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Temple University Announces 2014 Early Signing Class

November 21, 2013

By Greg Williams
PA Director of Scouting

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/8/86/TempleOwls.png

Temple University assistant coach Brian Pugh has an extensive background in recruiting talented college baseball prospects. The current recruiting coordinator for the Owls spent three years as the head coach at Arcadia University prior to moving to Temple in 2011.

Pugh summed up this year's early commits at Temple by saying, "We feel like we were able to sign position guys who are athletic and project very well. They obviously have sound skills already, but like all players will continue to improve. On the mound, we felt like we needed to get a couple guys to fill some potential impact spots, depending on how this spring goes for a few of our current players."

Pugh's advice to recruits beginning the process is fairly simple, "Whatever they can do to put themselves in front of college coaches is great. Videos are good, and the events that PBR puts on are well run and allow us to get a good look at guys. For us, we really want to see players PLAY!!! We can certainly see skill and swings through the showcase workouts, but we also want to see how they compete. No question about it, PBR has really solidified themselves as a great resource because they have "baseball guys" running their events and doing the evaluating. Our ability to see and get honest, accurate information on prospects is huge for us.

Following is a closer look at the six prospects that are early commits in the 2014 class and Pugh's evaluation of each player's talents.


pennsylvania Recruits

Alex Pantuso             Baldwin HS                              RHP

Alex really kicked it into high gear in the late summer/early fall when he made a velocity jump and he has the ability to throw a breaking ball for a strike. Add that to a great frame, and with Tepedino, could be part of a one-two conference punch over the next four years

Marten Pauwels          Springfield Township HS          OF/C

Marten was a guy that the more we saw him, the more we liked him. He has a great body – with room to fill out and get stronger – which should add to the pop that he already has in his bat. We think he may end up being a legitimate power hitting corner outfielder

Robbie Nardelli            Valley View HS                           C

Robbie is a quick, athletic catcher with a good arm. We’ve seen him quite a bit, and really handles himself well behind the dish. He’ll give us depth back there right away, but we see him developing in the catcher of the future.


Remainder of the class

Matt Tepedino              Mainland Regional (NJ)            RHP

We are very excited that Matt chose Temple, as he was very heavily recruited. He’s an upper-80’s arm with a good slider with a good body, and lots of upside. He has a chance to be a front-line arm for us in the conference right away

Lamar Briggs                Davidson Day School (NC)         C/IF

Lamar is a three-sport athlete (football/basketball), and loves to compete. He’s gotten bigger and stronger in the time since he originally committed to us, and could work his way into the lineup early on. His athleticism gives us options in the field.

TJ Ward                          St. Peters Prep (NJ)                    IF

TJ is a versatile infielder that we feel can play wherever needed. He’s got good arm strength, and is athletic. He could very easily be a middle of the order type hitter before it’s all said and done.


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