STORY: 2019 C Cole Marler (College Station HS)

COLLEGE STATION, TX - Playing Division I college baseball was never a priority for Cole Marler. However, it proved to be the best fit.

“That was not my mindset,” the College Station junior explained. “But that’s where I belong. If it came down to it, I was willing to go JUCO and develop my game there and then take it to the next level.”

That will not be necessary after the 54th-ranked player in the state’s 2019 class committed to Lamar.

“Lamar was the first Division I school to ever contact me,” Marler said.

That came after watching the 6-0 175-pound catcher at a PBR event at Texas A&M.

“It went well,” Marler said about the South Texas Underclass Games. “My hitting could have been better, but I did well at catcher.”

The following day Lamar watched Marler in a tournament in Dallas. An invite to a camp followed.

“They offered me after the camp,” Marler reflected. “I went back a couple times and then committed.”

The ability behind the plate for the right-handed hitting Marler stood out.

“They like my potential catching,” Marler said of Lamar. “They like the idea that as a catcher I’m able to produce as a hitter.”

Marler has made major strides over the last 12 months to get where he is in the sport.

“I’ve made big jumps the past year with size, speed, power ability at the plate and arm strength,” Marler noted. “I made a big jump from my sophomore season to where I am now.”

It has the junior backstop reaching a lifelong goal.

“I’ve been playing baseball since I was three,” Marler said. “I’ve always wanted to play in college, it’s been a dream of mine for a long time. I love the game and have wanted to play it for as long as I can.

“The past two years I thought the chance of doing it became more realistic, especially this last year with the jumps I’ve made on the field. I’ve got a good work ethic and enjoy putting the work in to get stronger. I’ve always enjoyed getting in the cage and it’s paid off on the field.”

Still, Marler knows improvement can not stop now.

“Consistency at the plate is one area I can improve,” Marler said. “Being able to produce in situations needed is another. I also need to work on making smart calls behind the plate. Basically, I want to get stronger in all aspects.”

One area of strength for Marler has been his play behind the plate.

“Defense is one of my biggest strengths,” Marler pointed out. “I’m athletic for a catcher and I can block well. Early on my arm was not a strength but I’ve really been working on it and now it’s a strength. I’ve improved my game a ton.”

His ability behind the plate comes in part from so much experience.

“I’ve been a catcher since I was seven or eight,” Marler explained. “My dad stuck me back there and I’ve been there ever since. You feel so much in control over the game. You have the ability to make a deciding factor in the game. You can manage the pitches and call out what no one else can see.”

PBR events at Tomball and TCU in addition to A&M helped bring interest from Alvin Community College and Blinn along with Sam Houston. But Lamar proved too much to pass up.

“I love the coaching staff with coach (Will) Davis, coach (Sean) Snedeker and coach (Scott) Hatten,” Marler said. “Coach Davis has a prestigious status when it comes to catchers. He coached catchers at LSU and now at Lamer. His first year there he had a catcher get drafted.”

It has Marler, who plans to major in business marketing, excited about the future.

“The school itself has a small-town feel,” Marler said. “I like the idea it can be a great home for me.

“Another reason I committed was they didn’t offer a scholarship to 2018 (catchers). They offered to 2019 and plan on me being the guy. They have a freshman there now, so I’ll compete with him.”

Marler credited his parents with playing a huge role in his commitment.

“It means a lot they’ve taken so much time helping develop me as a man on and off the field,” Marler said. “Because of them I’ve been able to develop my game to help me get to that next level.”