Aggies Ink Top 10 Recruiting Class
Nov 17, 2014 | Baseball
COLLEGE STATION, Texas - The Texas A&M Baseball program received certification on National Letters of Intent and appropriate paperwork for 12 newcomers for the 2016 season, including 11 of the top high school student-athletes in the nation head coach Rob Childress announced on Monday.
"Coach (Justin) Seely, our recruiting coordinator, continues to do an incredible job of putting together extremely talented classes and Coach (Will) Bolt has come in and really meshed well in the process," Childress said. "These 12 guys include special arms and some really good hitters who should make an immediate impact on the field competing in the SEC. They also possess great character and will make a difference off the field during their time at Texas A&M."
Ten of the 12 players hail from the state of Texas, including RHP Beau Burrows (Weatherford/Weatherford HS); INF Alan Campero (Laredo/Laredo Alexander HS); RHP Tyler Ivey (Rockwall/Rockwall Heath HS); INF George Janca (Georgetown/Georgetown HS); OF Trey Jimmerson (Tomball/Concordia Lutheran HS); RHP Stephen Kolek (Shepherd/Shepherd HS); INF Tristan Metten (Plano/Prestonwood Academy HS); RHP Chris Paddack (Cedar Park/Cedar Park HS); OF Coll Stanley (Houston/Strake Jesuit HS); and RHP Nash Walters (Lindale/Lindale HS).
The Aggies also secured Oklahoma native INF Joel Davis (Midwest City/Midwest City HS), a junior college transfer who has played one season at Seminole State College in Oklahoma and Indiana prep standout Ashe Russell (Indianapolis/Cathedral Catholic).
The class includes 10 high school players ranked among the Perfect Game USA Top 500, including four in the top 200. The group includes Russell (5th), Burrows (6th), Kolek (169th), Ivey (194th), Walters (207th), Paddack (219th), Metten (252nd), Janca, Stanley and Campero.
Texas A&M opens its 2014 season on Feb. 13-15 when the Aggies host Holy Cross at Blue Bell Park for a three-game series.
2014-15 Texas A&M University Baseball signing class (as of Nov. 17, 2014)
Beau Burrows – RHP – Weatherford, Texas (Weatherford HS) – 6-2, 195
Alan Campero – INF - Laredo, Texas (Laredo Alexander HS) – 5-10, 165
Joel Davis – INF – Midwest City, Oklahoma (Midwest City HS/Seminole State College) – 6-3, 200
Tyler Ivey – RHP – Rockwall, Texas (Rockwall Heath HS) – 6-4, 200
George Janca – INF – Georgetown, Texas (Georgetown, HS) – 6-2, 175
Trey Jimmerson – OF – Tomball, Texas (Concordia Lutheran HS) – 5-10, 175
Stephen Kolek – RHP – Shepherd, Texas (Shepherd HS) – 6-3, 215
Tristan Metten – INF – Plano, Texas (Prestonwood Academy) – 6-1, 185
Chris Paddack – RHP – Cedar Park, Texas (Cedar Park HS) – 6-5, 205
Ashe Russell – RHP – Indianapolis, Indiana (Cathedral Catholic HS) – 6-4, 210
Coll Stanley – OF – Houston, Texas (Strake Jesuit HS) – 6-3, 185
Nash Walters – RHP – Lindale, Texas (Lindale HS) – 6-4, 195
Beau Burrows – RHP – Weatherford, Texas (Weatherford HS)
· Currently ranked No. 6 in the nation among high school juniors by Perfect Game USA
· Currently ranked No. 1 in the state of Texas among high school juniors by Perfect Game USA
· Currently ranked No. 1 RHP in the nation among high school juniors by Perfect Game USA
· Perfect Game USA Preseason High School Underclassman All-America First Team in 2014
· Perfect Game USA Preseason High School Underclassman All-America Honorable Mention in 2013
· After three prep seasons, owns a 23-4 career record with a 1.26 ERA and 262 strikeouts in 184 innings
· One of 44 players selected to participate in USA Baseball's 18U National Team Trials in Cary, North Carolina (August 2014)
· One of 108 players selected to participate in USA Baseball's Tournament of Stars in Cary, North Carolina (June 2014)
· Logged a 5-1 record with a 0.75 ERA and 101 strikeouts (27 BB) in 55.2 innings as a junior in 2014
· Posted an 8-2 record with a 1.32 ERA and 92 strikeouts (15 BB) in 63.2 innings as a sophomore in 2013
· Notched a 10-1 record with a 1.62 ERA and 69 strikeouts (26 BB) in 64.2 innings as a freshman in 2012
· Fanned two of the three batters he faced as a relief pitcher for the West squad at the 2014 Perfect Game All-American Classic at Petco Park
· Pitched one scoreless inning of relief at the 2014 Under Armour All-America Baseball Game at Wrigley Field
· Member of the Texas Rangers Area Code Team in 2013 and 2014
· Selected for the USA Baseball National Team Identification Series North Texas 15U squad in 2011
Quote from recruiting coordinator Justin Seely: Beau may have the best stuff of any pitcher in the country in his class. He has come a long way as a pitcher as well. He should compete for major innings right away.
