By Chris Fuller
Kentucky Scouting Director

Last week, first-year Bellarmine University Head Coach Larry Owens announced the seven prospects that comprise the early signing class for 2014.  In addition to Ohio outfielder Drew Deaton and Indiana left-hander Hunter Spencer, the class includes five in-state players ranked in the top 65 in Kentucky’s 2014 class. 

When you consider that the Knights didn’t announce Owens as the new head coach until the beginning of August, and his staff wasn’t in place until early September, the early signing class becomes even more impressive.  Recruiting coordinator Terry Davis says the information Prep Baseball Report provides was very important.

“My first day on campus at Bellarmine was September 3,” Davis said.  “When you consider the fact that the first day to sign a National Letter of Intent was November 13, most other schools had a nine and a half month head start on us. The videos that were available to us on the PBR site allowed us to literally view every single kid in the state that had attended a PBR event and determine who we wanted to pursue and get on campus to see in person. We are very excited about our recruiting class and PBR played a big role in the success of this class.”

Following is a look at the five players from the Bluegrass State that signed National Letters of Intent to continue their education and baseball careers at Bellarmine University.

Zac Wiley, 3B/OF/C, Collins HS

Ranked No.7 in the 2014 class, Wiley is a 6-foot-2, 180-pound prospect capable of playing multiple positions, and he turned down several Division I offers in deciding on Bellarmine.  He runs a 6.91 60 yard dash with 88 mph arm strength from both the infield and outfield and projectable power at the plate. 

Coach Owens comments:  “Zac is a very toolsy but athletic and versatile player.  He should make a big impact on our team and program.  He profiles as a corner INF/OF but is athletic enough to play shortstop for us as well.  He is a number 3-4 type of hitter that has a good approach considering he has yet to play his senior year of high school.  We are very fortunate to have a player with Zac's ability join our program." 

Eddie Mathis, LHP, South Oldham HS

Ranked No.53 in the 2014 class, Mathis shows a low-80’s fastball and has complete command of his curveball and an effective cutter.  In addition to his pitchabaility, look for more velocity to come from the left-hander.

Coach Owens comments:  “Eddie has great ability.  LHP's are a hot commodity and without a doubt Eddie is no different.  His advanced, clean delivery produces strikes with his 3 pitch mix.  He competes like crazy on the mound and should make a very strong push to start on the weekends next season.  Eddie has a bright future and we look forward to watching him in a Knights uniform next season." 

Brady Pfaadt, C/1B, Trinity HS

Ranked No.57 in the 2014 class, the left-handed hitting, 6-foot-3, 200-pound Pfaadt shows good arm strength behind the plate with the potential to be a left-handed power bat. 

Coach Owens comments: “Brady will make his presence known right away.  He will not only impress you with size and ability to throw from the behind the plate but he also brings a Left-Handed bat with power potential.  Brady will without a doubt make an impact on our team and make a strong push to get substantial playing time right away."  

Alex Ralph, 3B, Bullitt East HS

Ranked No.58 in the 2014 class, Ralph has the frame you would expect to see from a corner-infielder at the college level.  At 6-foot-2, 200-pounds, Ralph’s arm plays well across the infield at 81 mph, and he generates big bat speed as evidenced by his 93 mph exit velocity off the tee. 

Coach Owens comments:  “Alex impressed me right away and that was before I saw him swing the bat, which impressed me even more.  He brings power potential at the plate with the ability to play a corner infield/corner outfield spot but is probably best suited at 3^rd Base.  He has good actions and very good body control considering his age and size.  We are very happy to have a player like Alex join our team."

Drew Greenwood, SS, South Oldham HS

Ranked No.65 in the 2014 class, Greenwood arrived on the recruiting scene late due to the amount of basketball he played during the summer.  The 6-foot, 160-pound middle-infielder could be an under-the-radar player that shines as he makes the full commitment to baseball.  He shows athletic actions with good arm strength from the shortstop position.

Coach Owens comments: Drew is great sign for us.  A two sport athlete who starts on his High School Basketball Team, Drew is a very steady Shortstop who is also athletic enough to provide us with options.  He is a leader who possesses an advanced understanding of how to play the game and will contribute right away to our team.  We are excited to watch him as he develops."