Black College Nines has digested this year’s incoming freshman crop from Historically Black College and University (HBCU) baseball programs with the help from head coaches and their staff, weighing their fall ball performances and the impact each could have on his team this year. Based upon these factors, below we identify ten freshmen impact players for 2024 as the official HBCU Baseball season gets underway…
1. Rust College
Kyrent Cole, INF, a native of Chicago, Illinois, he played high school baseball at St. Leo High School under Michael Anderson and played summer league under Earnest Radcliffe. He will be the primary second baseman this year for the Bearcats. Last year Cole was the 2023 Chicago Catholic League All Star game starter and led the team to the sectional semi-finals two years in a row. He will be a tremendous asset in the midfield allow with D. K. Warren at SS.
2. Southern University
Kennedy Drexler, INF, A three-year starter at New Iberia Senior High, signed a letter of intent to continue his career at Southern University last January. Has the potential to start either 2B and SS. Power at the plate, very solid defensively.
3. North Carolina A&T State University
JT Taylor, INF really impressed the coaching staff in fall ball with his bat, speed on the base path, and defensive skills. Will push to be immediate impact into the line.
4. Virginia State University
Gavin Stephens (RHP), and Preston Branzelle (LHP) will look to solidify themselves in the rotation which the coaches feel can be very special.
5. Clark Atlanta University
Alijah Robinson, LHP/INF, Up and coming two-way player will see time at first base and as a reliever. At 6’3 240, showed tremendous upside at the plate working on driving the ball to the opposite field.
6. Lincoln University (PA)
Dennis Flores (RHP) set to flirt with the rotation after a solid fall season.
7. Benedict College
Shane Williams RHP/INF, California recruit Serrano High School, live arm, good hitter, spots up on the mound.
8. Florida A&M University
Carson Kelly, LHP, a left-handed pitcher that throws from a very low slot. His fastball has a great run, and he pitches in the mid-80s. He also throws a very good change up and slider. He will be used in relief to start the season.
9. Florida A&M University
Josue Figueroa, 1B/C is a switch hitter has a ton of potential, and it will be important that he gets a lot of at bats this season. He has the chance to catch, play first base and DH.
10. Xavier University of Louisiana
Alan Velez, 2B-SS, Freshman, Trujillo Alto, Puerto Rico, highly skilled infielder, strong arm. swings good bat, will open the season as a starter.
Rising Freshmen:
Xavier University of Louisiana
Keyshawn Wright, 3B-DH, Freshman, Atlanta, GA, big guy with a lot of power, very solid defensively.
Tyler Patterson, RHP, Freshman, Chicago, IL, strong arm, athletic, will work from bullpen.
Lincoln University (PA)
Dennis Flores (RHP) set to flirt with the rotation after a solid fall season.
Darryl Husband (IF) who can play multiple IF positions and is a switch hitter.
Dominic Smithers (IF) who can play multiple IF positions and handle the bat.
Dwayne Davis (RHP) who should provide some length in a relatively unproven bullpen.
Talladega College
Victor Rivera, INF, a versatile four-tool player and excellent baseball sense, high baseball IQ.
Dawinel Vazquez, a robust arm pitcher with an 88+ mph fastball and excellent secondary pitches, will work out of the pen.
Coppin State University
Chris Marte, C, who batted nearly .500 in fall ball games.
Brandon Stephens, RHP, fireballer throws in the 90s who ended the fall session recording seven consecutive strikeouts.
Savannah State University
Farah Castillo, UTL, led team in hitting in the Fall. Can play all over the diamond and gives the versatility that will help the Tigers throughout his career. Can handle the bat and plays with high intellect.
Gregory Gonzalez, LHP, coaching staff called Gonzalez a surprise signee as he had a couple of D1 offers. Has pushed to be one of the starters in program. Another 3 pitch mix guy that runs his FBs in the 88-90 range.
Honorable Mention:
Wiley University – Keyon Guillory, Corey Grant, Jaylen Cream, Edgar Muniz, Amir Mason, Smauri Abram
Bethune Cookman University – Jorge Gonzalez-Febo, INF,
Delaware State University – Michael Lane
Oakwood University – Dawryn Coronado, RHP, Dakota Cobb, LHP
Miles College – Branson Honea