FROM THE UNIVERSITY:
TEXAS BASEBALL
Baseball inks 16 to National Letters of Intent
Head coach David Pierce and his staff have signed a class of 16 high school student-athletes for the 2018-19 school year.
AUSTIN, Texas—The University of Texas baseball program and head coach David Pierce announced the signing of 16 student-athletes to National Letters of Intent for the 2018-19 season.
Pierce, along with assistant coaches Sean Allen and Philip Miller, bolstered their future roster by adding 16 high school seniors today.
“The second Wednesday in November is always a special time for the future of Texas Baseball,” Pierce said. “The National Letter of Intent signing day marks the recognition of our future players’ past accomplishments and the excitement for what is still to come.”
“I also want to publicly thank our administration and support staff for their efforts and diligence throughout the recruiting process and year-round,” he continued. “I especially want to recognize Drew Bishop, Carli Todd and Phil Haig for their contributions on campus as well as our recruiting coordinator Sean Allen and assistant coach Philip Miller for all the hours they have put in to make this day so special for our future players.”
The recruiting class includes 14 student-athletes from high schools in Texas and two from schools in Florida.
The Longhorns added nine right-handed pitchers: Mason Bryant (McCallum HS/Austin, Texas), Coy Cobb (Katy HS/Katy, Texas), Justin Eckhardt (Sealy HS/Sealy Texas), Kolby Kubichek (Bryan HS/Bryan, Texas), Ty Madden (Cypress Ranch HS/Cypress, Texas), Owen Meaney (St. Thomas HS/Houston, Texas), Jack Neely (Churchill HS/San Antonio, Texas), Justin Quinn (Calallen HS/Corpus Christi, Texas), and Simeon Woods (Kempner HS/Houston Texas).
Pierce’s 2018 class also includes the signing of left-handed pitcher Thomas Burbank (Monsignor Kelly HS/Beaumont, Texas). Burbank and Woods are the two-way players of the class, as they join three other infielders on signing day: current teammate Alec Carr (Kempner HS/Sugar Land, Texas), Peter Geib (Episcopal HS/Houston, Texas), and Bryce Reagan (IMG Academy/Amherst, N.H.).
The Longhorns also added a trio of outfielders: Korey Holland (Langham Creek HS/Houston, Texas), Eric Kennedy (Calvary Christian HS/Tampa, Florida), and Chase Roberts (Oak Ridge HS (Texas)/Lugoff, S.C.). Kennedy is the younger brother of Nick (2016-17) and Ben (2015-16), both of whom played at the University of Texas.
“The class of 2018 marks our second class as a staff and first full class committed by Coach Allen and Coach Miller,” Pierce said. “The future looks bright for Texas Baseball. Lastly, I want to thank all the high school and summer league coaches for your dedication and time you have spent with our 2018 class. Thank you and Hook’em Horns!”
2018 Texas Baseball Signing Class (as of Nov. 8, 2017)
Mason Bryant | RHP | R/R | 6-5 | 220 | McCallum HS | Austin, Texas
Personal: Son of Ross and Barbara Bryant…has one brother, Avery Bryant.
High school: Is a two-sport athlete at McCallum, as he also plays wide receiver on the football team…his mother, Barbara, worked at UT for 10 years in the School of Education…in baseball at McCallum, earned honorable mention as an outfielder as a sophomore and second team All-District outfielder as a junior…lettered in three seasons of football and named first team All-District at wide receiver and McCallum Offensive MVP as a sophomore and first team All-District punter as a junior.
I chose Texas because: “…I was born and raised in Austin and I’ve been a lifelong Longhorns fan. I’m very excited to become a part of the up-and-coming program.”
Allen on Bryant: “Mason is a great athlete that was blessed with a great arm. He looks like a big leaguer already and still has room to add weight to his frame. He will pitch in the low 90s and has touched 96.”
Pierce on Bryant: “Mason is a two-sport athlete at McCallum High School in Austin. He has excelled as a wide receiver in football and right-handed pitcher for the baseball team. Mason has a huge upside as a pitcher, his body has plenty of room to grow and his arm really works.”
