HBCU Freshmen Baseball Players of Impact for 2021

Today, Black College Nines reports on this year’s class of incoming freshman talent at HBCU baseball programs. Our in-depth analysis of the new kid on the block and his potential impact for his team. These are the players to watch out for during the 2021 season in HBCU Baseball large and small divisions. BCN examined methodically each player’s prep statistical data and received information from head coaches and their coaching staffs. Black College Nines takes a look at key newcomers who could have an impact for the 2021 season…

Large School Impact Freshman:

Alabama A&M University

Cole Steward (RHP) has tremendous talent on the mound and has potential to become an outstanding pitcher in the SWAC. He has very good life on the fastball with a lot of movement. Projects to become one of the starters for the Bulldogs this season in their rotation.

 

 

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North Carolina A&T University

Xavier Meachem (RHP). Meachem had an awesome impact on the ball club in fall ball. Was regularly up to 94-95 mph with solid secondary pitch which has earned him in a starters role.

 

 

 

 

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Prairie View A&M University

Keanu Maldonado (Utility) Saw some action in the fall, can play multiple positions and impressed the coaching staff with his ability to hit toward the gaps.

 

 

 

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Jackson State University

Hasaan Standifer LHP/OF. Hasaan will see time as a LHP and OF this year. Jackson State is excited about having him apart of the program. He was a member of the MLB Breakthrough Series.

 

 

 

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Small School Impact Freshman:

Kentucky State University

Brennon Williams (OF) At 6’6″ 225 pound redshirt freshman a left-handed power hitter who may ease the loss of senior Chance Egnor from the 2020 lineup. Williams has a chance to impact the lineup in the middle of the order filling a variety of roles, giving the ‘Breds flexibility defensively.

 

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Voorhees College

Rickey Dawson (OF). Rickey has great power with the bat along with extreme versatility at all outfield positions. High energy player that plays with an everyday spark needed to win ball games. Excited about him on both sides of the baseball.

 

 

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Lane College

Zion Mathis (LHP). Great size 6’3″ weight 210, pitchability, good velocity on his pitches, frontline arm that brings experience and a strong mentality to win ball games. 

 

 

 

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Miles College

Andy Poole (RHP) Projects as the game four mid-week starter. Has three good pitches, best is a slider mixed in with a nasty change up and fast ball. Athletic sound can play a duel role, topped out at 83 mph from the outfield. Had a really good fall practice.

 

 

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Tuskegee University

DeAngelo Nowell (RHP) Slated to be a mid week starter that has the make-up to be what Tuskegee needs as a future weekend guy. This kid is a sponge and soaks up any information thrown his way.

 

 

 

Honorable Mention:

Trevor Sheehan (INF) North Carolina A&T University

DeAngelo Nowell (RHP) Tuskegee University

Rashard Miller (INF) Virginia State University

Paul Castro (C) Prairie View A&M University

Tyler Williams (INF) Texas Southern University

Branden Lamback (OF/INF/UT) Southern University

Darius Hatchette (RHP) Savannah State University

Raphael Rodriguez (SS) Norfolk State University

Pedro Gutierrez (C) Florida Memorial University

Jaelan Williams (1B) Jackson State University

Noah Wiggins (RHP) Norfolk State University

Ulises Rodriguez (INF) Florida Memorial University

Darius Hatchette-Dunn (RHP) Savannah State University

Myles Collins (INF) Voorhees College

Emmett Jefferson (OF) Virginia State University

Garrett Riley-Valenzuela (LHP/1B/OF) Grambling State University