The University of Mississippi Athletics
Rebels Add First Two Signees Of 2006 Class
11/10/2005 | Baseball
Nov. 10, 2005
OXFORD, Miss. - The Ole Miss baseball program opened the November signing period with two signees for the 2006 class, as Jordan Henry and James Wiley signed national letters of intent to play for the Rebels beginning in the 2006 season, Ole Miss head coach Mike Bianco announced on Thursday.
Henry and Wiley mark the first signees for the Rebels in the 2006 class.
Wiley comes to the Rebels from the Lovett School in Atlanta, Ga. A left-handed pitcher, Wiley was an integral part of his team's success last season, as he compiled an 11-1 record with a 1.70 ERA and 123 strikeouts in 73.0 innings of work. He was named Pitcher of the Year by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, and was named Most Valuable Player of his high school team as he helped lead them to the Elite Eight in the state playoffs with a 27-5 record and a No. 2 ranking in the state of Georgia.
Wiley, who stands at 6-3, was also selected to the Atlanta Braves 400 Club Metro All-Star Team and was selected to the Georgia Dugout Tournament All-Tournament Team.
In summer ball, Wiley pitched for the East Cobb Yankees and helped the team to the Connie Mack World Series Title. In 2004, Wiley pitched for the East Cobb Astros and helped lead his team to the underclass world championship.
"We're very excited about having a player like James Wiley join our program," Bianco said. "James is a big player and is recognized as one of the top left-handed pitchers in the country, coming from a baseball tradition rich city like Atlanta. He plays ball at a competitive level and is a tough player. Obviously, his background shows he is a player who finds a way to win and has been around winning baseball."
Henry, a Vicksburg, Miss., native, has been an All-County and All-Region selection for the Vicksburg High Gators the past two seasons, and enters his senior season looking to continue his solid performances on the diamond. The senior was named Offensive and Defensive MVP of his team his junior season with Vicksburg.
A middle-infielder, Henry has also been a participant in summer ball leagues, playing for the Mississippi Heat and the Jackson 96ers. Most recently this past summer, Henry was an invitee to participate in the East Coast Professional Showcase.
Not only a baseball player, Henry has been ranked in the top 25 by the United States Tennis Association, and was named an All-State selection for Class 5A in tennis.
Jordan's older brother, Justin, is currently on the Rebel roster and was selected to the Freshman All-SEC team this past season.
"Jordan brings a lot of athletic ability and a versatility that allows him to play many positions," Bianco said. "He runs well and is a good left-handed hitter. He is considered one of the best players in the state of Mississippi. Jordan will be joining his brother here at Ole Miss, and that means a lot to us as a family program to have brothers want to be a part of Ole Miss baseball together."
The signing period, which began on Wednesday, November 9, will run through Wednesday, November 16.