Thomas Burbank | LHP/INF | L/L | 6-2 | 200 | Monsignor Kelly Catholic HS | Beaumont, Texas
Personal: Son of Tom and Kim Burbank…has two sisters, Paige and Annalise, and a brother, William.
High school: Plays under Monsignor Kelly head coach Mark Petkovsek, who played at Texas from 1985-87 and nine seasons in the big leagues…Thomas lettered in all three seasons so far at Monsignor…named Team USA World Cup Best Relief Pitcher in 2014…earned All-District honorable mention in 2015…part of the USA Baseball NTDP in 2016…also earned second team All-District honors that year…earned first team All-District and first team All-State honors in 2017…also a three-year letterman in soccer as a goalkeeper.
I chose Texas because: “…The University of Texas is a school that represents tradition and loyalty. It demands respect and embraces diversity. Most importantly, it stands for academic excellence and outstanding athletic success—all of the things that I can’t wait to be a part of.”
Allen on Burbank: “Thomas is a great competitor that helped his team reach the State Finals last year. He is very driven and a hard worker.”
Pierce on Burbank: “Thomas has a chance to hit and pitch for the Longhorns. He can create hitting issues as a left-handed pitcher and has some pop in his left-handed swing.”
Alec Carr | INF | 6-0 | 200 | Kempner HS | Sugar Land, Texas
Personal: Son of Amber Carr and grandson of Jeff Forney.
High school: Lettered in all three seasons at Kempner under head coach Marc Jones…named All-State as a sophomore and junior…also named to the All-Tournament team at the Perfect Game World Series…named first team All-District shortstop in both his sophomore and junior seasons.
I chose Texas because: “…I want to be a part of the tradition and bringing the program back to the success its had in the past.”
Allen on Carr: “Alec led the state in home runs as a junior last year, but he isn’t your typical one-dimensional power hitter. He can run and is athletic enough to play all over the field.”
Pierce on Carr: “Alec has a chance to be an immediate impact player. He runs well, hits for power and average and gives the Longhorns exceptional options defensively.”
Coy Cobb | RHP | 6-4 | 195 | Katy HS | Katy, Texas
Personal: Son of Sean and Courtnee Cobb…has one younger sister, Chloe, who plays softball.
High school: Lettered in each of the last two seasons under head coach Tom McPherson…named Katy’s top pitcher in 2017 and named first team All-District…also named a pitcher for Team Texas and the Houston Area All-Star Games…also named honorable mention all-district as a sophomore…named a 2016 and 2017 Perfect Game preseason All-American.
I chose Texas because: “…I’ve loved Texas since I was a little kid. UT has always been home to me.”
Allen on Cobb: “I will never forget the first time I saw Coy pitch—he threw 81-84 and dominated for five innings. He just knew how to pitch and he absolutely competed that day. I told myself to follow him because I knew if the stuff got better, he was going to be very good. Well the stuff is now 88-92 and touches 94 with two good breaking balls and a plus change up. The future is very bright for Coy.”
Pierce on Cobb: “Coy is a competitor. I saw him for the first time in our camp and knew he could pitch at the Division I level. We are very excited Coy will soon be a Longhorn.”
Justin Eckhardt | RHP | R/R | 6-2 | 190 | Sealy HS | Sealy, Texas
Personal: Son of Kyle and Laurie Eckhardt…has one brother, Tyler.
High school: lettered in each of his seasons at Sealy High School…also lettered in each of his four years in both football and track, earning All-District honors in football and making the state finals in high jump…in baseball, earned All-District and All-Region honors.
I chose Texas because: “…the atmosphere and the historical success at Texas are like no other.”
Allen on Eckhardt: “Justin is another big-bodied athlete. He plays football, runs track and is a two-way player in high school. I’m really excited to see how he progresses once he concentrates on just pitching. He can really sink the fastball and pounds the strike zone.”
Pierce on Eckhardt: “Justin is a true worker that has reaped the benefits of success thanks to that work ethic. He has continued to get stronger and more polished. He is a two-sport star in football and baseball and will compete to be an immediate contributor for the Longhorns.”
Peter Geib | INF | R/R | 6-2 | 210 | Episcopal HS | Houston, Texas
Personal: Son of Greg and Kathy Geib…has one sister, Grace, and one brother, Gavin…his father played football at Penn State and Gavin is currently a tight end for the Nittany Lions.
