NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Fifteen Vanderbilt student-athletes have been named among the best in their respective athletic classifications, the second-most nationally, as Perfect Game unveiled its top-50 and top-100 lists this week.
The publication tabbed right-handed pitcher Kumar Rocker as the nation’s top freshman. Among Commodores recognized, seven are pitchers with right-hander Patrick Raby appearing at No. 14 among seniors and southpaw Hugh Fisher checking in at No. 17 among sophomores.
Vanderbilt was second only to Florida (16) while LSU (10) was the only other program in double-digits. Among the top-13 teams nationally, six squads come by way of the Southeastern Conference with Auburn and Ole Miss boasting eight and Arkansas adding seven.
Vanderbilt’s all-time starting nine as picked by https://t.co/mMoRjlwvsK.
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Right-handed pitchers Chance Huff (37) and Austin Becker (38) joined Rocker on the freshmen list. Among Vanderbilt’s 14-member freshman class, six are pitchers.
The Commodores provided the biggest presence among the sophomore class with a total of six student-athletes being represented. Alongside Fisher, Philip Clarke (34), Jake Eder (38), Pat DeMarco (42), Austin Martin (47) and Jayson Gonzalez (95) were recognized.
Juniors JJ Bleday (37) and Drake Fellows (39), who are both named 2019 preseason All-Americans, were acknowledged. In addition to Raby, four Commodore seniors were documented including Ethan Paul (19), Stephen Scott (22) and Julian Infante (31).
Top-ranked Vanderbilt, which returns eight of nine positional players, opens the season on Feb. 15 in Talking Stick, Arizona. The squad will face Virginia, Cal State Fullerton and TCU before returning to Hawkins Field for the home opener on Feb. 20 against Evansville.
Top-50 College Freshmen
1. Kumar Rocker, RHP
37. Chance Huff, RHP
38. Austin Becker, RHP
Top-100 College Sophomores
17. Hugh Fisher, LHP
34. Philip Clarke, C
38. Jake Eder, LHP
42. Pat DeMarco, OF
47. Austin Martin, 2B/3B
95. Jayson Gonzalez, 3B
Top-100 College Juniors
37. JJ Bleday, OF
39. Drake Fellows, RHP
Top 50-College Seniors
14. Patrick Raby, RHP
19. Ethan Paul, 2B/3B
22. Stephen Scott, OF/1B
31. Julian Infante, 1B
