Black College Nines looks at HBCU baseball’s top freshmen for 2022. Our analysis, in addition to head coaches’ input and national recruiting played an interesting part in nominating the incoming and red shirt freshmen we considered. First year recruits who came to school this fall were factored in.
Here is our breakdown of the top incoming freshmen class for both the large and small school divisions.
Narvin Booker OF – Mississippi Valley State University: fleet-footed freshman with a ton of athletic ability. Reminds head coach Stanley Stubbs of the type and ability of former Baltimore Orioles Cedric Mullins. A spark plug game changer for Mississippi Valley State. Booker will create havoc for opposing pitchers on the base paths.
Kyler McIntosh RHP – Alabama State University: throws hard; the team will look for him to provide power pitching. Has good command of his pitches.
Trevor Hatton OF – Grambling State University: Hatton, a Dallas Baptist/Odessa JUCO transfer, can flat out defend and hit. He will more than likely be in LF every day for the Tigers and hit in the middle of the order. Early HBCU Baseball “No Fly Zone”outfield candidate.
Rob Beatty C – Norfolk State University: had a good fall workout and will contribute to the Spartan offense.
Joshua Cooper OF – Claflin University: will also be an impactful addition at the shortstop position. Swings the bat well and makes good contact. Has speed in the outfield.
Jayden Williams OF – Prairie View A&M University: Redshirt freshman who was stellar during fall practice, and demonstrated great range and power at the plate. Coaches expect him to make strong contributions to the outfield this season.
Justin Johnson LHP – Coppin State University: 90 plus stuff.
Kevin Matos RHP – Alabama State University: pitches have movement. Will be a key piece out of the pen and could become a mid-week starter.
Jaheim Brown RHP North Carolina A&T University: Very athletic righty, with ability to pitch. Threw a ton of strikes this fall, has a chance to be special as he grows and matures in his game. Will see a lot of game action on the hill this spring.
Tahraun Hammond INF – Virginia State University: played very well this fall. Has pop in his bat and should see significant time this spring.
Honorable Mention:
Jayden Foster INF – Clark Atlanta University
Erik Romero UTL – Bluefield State College
Broedy Poppell C/DH – Florida A&M University
Asa Waites RHP/INF – Clark Atlanta University
Nate Paulsen OF – West Virginia State University
Charles Barber INF – Clark Atlanta University
Ethan Edelson RHP – Delaware State University
Justin Johnson LHP – Coppin State University
Colby Guy UTL – Jackson State University
Isaias Espiritusantos LHP – Florida Memorial University