Mobile Baseball Adds Four Prep Stars

MOBILE, Ala-- The University of Mobile baseball program added four prep stars to its roster for the 2011 season. The Rams added St. Paul's Blake Matthews, Thomasville's Brent Green, Baker's Jacob Knowles and Leroy's Will Blount.

Matthews is a tall right-hander, that the Mobile coaches are excited about working with.

"He has great upside, nothing he throws is straight," Mobile Head Coach Mike Jacobs said. "With hard work, we think Blake will compete for significant time on the mound and contribute for the next four years."

Green served as designated hitter at Thomasville and will need to adjust to the college game.

"Green is a very strong athlete with a lot of pop," Jacobs said. "He will probably use 2011 to get used to the speed of the college game, but we will see how quickly he adapts."

Knowles comes to Mobile with a chance to see playing time at the plate and on the mound.

"Jacob has a great feel for pitching and should compete for innings as a mid-week starter and weekend reliever," Assistant Coach Jon Seymour said. "He will also get an opportunity to earn some at bats in the spring."

Leroy's Will Blount is the last prep player in the group. He is another dual threat. In 2010, he hit .321, posted a .471 on-base percentage and slugged .632. On the mound, he posted a 2.27 ERA and held opponents to a .215 batting average.

"Will is a two-way player that will make a contribution to us both on the mound and in the field," Seymour said. "He is a left handed hitter with good pop and a reliable arm on the mound."