High school: played first, third, and pitched and lettered in each of his seasons at Episcopal under head coach Matt Fox…also played football, where he was a three-year starter at linebacker…named all-state SPC honors in his three seasons and picked up Houston HS Coaches Association All-Star team honors.
I chose Texas because: “…at Texas I will be able to challenge myself academically and be part of a program that is going to work to be the best in the country.”
Allen on Geib: “Peter is kid that just hits. He has power and the hit tool you are looking for in a corner infielder. He is kid that plays the game the right way every time.”
Pierce on Geib: “Pete can hit! We watched him for months and he continued to impress us. I know Pete will be a perfect fit on the Forty Acres. He has a great will to be the best he can be.”
Korey Holland | OF | R/R | 5-11 | 175 | Langham Creek HS | Houston, Texas
Personal: Son of Sid and Diana Holland…has two sisters, Kayla and Kelsey…Sid played junior college baseball as an outfielder at San Jacinto under former Longhorn and current Rice head coach Wayne Graham before playing at then-UT Pan American…he was drafted by the Texas Rangers in 1990 and eventually went on to coach in the Houston Astros organization…Kayle played softball at the University of Houston from 2011-15.
High school: Korey is a three-year letterman and starter at Langham Creek under head coach Armando Sedeno…named Academic All-Distrct in each of his years and earned All-District honors in his sophomore and junior seasons…a three-time Team Texas member…named Langham Creek team captain for his junior and senior seasons.
I chose Texas because: “…I have been a life-long fan of the Longhorns and the opportunity to play for Texas is a dream come true.”
Allen on Holland: “Korey is a fast-twitch athlete that just continues to get stronger. He is another one that just gets hits every time we see him. He is a plus runner that can impact the game not only with his bat but with his speed. He has a great baseball mind and plays the game the right way.”
Pierce on Holland: “Korey was good when we verballed him but he has taken his abilities to another level. His commitment to improve his speed and strength is very noticeable. Korey will be an impact player at The University of Texas on and off the field.”
Eric Kennedy | OF | L/R | 5-11 | 195 | Calvary Christian HS | Tampa, Fla.
Personal: Son of Dave and Julie Kennedy…Dave is the head strength and conditioning coach for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers…has two older brothers, Ben and Nick, both of whom played baseball at Texas…Ben played from 2014-16 and Nick played from 2016-17 before he was drafted in the fifth round by the Colorado Rockies this past June
High school: Started and lettered in each of his three seasons at Calvary Christian under head coach Greg Olsen in Tampa…in 2017, was named to the MaxPreps All-American first team, the USA Today All-USA Florida Baseball first team, the Prep Baseball Report Florida High School All-State team, the Tampa Bay Times’ All-Tampa Bay Baseball first team, the TBT’s Pinellas County Player of the Year, the Florida Athletic Coaches’ Association 4A District 14 Player of the Year, and the Offensive MVP on the CCHS FHSAA Class 4A State Champion Warriors…as a sophomore, named to the TBT’s All-Tampa Bay Baseball third team and the TBT’s All-Pinellas County first team…picked up honorable mention honors his freshman year.
I chose Texas because: “…besides the fact that my two older brothers also played at UT, Texas Baseball is one of the premier programs in the country. Its led by a great group of coaches and is part of a prestigious school in a cool city. I’m honored to get to represent the University of Texas.”
Allen on Kennedy: “Eric is one of the fastest players in the country, can play all three outfield spots and has the ability to be that speed and power threat that you want from your outfielders.”
Pierce on Kennedy: “The Kennedy legacy continues with the signing of Eric. His brothers Ben and Nick both had tremendous speed and strength. I look forward to watching Eric’s growth in the coming years.”
Kolby Kubichek | RHP | R/R | 6-0 | 170 | Bryan HS | Bryan, Texas
Personal: Son of Jeff and Carrie Kubichek…has one brother, Kyle, and one sister, Kamryn.
High school: Lettered in each of his three seasons at Bryan High School under head coach James Dillard…played shortstop and right field in addition to pitching…pitched for the Rangers team in the Area Code Games over the summer.