Alan Campero – INF - Laredo, Texas (Laredo Alexander HS)
· Currently ranked in the Top 500 in the nation among high school juniors by Perfect Game USA
· Currently ranked No. 126 in the state of Texas among high school juniors by Perfect Game USA
· Currently ranked the No. 23 middle infielder in the nation among high school juniors by Perfect Game USA
· Selected the District 29-5A Most Valuable Player as a junior in 2014
· Batted .372 with 32 runs, 14 doubles, three triples and 18 RBI at the plate and went 9-1 with a 0.75 ERA and 49 strikeouts (21 BB) in 65.1 innings on the mound as a junior
· Member of the Texas Rangers Area Code Team in 2014
· Selected as District 29-5A Newcomer of the Year as a freshman in 2012
· Hit .337 with 15 runs, four doubles, three triples, one home run and 15 RBI as a freshman
Quote from recruiting coordinator Justin Seely: Alan reminds me a lot of Mikey Reynolds skillset. He can really run and really defend. What will allow him to play early on is his commitment to the weight room and his diet.
Joel Davis – INF – Midwest City, Oklahoma (Midwest City HS/Seminole JC)
· Played for Lloyd Simmons at Seminole State College as a freshman in 2014
· Batted .384 with 56 runs, 16 doubles, one triple, 13 home runs and 57 RBI in 52 games as a freshman
· Hit .451 with five home runs and 36 RBI as a senior at Midwest City HS in 2013 to earn Oklahoma Coaches Association Large West All-Oklahoma, OCA All-Region 8 and Big All-City First Team from The Oklahoman
· Was a teammate of Hunter Melton with the Sanford River Rats of the Florida Collegiate Summer League in 2014, hitting .300 with three doubles, two home runs and 20 RBI in 34 games
Quote from recruiting coordinator Justin Seely: Joel is a junior college bat we feel will make an impact in our lineup right away. He is a gritty player with bat speed, leverage and feel to hit. He can fill the gaps and drive the ball out of the yard at times. Joel should play right away.
Tyler Ivey – RHP – Rockwall, Texas (Rockwall Heath HS)
· Currently ranked No. 194 in the nation among high school juniors by Perfect Game USA
· Currently ranked No. 22 in the state of Texas among high school juniors by Perfect Game USA
· Currently ranked the No. 62 RHP in the nation among high school juniors by Perfect Game USA
· Perfect Game USA Preseason High School Underclassman All-America First Team in 2014
· Perfect Game USA Preseason High School Underclassman All-America Honorable Mention in 2013
· Tabbed Texas Class 5-A All-State Honorable Mention by the Texas Sportswriters Association as a junior in 2014
· Tabbed District 12-5A Pitcher of the Year in 2013 and 2014
· Member of the Texas Rangers Area Code Team in 2014
· Helped Rockwall-Heath to a 5A state title in 2012
· Selected for the USA Baseball National Team Identification Series North Texas 16U squad in 2012
Quote from recruiting coordinator Justin Seely: Tyler is a big guy who can really spin the breaking ball with a 80s to low 90s fastball. He has been a proven winner in high school. Tyler's stuff is good enough to pitch right away. When he learns to hold the running game and field the position better he will be an elite pitcher.
