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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Bethune Cookman University
Pablo Torres, RHP is a true freshman right hander who is ranked nationally.
University Maryland Eastern Shore
Porter Braddy – LHP 6’0” 190lb finished high school career with a 1.21 ERA and 191 strikeouts.
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.
Savannah State University
Nehemiah Cook, RHP up to 91mph at 6′-6″
Paine College
Hunter Justice, RHP Fits the needs for Paine College. Great command of three pitches. Will be number one or two in rotation.
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.
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.
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
Please research freshman Kelcey “KJ” White of Westlake HS in Atlanta GA. KJ was an all state honored player and named the 6-AAAAAA region player of the year. He led his Westlake team coached by his father (Kelcey White, Sr.) to a 2x region championship over the last years. He will be playing middle infielder at Southern University. I love reading your publication and I know you rely on getting information in from various resources. With all of the great freshmen you highlighted, KJ will definitly make an impact on his team just as he did in high school.
Please research true freshman Joshua Snorton at Kentucky State University.He was All Region in the state of Ky, led his team to the state tournament, PBR and Perfect Game awardee, leader in the state for doubles, stolen bases, RBI, and more.
You may want to also ask Coach Henry, KSU Head Coach
Good article however.