The Junkyard

Courtesy of UGA Sports Communications ...

ATHENS----University of Georgia head baseball coach David Perno announced Monday the first five members of the Bulldogs latest recruiting class after each signed a national letter-of-intent to attend UGA.

Here is a brief look at the newest Bulldogs, including the nation’s top-rated prospect, who have signed to join the program for the 2014 season:

Clint Frazier: Ranked as No. 1 prep prospect nationally for the 2013 MLB draft by Perfect Game and No. 2 prep prospect nationally by Baseball America. A consensus High School All-American including by Perfect Game, Baseball America, Louisville Slugger and Under Armour; Batted team-best .424 with 24 home runs, 58 RBI and 14 stolen bases in leading the Loganville Red Devils and coach Jeff Segars to a state title in 2012. Earned 2012 Jackie Robinson Award as the Perfect Game National Player of the Year. Hit .396-17-44 as a sophomore as team reached final four of the stateplayoffs. Son of Kim and Mark Frazier. “I’m thankful for the opportunity to play ball at UGA and the SEC,” said Frazier.
“Clint is a great player and one of the best offensive players in the country,” said Perno. “It would be a first for us if he ended up in school here because he is projected as a premium pick in the Major League Baseball draft in June.”

Michael Bell: Batted .424 with four home runs and 20 RBI for the Langston Hughes Panthers and coaches Isaac Haynes and Charles Foster…Earned team’s Silver Slugger and Gold Glove awards plus was named Mr. Panther baseball…Hit .405-2-18 as a sophomore...Played for ABA Atlanta Baseball Academy summer league team...Son of Theresa and Ricky Bell…“I would like to thank my parents, grandparents, all my coaches and everybody else who has helped me get this far,” said Bell. “This will be a great opportunity.”
“Mike is a very athletic infielder with the ability to play around the infield,” said Perno. “He has a lot of tools and will be an asset for the program.”

Connor Jones: Rated as the top left-hander in the state by Perfect Game and third team All-American out of Johns Creek High School…A three-year letterman and an Honor Roll Student for the Gladiators and coach Billy Nicholson. Helped lead team to semifinals of the state playoffs and played summer baseball for East Cobb Yankees that won the WWBA Perfect Game 18U national title. Son of Andrea and Evan Jones. “Ever since I was a little kid, I have dreamed about playing at UGA, and it’s a great fit both athletically and academically,” said Jones. “I’m excited and thankful for this opportunity.”
“Connor is a very projectable left-handed pitcher who has made great strides this past summer and fall,” said Perno. “He has a huge upside and we’re excited he chose UGA.”

Ryan Lawlor: Currently attending Middle Georgia and playing for Craig Young after graduating from Calvary Day School in Savannah where he was a standout pitcher/outfielder for the Cavaliers and coach Jonathan Davis…Tremendous senior season at Calvary, leading the team with a 10-1 record, 0.70 ERA and 158 strikeouts in 78 innings pitched…Batted .390 with 18 RBI to help Cavaliers win the region title and reach the elite eight of the playoffs…Named All-State, All-Region, All-City and Region Player of the Year along with Rawlings/Perfect Game All-America Honorable Mention…Went 9-1 with a 2.00 ERA and 85 strikeouts in 57 innings pitched as a junior…Member of National Honor Society and played summer baseball with the Alabama Seminoles…Son of Nancy and Mike Lawlor. “It’s a huge opportunity to play for a program such as UGA, and I look forward to contributing to the team and excited to be a Georgia Bulldog,” said Lawlor.
“Ryan is a talented left-handed pitcher who is at Middle Georgia right now developing and will step in and contribute for us in 2014,” said Perno. “He had a chance to turn pro out of high school.”

Skyler Weber: Batted .373 with three home runs and 34 RBI in leading Gainesville and coach Jeremy Kemp to a 32-2 mark as a junior…Named Defensive Player of the Year, First Team Coaches All-Region…Batted a team-best .443-8-52 as a sophomore for the Red Elephants in earning MVP honors…Named First Team Coaches All-Region and Gainesville Times Hitter of the Year…Son of Monique and Richard Weber.“I was raised to be a UGA fan, my parents, aunts, uncles, brother and cousins all wear the Red and Black,” said Weber. To have a chance to wear the Georgia uniform, play for these coaches and play with these teammates is not just a dream, it’s living the dream.”
“Skyler fits our style as a hard-nosed player who will be a solid, productive player and contribute as a freshman,” said Perno. “He’s a very good defensive catcher and provides a left-handed bat too.”

Georgia will announce additional members of its newest class later this week. The early signing period continues through Wednesday.