George Janca – INF – Georgetown, Texas (Georgetown, HS)
· Currently ranked in the Top 500 in the nation among high school juniors by Perfect Game USA
· Currently ranked No. 125 in the state of Texas among high school juniors by Perfect Game USA
· Currently ranked the No. 132 shortstop in the nation among high school juniors by Perfect Game USA
· Tabbed All-District 17-4A First Team as a junior in 2014
· Selected Academic All-District 17-4A as a junior
· Named District 17-4A Newcomer of the Year as a sophomore in 2013
· Selected for the USA Baseball National Team Identification Series North Texas 16U squad in 2012
Quote from recruiting coordinator Justin Seely: George is a long, wiry athlete with bat speed and feel to hit. He reminds me of Matt Juengel. George is a high school shortstop who can play all over the field and be very comfortable doing it.
Trey Jimmerson – OF – Tomball, Texas (Concordia Lutheran HS)
· Currently ranked in the Top 1000 in the nation among high school juniors by Perfect Game USA
· Currently ranked No. 247 in the state of Texas among high school juniors by Perfect Game USA
· Currently ranked the No. 366 outfielder in the nation among high school juniors by Perfect Game USA
· Perfect Game USA Preseason High School Underclassman All-America Honorable Mention in 2014
· Tabbed TAPPS Class 5A All-State Honorable Mention and All-District 3-5A First Team as a sophomore in 2013
· Named TAPPS Class 5A All-State First Team and All-District 3-5A First Team as a junior
Quote from recruiting coordinator Justin Seely: We think Trey is as good a hitter as there is in the Houston area. He is a good runner and he possesses some strength. His knack for finding the barrel is what separates him from the others.
Stephen Kolek – RHP – Shepherd, Texas (Shepherd HS)
· Currently ranked No. 169 in the nation among high school juniors by Perfect Game USA
· Currently ranked No. 20 in the state of Texas among high school juniors by Perfect Game USA
· Currently ranked the No. 55 right-handed pitcher in the nation among high school juniors by Perfect Game USA
· Perfect Game USA Preseason High School Underclassman All-America First Team in 2014
· Perfect Game USA Preseason High School Underclassman All-America Honorable Mention in 2013
· One of 44 players selected to participate in USA Baseball's 18U National Team Trials in Cary, North Carolina (August 2014)
· One of 108 players selected to participate in USA Baseball's Tournament of Stars in Cary, North Carolina (June 2014)
· Member of the 2013 Texas Rangers Area Code roster in 2013 and 2014
· Named All-District 22-3A First Team as a sophomore in 2013
· Selected All-District 22-3A Second Team as a junior in 2014
Quote from recruiting coordinator Justin Seely: Stephen has easy arm action out of a big body and he is developing secondary command. He has a lot of experience nationally the last two years and performed very well.
Tristan Metten – INF – Plano, Texas (Prestonwood Academy)
· Currently ranked No. 252 in the nation among high school juniors by Perfect Game USA
· Currently ranked No. 29 in the state of Texas among high school juniors by Perfect Game USA
· Currently ranked the No. 37 shortstop in the nation among high school juniors by Perfect Game USA
· Perfect Game USA Preseason High School Underclassman All-America Second Team in 2014
· Perfect Game USA Preseason High School Underclassman All-America Honorable Mention in 2013
· Member of the Texas Rangers Area Code Team in 2014
· Named TAPPS Class 5A All-State First Team in 2013 and 2014
·Selected for the USA Baseball National Team Identification Series North Texas 16U squad in 2012
· Selected for the USA Baseball National Team Identification Series North Texas 15U squad in 2011
Quote from recruiting coordinator Justin Seely: Tristan has been playing against quality competition across the country for a very long time. He is very versatile and has some real offensive potential. Tristan has a good approach at the plate and is savvy in the field. He will be a quality player in the middle of the infield.
