By Mike Lehman, TTU Sports Information Coordinator
COOKEVILLE, Tenn. – With still two months away before the start of the 2014 season, the Tennessee Tech baseball team has already done heavy work for life after this year. Head coach Matt Bragga has announced the early signees of the Class of 2015.
"Again, I want to thank Coach Brandon Turner for doing another amazing job as our recruiting coordinator," said Bragga. "He truly is one of the best I have been around in 17 years of college baseball. Coach Cody Church and Coach Kyle Medley also deserve so much credit for the talent we continue to add to our team, as these guys work tireless hours finding the right young men for our great program and university."
The Golden Eagles added 19 players this season to a roster that already returned a large chunk of the 2013 Ohio Valley Conference regular season championship squad, but with eight of those players set for graduation after the 2014 season, the Tech coaching staff knew it was time to bring in some youth.
"Our needs in this early signing class were all met," explained Bragga. "We signed experienced, top-of-the-rotation pitching and some young pitchers that have the ability to be some of the best we have ever had. We added incredible athleticism, power, and speed with this group of position players that will be joining us next school year."
Ten new names will don the purple and gold next fall, including eight freshman, as the Golden Eagles attempt to get younger after bringing in several junior college transfers in each of the past two seaons.
Here's a look at the early signees of the Tennessee Tech Golden Eagle baseball team Class of 2015:
KIT FOWLER - 6'2 │ 175 │ RHP │ MARCO ISLAND, FLA. │ ST. PETERSBURG CC
TTU Coaching Staff on Kit: Kit Fowler comes out of the state of Florida and comes from a good program in St. Petersburg CC. Kit is a guy that has electric stuff and really understands how to attack hitters. We are looking for him to come in and be a major contributor from Day One. Kit is a great young man and we cannot wait to have him as a part of the program.
JOSH PANKRATZ - 6'3 │ 204 │ 3B │ TAYLORSVILLE, MISS. │ JONES COUNTY CC
TTU Coaching Staff on Josh: Josh is one of the best third basemen in the country, in my opinion, and we are absolutely thrilled he chose Tennessee Tech as his future home. He brings a tough mentality and great work ethic and will be a fantastic contributor to our team and program.
ALEX JUNIOR - 5'9 │ 155 │ OF │ HENDERSONVILLE, TENN. │ GOODPASTURE CHRISTIAN HS
TTU Coaching Staff on Alex: Alex is a guy that can absolutely fly, and uses this speed well to cover ground in the outfield. He is a tremendous athlete with an unreal amount of potential and we could not be happier he is coming to Tennessee Tech next fall. He will be a thrill to watch develop in the next few years here at Tech.
SAM McWILLIAMS - 6'5 │ 185 │ RHP │ HENDERSONVILLE, TENN. │ BEECH HS
TTU Coaching Staff on Sam: Sam is a right-handed pitcher out of Nashville that we are thrilled chose Tennessee Tech. He has an electric fastball and with his 6'5" frame, he should gain even more velocity in the next few years. We feel Sam has the potential to be one of the best to ever step on the mound here at Tennessee Tech.
TAYLOR MAXEY - 5'11 │ 175 │ OF │ CHATTANOOGA, TENN. │ BAYLOR HS
TTU Coaching Staff on Taylor: Taylor is an absolute unreal athlete. He is a great kid and one that we feel will fit in our locker room very well. He was one of the best defensive outfielders we saw all summer and fall and we can't wait to get him to Tech. His brightest days are ahead of him.
TREVOR PUTZIG - 5'10 │ 175 │ MIF │ LOUISVILLE, KY. │ BALLARD HS
TTU Coaching Staff on Trevor: The best way to describe Trevor is an "ultimate baseball player." He has great hands in the infield and also has a very good approach at the plate. With his instincts and ability, he should have a phenomenal career here at Tech. We look forward to adding his toughness and energy to the program.
CHASE CHAMBERS - 6'2 │ 225 │ 1B │ KNOXVILLE, TENN. │ FARRAGUT HS
TTU Coaching Staff on Chase: Chase is a kid who has an unbelievable ability to swing the bat. He has the tools to hit for average and power, along with being able to drive in runs. The greatest part about Chase is he gets it done on both sides of the baseball and I believe he will be one of the best defensive first baseman in the OVC.
ANDREW KNELL - 5'11 │ 170 │ MIF │ BRENTWOOD, TENN. │ CHRIST PRESBYTERIAN ACADEMY
TTU Coaching Staff on Andrew: Andrew is a very talented shortstop who we believe will be a very good option for us in the middle infield for four years. He brings a good work ethic and great attitude that is contagious with everyone he is around. I really look forward to watching Andrew develop into a great player for us.
ADAM REED - 6'0 │ 185 │ C │ KNOXVILLE, TENN. │ KNOXVILLE CATHOLIC HS
TTU Coaching Staff on Adam: Adam is a phenomenal defensive catcher and leads the team from behind the plate with his energy, work ethic, and "take control" approach. He also has a very good left-handed swing that will transition nicely at the collegiate level. Adam is also a very good young man who we are very excited to add to the program.
TRAVIS MOTHS - 6'1 │ 170 │ RHP │ MARYVILLE, TENN. │ WILLIAMS BLOUNT HS
TTU Coaching Staff on Travis: Travis is a right-hand pitcher who has a very bright future for us at Tennessee Tech. He possesses the ability to command three pitches along with bringing a competitive attitude to the mound. The future is extremely bright for Travis and we look forward to adding another great young man to the program.