I chose Texas because: “…it felt right in my heart. I really like Coach Pierce and the baseball program.”
Allen on Kubichek: “Kolby has a very fast arm and has really turned himself into a very good strike thrower. He’s a very competitive kid that seems to get better in big games. He is a sinker/slider type pitcher that will pitch in the low 90s.”
Pierce on Kubichek: “Some might consider Kolby undersized but don’t let his stature fool you—he competes and can flat out pitch. Kolby is confident and knows what he’s doing. He will be an impact pitcher for the Longhorns.
Ty Madden | RHP | R/R | 6-3 | 200 | Cypress Ranch HS | Cypress, Texas
Personal: Son of Brian and Misty Madden…has two brothers, Kannon and Easton.
High school: Lettered in each of his three seasons under head coach Corey Cephus at Cypress Ranch High School…named second team All-District pitcher as a junior.
I chose Texas because: “…how could I not? The moment I stepped on campus, I fell in love with the coaches, the city, and the atmosphere.”
Allen on Madden: “Ty has a great arm and possesses three plus pitches. He will pitch 90-94 with a swing-and-miss changeup. Ty has weekend rotation type stuff and we are very excited about getting him on campus.”
Pierce on Madden: “Ty has a great arm and body. He has a desire to be a part of the great tradition at Texas and will embrace and contribute to the history of Texas Baseball.”
Owen Meaney | RHP | R/R | 6-5 | 230 | St. Thomas HS | Houston, Texas
Personal: Son of Ed and Brenda Meaney…has one brother, Brian, and a sister, Kerri.
High school: Lettered in each of his seasons at St. Thomas High School under head coach Ryan Lousteau…earned TAPPS first team All-State honors in 2016 and 2017…named to the TAPPS state all-tournament team as a junior…named the Texas Prep Baseball Houston Private School MVP as a junior…earned Perfect Game Underclass All-American second-team honors last season and high honorable mention honors as a sophomore.
I chose Texas because: “…the academic and athletic excellence are the two things I was looking for in a school. Very few schools can match UT in this regard and the top-notch facilities and a baseball program on the rise made the decision that much easier.”
Allen on Meaney: “Owen is a big physical kid that has a huge upside. The stuff is very good already and he should be ready to make an immediate impact.”
Pierce on Meaney: “Owen was a tremendous late verbal to our program. His body is developed and is ready for the rigors of Division I baseball. His stuff is electric and I am thankful he is joining the UT baseball program.”
Jack Neely | RHP | R/R | 6-9 | 220 | Churchill HS | San Antonio, Texas
Personal: Son of Joe and Amy Neely…has a younger brother named Jake… his grandfather and great grandfather (both named Jack) played football at UT.
High school: Has lettered since his sophomore year at Churchill High School under head coach Dennis Schlueter…named second team All-District as a junior…played basketball for three seasons, lettering in his sophomore and junior years…earned unanimous All-District honors as a junior and was twice voted to the All-Tournament team.
I chose Texas because: “…I have always been impressed by UT’s reputation on and off the field. I’m intrigued by the family history that it possesses for me with both my grandfather and great-grandfather attending Texas as athletes.”
Allen on Neely: “Jack is very good athlete, which you typically don’t see in a kid that is 6’9’’. He is a very good basketball player and that athleticism translates to the mound. He pitches 88-92 right now and that will only get better has he gets stronger.”
Pierce on Neely: “Jack has the greatest upside of any signee in the country. He’s another right-hander that we verballed from our camp. He is 6’9” and has room to fill out. Jack has a great attitude and enjoys the preparation and competition.”
Justin Quinn | RHP | R/R | 6-1 | 195 | Calallen HS | Corpus Christi, Texas
Personal: Son of Cody and Billie Quinn…has a younger brother, Blake…Justin’s Little League team made it to the Junior League World Series in his eighth grade year and won the U.S. Championship.
High school: Lettered in each of his seasons at Calallen High School under head coach Steve Chapman…pitched and played first base…earned All-Academic honors in every year at Calallen…earned All-District honorable mention as a sophomore.
I chose Texas because: “…when you think of success on the baseball field, a school that jumps into your mind in Texas. You think of guys like Roger Clemens and Keith Moreland—Texas is everywhere in the history books. This legacy is why I chose the University of Texas.”
