Keller signs first 13 players

PERKINSTON — New Mississippi Gulf Coast baseball coach Bob Keller has announced the first signees of his first recruiting class, a 13-player haul.

"We are very excited about this crop of freshman coming in next year," he said. "We lose a lot of sophomores, so this group will be vital to filling many vacated holes from players who will be moving on to the Next Level. We tried to identify talented players who could contribute immediately and had great make-up as well. We quickly identified some very solid kids and got to work on them."

Keller and assistant coach Zach Allen hit the ground running in Perkinston and locked up a great collection of talent.

"Recruiting is the lifeblood to a great program," Keller said. "Zach did a great job in all his work to help us lift this program to the Next Level. His value to us is unmatched.  We still have a ways to go, but I really am excited about where we are headed."

Levi Odum, Sumrall HS

"Levi is a right-handed pitcher with a lot of upside," Allen said. "He is a big-time competitor that will make an immediate impact on our team."

Kannon Varnado, Harrison Central HS

"Kannon is an athletic middle infielder who can really pick it," Allen said. "He is a very savvy player and will help us on the mound as well."

Ty Mancha, Mobile Christian HS 

"Ty is a lefty-hitting catcher who should hit for high average," Keller said. "He has excellent eye-hand skillset at the plate and is a very good defender who can handle the running game. He has room to fill out and he should add more power numbers to his game as he continues to get stronger. Ty's definitely on the path to be a D1 prospect. The sky is the limit."

Hayden O'Dell, St. Paul's Episcopal School

"Really excited about landing this proven winner in the Mobile area," Keller said. "He's a solid lefty who fits the profile of a future starter. He can pitch in the upper 80s and has good feel to the spin on his breaking ball. Hayden will get every chance to show us he can hit, too. He takes a real competitive spirit to the mound with ice in his veins."

Marc Stevens, Gulf Shores HS

"This was a real good get for us," Keller said. "Marcus is a plus-defender who came with high marks on every coach we spoke to. He's another high character player from a solid family who should make an immediate impact on our lineup from both the defensive and offensive side of the ball."

Evan McNally, Ocean Springs HS

"Evan is a proven winner who elevates others around him," Keller said. "He's another one who fit our profile of high-character, blue-collar grinder, who can just flat out swing it. Evan is a two-sport star in high school who will fit into our daily approach. He comes ready to play every day, and we are lucky to land him."

Tyler Gunter, D'Iberville HS

"We are pumped to get Tyler on campus," Allen said. "He has the frame to throw really hard one day. He can spin it with the best. He has a chance to develop into a dominant arm in our league."

Jayden Mark, Petal HS

"Jayden receives and throws really well," Allen said. "He is a good-sizes kid who is very athletic. He will hit for power and shut down the running game."

Devin Culberson, Harrison Central HS 

"We are really excited about Devin," Allen said. "He is a very versatile player who can play in the infield or outfield and will pitch some. He will see time at all those places."

Jeremiah Newman, D'Iberville HS

"Jeremiah is going to come in and hit with some pop immediately," Allen said. "He can play outfield and even some first base. We are excited to see his bat continue to develop and become a top-notch player in our league."

Charlie Olsen, Gulfport HS

"Charlie is one of the most athletic players in the 2022 class," Allen said. "He can really run. He will be able to play all three outfield positions for us. He competes extremely hard and will make our team better from Day 1." 

Adrian Byrd, Stone HS

"Adrian is a hometown kid who has huge upside," Allen said. "He uses a three-pitch mix that keeps guys off balance and has a fastball that is electric. We are very excited to get Adrian to campus." 

Blake King, Petal HS

"Blake is a two-way guy who we are hoping can come in and make an immediate impact," Allen said. "He can play the left side of the infield and get on the bump and compete.

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