Preseason Preview: Tate High School

January 31, 2015

By Rob Sidwell
Florida Scouting Director

The Florida high school season kicks off on February 9, the first day for regular season games. Most teams will begin practicing on January 19, getting their rosters set and finalizing their lineups. Over the next several weeks, leading up to opening day, we will be rolling out team previews of high school teams all across the state and across all classifications.

We have been sending out our annual Preseason Questionnaire to coaches all across the state and as the responses flood in we will bring you a snapshot of what to expect along with top players and keys to success for that particular team.

TEAM: Tate HS

2014 Record: 14-10
FHSAA Classification: 7
Head Coach: Greg Blackmon

Returning Starters: 6
Returning Pitchers: 4

TOP PLAYERS

OF Josh Kea 5'9" 160 R/R (2016) 1 year letterman
OF/P Sawyer Smith 6'2" 190 (2016) R/R 2 year letterman - Alabama
INF/P Trace Penton 5'11' 180 (2016) L/R 2 year letterman
SS Branden Fryman 6' 150 (2016) R/R 1 year letterman
C Cole Halfacre 6' 202 (2016) L/R 1 year letterman
P/OF Mark Miller 5'8" 205 (2015) 2 year letterman
1B Jacob Saulnier 6'1" 195 (2015) Transfer from North Carolina

OUTLOOK

Tate High School is looking to improve it’s 2014 record of 14-10 this year. On paper they look like an inexperienced team full of underclassmen. However, five of the six returning underclassmen were starters last season. Pitching will be a strength with four returning arms from last year. Lead by Alabama Commit Sawyer Smith and Trace Penton as well as Seniors, Mark Miller and incoming transfer Jacob Saulnier , Coach Blackmon hopes to compete for the conference title in 2015. They will more than likely have to battle Niceville, Navarre, and Crestview for that trophy.

If you are a high school coach and have yet to send in your Preseason Questionnaire please fill one out HERE.

Preseason Preview: Tate High School

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