Taylor County High School baseball player Taylor Ratliff has orally committed to Jacksonville University over Florida State, Florida, and Troy University. In the Tallahassee Democrat article Ratliff states the following on his decision “They said I have all the ability and there isn’t any reason I shouldn’t start as a freshman, I will go in there with a good mindset and hopefully start as soon as I can.”
Perfect Game has the following report on him from the 2009 National Showcase where they rated him a 9.5 out of 10.
Taylor Ratliff is a 2010 OF/SS with a 6’2”, 170 lb. frame from Perry, FL who attends Taylor County HS. Lean athletic body, young look, good frame to fill into. Projects large. Smooth fielding actions in the OF, good arm action, quick transfer, showed agility and skills on making several tough plays in the games. Smooth fielder at SS position as well, has good feel for the game. Strong arm. Hits from a loaded position, solid LD contact, showed some ability to go the other way, good hitting mechanics to add strength to. Also pitched from a 3/4 arm slot in the mid 80s. Good player/athlete for high level. Need to follow. Very good student.
This decision looks like it was predicated on the amount of money that Ratliff would get at Jacksonville in terms of a scholarship with the Dolphins as the offers from FSU and Florida were likely much lighter.
You can check out a full article about his commitement from the Tallahassee Democrat by clicking here.
PHOTO COURTESY OF PERFECT GAME