Virginia State University
Conference: Independent (NCAA Division II)
Head Coach: Merrill Morgan 21st Season
2023 Record: 21-29 (.420)
Black College Nines (BCN) 2023 HBCU Baseball Final Poll: Unranked
Top Returning Players:
Joseph Hastings, RHP
Dawsyn Hock, C
Top Freshman Recruits:
Gavin Stephens, RHP
Preston Branzelle, LHP
Top JUCO Transfer
Victor Johnson, OF/INF
Terrance McGowan, OF/INF
Jamari Pooler, OF/INF
Preseason Overview:
The Trojans are geared up and ready to take the field for the 2024 Season. Coming off a season where they won 21 games, last year’s team lost 10 games by 1-2 runs. In order to address those needs the Trojans added depth both on the mound and in the batters box. Virginia State returns their top two arms in RHP Joseph Hastings (3.45 ERA) and Two-way Christian Henderson (3.79 ERA).
Incoming freshman RHP Gavin Stephens, and LHP Preston Branzelle will look to solidify themselves in the rotation which the coaches feel can be very special. Hastings will again be the ace after a impressive season last season as well as a summer in the Coastal Plain League. The big righty is the Trojans top MLB prospect on the mound.
Virginia State will return several impact players in 2024. Dawsyn Hock is the leading returning hitter as he had the highest batting average and was second on the team in RBIs last year. Infielder Norman Jackson and utility Avante Banks will be looked upon early and often to provide leadership and stellar defensive play. Keep an eye out on Catcher/RHP Jody Morris and newcomer Jaquan Tucker, who will be regulars throughout the Trojan lineup.
To fill out the roster, Coach Morgan and his staff brought in what they feel in one of his best recruiting classes to date. Victor Johnson, Terrance McGowan and Jamari Pooler are three players who will see time at several different positions. The staff is also anticipating good things from Marquis Smith, Jimmly Williams, and Jihbril Scott, who joined the team this spring after playing football in the fall.
Virginia State University opens the 2024 season Feb 3, 2024 with a three game series at Clark Atlanta University.