Chris Paddack – RHP – Cedar Park, Texas (Cedar Park HS)
· Currently ranked No. 219 in the nation among high school juniors by Perfect Game USA
· Currently ranked No. 26 in the state of Texas among high school juniors by Perfect Game USA
· Currently ranked the No. 73 right-handed pitcher in the nation among high school juniors by Perfect Game USA
· Perfect Game USA Preseason High School Underclassman All-America Honorable Mention in 2014
· Texas Class 4A All-State Third Team selection by the Texas High School Baseball Coaches Association as a junior in 2014
· After three prep seasons, owns an 8-5 record with a 1.73 ERA and 147 strikeouts (33 BB) in 101.1 innings
· Posted a 7-3 record with a 1.08 ERA and 124 strikeouts (29 BB) in 77.2 innings as a junior in 2014
· Named District 25-4A Most Valuable Player in 2014
· Notched a 1-2 record with a 3.85 ERA and 23 strikeouts (4 BB) in 23.2 innings as a sophomore in 2013
· Went 1-0 with a 4.38 ERA and 17 strikeouts (4 BB) in 16 innings of work as a freshman in 2012
Quote from recruiting coordinator Justin Seely: Chris has a large frame and simple delivery. He is a strike pumper with three pitches. His fastball command is what separates him from his peers and will allow him to be a factor for us early on in his career.
Ashe Russell – RHP – Indianapolis, Indiana (Cathedral Catholic HS)
· Currently ranked No. 5 in the nation among high school juniors by Perfect Game USA
· Currently ranked No. 1 in the state of Texas among high school juniors by Perfect Game USA
· Currently ranked the No. 1 right-handed in the nation among high school juniors by Perfect Game USA
· MaxPreps 2014 Underclassman All-America as a junior
· Perfect Game USA Preseason High School Underclassman All-America First Team in 2014
· Perfect Game USA Preseason High School Underclassman All-America Third Team in 2013
· Fanned three of the four batters he faced as starting pitcher for the East squad at the 2014 Perfect Game All-American Classic at Petco Park
· Pitched one scoreless inning of relief at the 2014 Under Armour All-America Baseball Game at Wrigley Field
· Named the Gatorade Indiana Baseball Player of the Year for 2014
· Posted an 8-1 record with an 1.23 ERA and 101 strikeouts in 80 innings on the mound and .371 with 21 runs and 25 RBI as a junior in 2014
· Named Indiana Baseball Coaches Association All-Class 4A First Team and Indianapolis Player of the Year in 2013 and 2014
Quote from recruiting coordinator Justin Seely: Ashe is one of the best right-handed pitchers in the country in our opinion. He has great command of his fastball and his secondary stuff. He has the ability to be a major contributor from day one.
Coll Stanley – OF – Houston, Texas (Strake Jesuit HS)
· Currently ranked in the Top 500 in the nation among high school juniors by Perfect Game USA
· Currently ranked No. 136 in the state of Texas among high school juniors by Perfect Game USA
· Currently ranked the No. 204 outfielder in the nation among high school juniors by Perfect Game USA
· Selected All-District 19-5A First Team utility player as a junior in 2014
· Hit .333 with 14 doubles, a school-record five triples and 29 RBI in 2014
Quote from recruiting coordinator Justin Seely: Coll is very big and athletic. He has leverage from the left side of the plate and is a good athlete for his size. With continued development and a great approach, Coll has a chance to be a corner outfield presence and eventually a middle of the order-type hitter.
Nash Walters – RHP – Lindale, Texas (Lindale HS))
· Currently ranked No. 207 in the nation among high school juniors by Perfect Game USA
· Currently ranked No. 24 in the state of Texas among high school juniors by Perfect Game USA
· Currently ranked the No. 68 right-handed pitcher in the nation among high school juniors by Perfect Game USA
· Selected All-District 16-4A First Team as a junior in 2014
· Tallied six saves and 48 strikeouts in 31 innings in 2014
Quote from recruiting coordinator Justin Seely: Nash has great frame and really good stuff. He is a really good athlete who is developing into a pitcher right now. The athleticism, stuff and want-to are hard to find. He is still relatively new to pitching, but Nash has a really high ceiling.