Allen on Quinn: “Justin is a big time strike thrower with solid stuff. He has pitched in a lot of big games for his high school and he has excelled in those games. We expect him to come in and do the same here on the Forty Acres.”
Pierce on Quinn: “Justin has an easy arm and is a strike thrower. I like his mound presence and confidence and I can visualize Justin contributing as a freshman.”
Bryce Reagan | INF | S/R | 6-2 | 190 | IMG Academy (Fla.) | Amherst, N.H.
Personal: Son of Kyle and Heather Reagan…has a sister, Molly, and a brother, Drew…Kyle played for the Cincinnati Reds and the Atlanta Braves organizations as a catcher from 1989-93.
High school: Played his first three seasons at Souhegan High School in Amherst, N.H., under head coach Bill Dod before attending IMG Academy (Fla.) for his senior year…earned first team All-State honors in each of his three seasons at Souhegan…earned defensive player of the year honors in each of those seasons and earned the sportsmanship award during his freshman year…named the New Hampshire Player of the Year as a junior.
I chose Texas because: “…of the winning tradition and the chance to win a College World Series.”
Allen on Reagan: “Bryce is one of the top shortstops in the country and I love the fact that he is a switch hitter. He absolutely loves the game and plays with an edge that we are always looking for. Bryce is a very competitive kid that we will expect to come in and contribute in a big way.”
Pierce on Reagan: “Bryce is a shortstop by trade and can play short, third and second. He can run and he switch hits. I love the fact that Bryce has committed to Texas from the northeast. He will bring versatility on and off the field and has a chance to be an immediate impact player.”
Chase Roberts | OF | L/L | 5-10 | 185 | Oak Ridge HS | Lugoff, S.C.
Personal: Son of Taylor and Jamie Roberts and Michael and Amanda Evans…has one sister, Kadyn, and a brother, Cobe.
High school: Lettered in each of his seasons under head coach Randy Stokes at Lugoff-Elgin High School in Elgin, S.C. before moving to Conroe, Texas, for his senior year…earned All-State honors and was an American Family Insurance ALL-USA South Carolina Baseball Team selection as a junior…won the 17U WWBA National Championship with his summer team, the Evoshield Canes National team…also earned All-State and All-Region honors as a sophomore.
I chose Texas because: “…its my favorite place in the country to be. I chose Texas because my heart belongs there.”
Allen on Roberts: “Chase is another outfielder that is a tremendous athlete and can really run. He is a left-handed hitter that just finds ways to get on base. He throws very well and can play all three outfield spots. He’s a very tough, hardnosed kid and I think fans will love the way he plays the game.”
Pierce on Roberts: “Chase always wanted to be a Longhorn and this summer his dream came true. I think he’ll remind a lot of fans of Mark Payton. He plays at a speed that coaches strive for. The left-handed hitting outfielder is tough and determined and we are excited that he is heading to Austin to become a Longhorn.”
Simeon Woods-Richardson | RHP/INF | R/R | 6-3 | 200 | Kempner HS | Houston, Texas
Personal: Son of Arthur and Wendy Woods…Arthur played semipro football as a nose guard.
High school: Plays third, short, and pitches and has lettered since his sophomore season at Kempner High School…named District MVP in his sophomore and junior seasons and earned first team All-District honors in each of those seasons…named two-way player of the year as a junior and newcomer of the year as a sophomore…holds the school record for strikeouts and led 6A baseball in strikeouts as a junior.
I chose Texas because: “…it felt like my second home. I saw history and pride around the campus and the environment was so laidback that I fell in love with it and wanted to be a Longhorn.”
Allen on Woods-Richardson: “Simeon is the No. 1-ranked right-handed pitcher in the state. He will pitch 90-93 and top out at 95. He is an extremely competitive kid that loves to pitch. He has the stuff to pitch on the weekend right now. He also is a very good hitter that could be a two-way player for us.”
Pierce on Woods-Richardson: “Simeon is one of the best right-handed pitchers in the country. He has a great tempo, great stuff and definitely looks the part. Simeon will be a great addition to the Longhorn staff.”