
Brandon Brown
Brandon is a catcher and a third baseman from Dublin High School. Runs a 6.6 in the 60 yard dash and has great catch and throw skills. He played under William Barham at Dublin HS and summer ball under Shannon Snyder for the Chain.
Sansing on Brown:”Brandon is a tremendous athlete and excellent student. His skills are outstanding, he is the class valedictorian, and he can play anywhere on the field. All these attributes make him a great fit for Kennesaw State University.”
Casey Shiver
Casey is a right-handed pitcher from Loganville, the reigning state champions. He was ranked 80 in the state and 1003 in the nation among high school players by Perfect Game. Plays high school baseball under Jeff Seagers and summer ball for Team Elite under Brad Boras.
Sansing on Shiver:”Casey was a big sign for our program. He is a power pitcher with two arm slots which is very impressive. He is a guy who wants the ball everyday and can pitch in a variety of roles.”
Devin Dunson
Lumpkin County High School Devin is a right-handed pitcher from Lumpkin County High School where he played under Nick Jenkins. He was ranked 58 in the state and 718 in the nation by Perfect Game. Plays summer ball with Team Georgia under Chris McCraney.
Sansing on Dunson:”Devin is a great competitor and the coaching staff loves his demeanor on the mound. He has a plus curve ball and an above average fastball.”
Catlan Kendrick
Catlan plays at Northgate High School under Coach Greg Hamilton. He is ranked 38 in the state and 501 in the nation. He plays summer ball with the Georgia Roadrunners under Tom Haire.
Sansing on Kendrick:”Catlan has a great arm and body and throws in the low 90’s. He has a tremendous upside and great character. We are very happy to have him in our program.”
Ren Buttram
A right-handed pitcher from Dawson County High School. Ranked 19 in the state and 267 in the nation. Played under Jimmy Pruett at Dawson County and under Anthony Dye during summer ball with the Atlanta Blue Jays.
Sansing on Buttram:”Ren is another great product of the state of Georgia. He is an excellent student, a power arm, a great competitor, outstanding personality and a proven winner.”
Telvin Nash
Telvin is a first baseman/outfielder from Griffin High School. Ranked 12 in the state and 70 in the nation by Baseball America. Plays for Jamie Cassidy at Griffin HS and under David Stephenson for summer ball with the Dugout Club Strikers.
Sansing on Nash: Telvin is”a big time power player who has soft hands and great feet. Our power numbers will increase with Telvin in the lineup.”
Kelly Holt
A left-handed pitcher from Lulla High School. He is coming off of Tommy John surgery last year. He was ranked 23 in the nation before his injury.
Sansing on Holt:”Before his injury Kelly was a dominating pitcher with three above average pitches. We feel by this spring he will be back where he was prior to surgery. He is a huge addition to the program.”
Casey Manion
An outfielder from Milton High School. Played summer ball with the East Cobb Indians.
Sansing on Manion:”Casey is a strong left-handed hitter which fits our park well. He has an above average arm and runs well. Casey has the rare commodity of power and speed in the outfield.”
Zach Wheeler
A right-handed pitcher who plays under Tony Boyd at East Paulding High School. He started in the AFLAC All-American game. Is the number one ranked pitcher in the state and 6th best player in the nation
Sansing on Wheeler:”Zach poses all the criteria for a major league pitcher. Determination, athleticism, demeanor, and a competitor. To have signed a player like Zach’s magnitude says a lot about the direction that this program is headed.”
Taylor Whitenton
The only junior college recruit, Taylor plays at Darton College under Glenn Eames and Chris Case. Was an All-American coming out of high school and was drafted by the Braves. Taylor has the best arm among junior college players in Georgia.
Sansing on Whitenton:”Taylor is a true power arm and will make an immediate impact for the team. We feel for three years in a row we have signed the best player from the Georgia junior college programs.”
Trey Malone
Trey plays infield at Lulla High School under Coach Andy Cooper and plays summer ball for the Atlanta Blue Jays under Coach Anthony Dye. He is ranked 28 in the state and 370 in the nation.
Sansing on Malone:”Trey is a great infielder with a very strong arm and above average speed. He brings a love of the game and lots of energy to the program.”
