Monday, November 20, 2006
Presbyterian Baseball Signs Three During Early Signing Period
CLINTON, S.C. – Presbyterian head baseball coach Elton Pollock recently announced that the Blue Hose baseball team signed three student-athletes to national letters of intent during the early signing period.
Alex Downing comes to the Presbyterian program from Carolina Forest High School in the Myrtle Beach area, while Andrew Wingo and Nathan Horton both attended high school in the Upstate. Wingo played for coach Todd Robinson at Mauldin High School and Horton played at Byrnes High School for Chris Carter.
Downing is one of the better right-handed pitching prospects in the Palmetto state according to Diamond Prospects. Not limited to the hill, Downing is considered a two-way prospect who also may see time in the infield during his four years at PC.
“Alex Downing is a legitimate two-way college player,” noted Pollock. “He gets outs on the hill and shows a tremendous amount of mound presence. He projects as a corner infielder with the ability to switch hit. I am excited to have Alex on board for the next four years.”
The 6-foot-2, 185-pound Downing batted .310 as a junior, collecting four doubles and two home runs. Downing stole four bases and acquired 13 RBIs.
On the mound, Downing hurled 66 innings, picking up a 6-5 record along the way. The 2006 all-region member dished out 85 punchouts, holding his opposition to a 2.95 ERA in 17 games.
Wingo comes to the Blue Hose baseball program listed as one of the better defensive catching prospects available in the 2007 recruiting class. At 6-foot-1, 175 pounds, Wingo will more than likely compete for the starting catcher position at Presbyterian the moment he steps on the Clinton campus.
“Drew shows tremendous arm strength with the ability to shut down any opponent’s running game, “ remarked Pollock. “I am looking for Drew to make an immediate impact for the Blue Hose at the catcher position.”
At Mauldin, Wingo garnered all-conference plaudits in 2006.
Horton gives the Blue Hose a versatile “big man, ”who can play catcher, first base or designated hitter. In fact, Horton may see time at all of the positions during his freshman year.
“Horton’s strength as a hitter will make it hard to keep him out of the line-up,” said Pollock. “He has power to all fields and projects as a solid four-hole or five-hole hitter. I am excited about Nate’s potential.”
Last season for Byrnes, Horton hit .404 for the Rebels. The 6-foot, 215-pound Horton hit four home runs and 21 doubles.
The Spartanburg, S.C. native also collected two triples en route to all-region accolades.