OXFORD, Miss. Ole Miss continued to add to its signing class with the announcement of a pair of JUCO transfers in outfielder Chad Hunter and right-handed pitcher Trent Rothlin, head coach Mike Bianco released on Thursday.
Hunter and Rothlin are the latest announced additions to the class and join previously announced signees David Renfroe, Eric Callender, Miles Hamblin, Tanner Mathis, Zach Lowery, Jordan Cooper, Evan Frazar and Alex Yarbrough as part of the 2009 signing class.
Hunter, a 5-11, 185-pound outfielder signed with the Rebels from Walters State Community College in Morristown, Tenn., where he hit .352 with 14 home runs and 57 RBI as a freshman last season. He also showed his speed on the base path as he stole 35 bases on the season, accounting for half of the teams total stolen bases on the season.
Hunter helped Walters State post a 55-9 record last season as the squad advanced to the Junior College World Series. He selected the Rebels over North Carolina, Tennessee, Austin Peay and Florida International.
“Chad is a tremendous outfield prospect with many solid tools,” said Ole Miss assistant coach and recruiting coordinator, Rob Reinstetle. “He has the ability to hit for power and average. His best tool might be his speed. He is a very good defensive outfielder with good range and has the ability to play all three positions in the outfield.”
Rothlin, a 6-2, 185-pound right-handed hurler also comes to the Rebels from Walters State Community College where he is a teammate of Hunter. Rothlin will be competing with the Senators for the first time this season after transferring to WSCC from Clemson.
He was drafted by the Seattle Mariners in the 35th round out of high school in Hickory, N.C., where he was rated as the fifth-ranked prospect in North Carolina as a senior and was ranked No. 121 nationally by Perfect Game. He also ranked in the top 150 players nationally by Baseball America.
“Trent is a hard throwing right hander who throws his fastball in the low 90s with tremendous sink,” Reinstetle said. “He also throws a good curveball and change-up. He is without a doubt a power arm and will make an immediate impact at Ole Miss. He has the stuff to be a weekend arm or work out of the bullpen in a closer type capacity.”
Rothlin selected the Rebels over Florida, N.C. State, East Carolina and UNC-Greensboro.
Hunter and Rothlin will be eligible to compete for the Rebels beginning with the 2009-10 academic year.
