POSITION: Outfielder
CLASS: Sophomore
HOMETOWN: Lilburn, Ga. (Parkview High School)
NEXT HOME GAME: Feb. 20-22 vs. UMass-Lowell

 ATLANTA- Sophomore Ryan Blanton is a left-handed hitting center fielder. As a freshman last spring, he saw action in 54 games, with 24 starts. He hit three home runs, highlighted by a solo blast that helped the Panthers to a win at Ole Miss.

Blanton has made the Dean's List three straight semesters was named to the Sun Belt Commissioner's All-Academic List for 2013-14.

How did you get started playing baseball?
Ryan Blanton: I started playing when I was four and my parents gave me a bat and glove for my birthday. When I started sleeping with my bat, I think that's how they knew I was a position player and not a pitcher.

How do you feel about this season?
RB: I feel very strong about it. I think our pitching is better and our defense is definitely better. Plus, we're going to have the same hitting as we did last year and that was very good. I'm pretty excited about this season.

Do you ever get nervous before a big game?
RB: Sort of. I get anxious and nervous because I just want our team to perform well. I know that it means a lot to our program and I represent both team and my family so I just want to make them proud.

What has been your toughest loss?
RB: Our toughest loss last year was definitely against Western Kentucky. It was really the nail on the head for us to not make it into the conference tournament. I really wanted that for our seniors and the team in general, so that was hard.

Who is your favorite MLB player?
RB: Josh Hamilton. He overcame a lot with a drug and alcohol problem. When you're at that level, things like that can completely derail you and he didn't let that happen.

What is your favorite movie?
RB: American Sniper. I feel like every movie I see instantly becomes my favorite but this one really hit home. It's such a reality and we all take for granted what our troops do overseas. I don't know for sure but I would assume it's a very realistic portrayal because it's based on an autobiography so I think it was very close to what they go through.

What is your greatest accomplishment?
RB: Getting a scholarship to play here because I needed to help my parents out paying for college. I think that it's making them happy and making everything that they did for me throughout the years worth it because now I can give something back to them.

Do you have a mentor on the team?
RB: Last year Chase Raffield helped me quite a bit. I learned a lot from him about baseball and life. He is a great man and I think everyone took a lot from him. He just seemed like the perfect human being and the perfect role model.

What is your favorite class?
RB: The human anatomy class I took last year. The human body really interests me and if baseball doesn't work out for me that is something that I would like to pursue.

What is your biggest fear?
RB: Not making my parents proud or being able to give back what they gave to me.