2023 Top HBCU Baseball Incoming Freshmen of Impact

Every year there are at least a few freshmen HBCU baseball players who burst onto the scene. We saw it last season. With the 2023 season ready to get underway, Black College Nines takes a look at the freshmen who have the potential to get off to a hot start. I know it is super early, but freshmen have always made an impact and that’s not going to change. But either way, there are a lot of freshmen who will be a big impact early on for their respective teams.

Here are 12 early bird freshmen ready to become freshmen of impact for 2023.

Voorhees University

Kawan Ellerbe James Jr., A native of Brooklyn, New York, who is a Presidential Scholar. The freshman is a seasoned veteran at his position. As a 2B/SS, the next four years in the middle infield look promising, and his selection as a team captain speaks volumes.

 

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Florida A&M University

Jordan Brown,  OF/MIF with a 6-1 170 lb. frame from Margate, FL. The best description of Brown is “toolsie”. Has the tools to develop into a great collegiate player and move to the next level.

 

 

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Claflin University

Jaylen Brown, INF another freshman making a splash listed in several national publication. He can hit in any spot and should be a big name and power hitter for years to come.

 

 

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Alabama A&M University

Christian Soto, INF a highly recruited 3B/C from Florida had a productive fall and is expected to carry that over into the spring. Live bat.

 

 

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Prairie View A&M University

Ahmar “Tiger” Donatto, Infielder/RHP from Summer Creek High School- tremendous skills in the infield and strong acumen as a pitcher that will make a strong impact this season.

 

 

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Bethune Cookman University

Pablo Torres, RHP is a true freshman right hander who is ranked nationally.

 

 

 

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University Maryland Eastern Shore

Porter Braddy – LHP 6’0” 190lb finished high school career with a 1.21 ERA and 191 strikeouts.

 

 

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Virginia State University

Norman Jackson, MIF Despite his status as a true freshman, Jackson will be counted on to be contributing factor on this year’s team. Norman has nice hands which will be on display at various spots in the Trojans infield. Look for him to hit near the top of the order.

 

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Savannah State University

Nehemiah Cook, RHP up to 91mph at 6′-6″

 

 

 

 

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Paine College

Hunter Justice, RHP Fits the needs for Paine College. Great command of three pitches. Will be number one or two in rotation.

 

 

 

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Mississippi Valley State University

Victor Figueroa, 1B left handed hitting first baseman. Projected as the starter this 2023 season. This is a guy I can see being a big name for years to come.

 

 

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Norfolk State University

Justin Journette INF He is making an immediate impact on this extremely offensive team. Journette is just a pure hitter who can do a little of everything. He was projected to perform well this season by multiple outlets and he is already living up to the hype.

 

 

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HONORABLE MENTION:

Norfolk State University

Cam Mazell INF

Liam Royster RHP

Donovan Whitfield RHP

University Maryland Eastern Shore

Raymond Smith RHP

Noland Genies RHP

Wiley College

Luis Chapa OF

Luis Mares OF

Eddie Garza INF

Jackson State University

Eyon Everrett INF

Jordon Gouldbourne OF

Mississippi Valley State University

Chris King, OF

Kameron Byrd RHP/OF

Albany State University

Luke Addison OF/RHP

Chandler Walker RHP

Andrew Leonard OF

Rust College

Devin Tallington OF/RHP

Olin Evans C

Matthew Davis RHP

William Baker RHP

Edward Waters University 

Sebatian Velez RHP

Jeremyah Matinez LHP

Kentucky State University 

Anthony Holt INF

Preston Jones INF

Gavyn Minyard INF/OF

Redshirt Brad Dossett INF

Texas College

Travion Evans, 3B/Catcher/DH

Oakwood University

Jeremy Matos, SS

Prairie View A&M University

Michael Burroughs, OF

Savannah State University

Gio Tomlins, RHP

Miles College

Marques Dunn Jr., RHP