Baseball Adds Another Strong Signing Class

ATLANTA -- With a strong emphasis on pitching, Georgia State baseball coach Brad Stromdahl and his staff announced a fall signing class of eight talented student-athletes who will join the Panthers' program for the 2023-24 season.

Seven of the eight signees are pitchers, including two two-way players. The class includes five high school prospects, all from Georgia, and three junior college standouts.

"This class is another huge step forward our program as we work to build a program that will compete for championships," Stromdahl said.

Meet the Panthers' fall signees:

EVAN AMES
1B | 6-5, 230 | L/R | Fort Myers, Fla. (Canterbury HS/Winthrop/Chipola College)

Left-handed hitting first baseman with power ... Plays at junior college power Chipola College after spending the 2022 season at Winthrop, where he played in 15 games, starting six, with one homer, one double and four RBI ... First-team All-Area selection as a senior at Canterbury High School.

Head coach Brad Stromdahl says, "Tough, physical, no-nonsense, middle-of-the-order ballplayer. Evan brings a wealth of power and experience. We are excited to see him explore new heights within our program."

TYSEN BENFORD
RHP | 6-5, 250 | R/R | Acworth, Ga. (Georgia Premier Academy)

Right-handed pitcher from Georgia Premier Academy ... Led North Paulding High School to the 2021 Class AAAAAAA state finals in Georgia's largest classification ... Chosen for the Atlanta Braves annual 44 Classic presented by Nike at Truist Park, a showcase featuring top diverse high school baseball talent from the Southeast. Pitched two innings and allowed no hits while striking out four of seven batters faced.

Head Coach Brad Stromdahl, "Tysen is a strong and physical young pitcher who moves with force down the mound. He naturally throws a heavy ball with a great deal of movement. He will bring power stuff to the mound on weekends."

NICK LANNING
RHP | 6-6, 215 | R/R | Norcross, Ga. (Norcross HS)

Tall right-hander who is rated among the top 500 prospects in the nation by Perfect Game ... All-county selection by the Gwinnett Dugout Club as a junior at Norcross High School ... Nominated for Gwinnett County Athlete of the Week after tossing a one-hit shutout vs. Eastside last March ... Chosen for the 2022 East-West Underclassmen All-Star Game.

Head Coach Brad Stromdahl says, "Nick is a local newcomer with solid arm strength and an athletic frame that will continue to develop in our program. His maturity and strong work ethic will give him a chance to contribute right away."

ROSS NORMAN
RHP | 6-7, 200 | R/R | Ringgold, Ga. (Ringgold HS)

Tall right-hander from Ringgold High School who is ranked among the top 500 prospects in the nation by Perfect Game ... Also plays football and quarterbacked Ringgold to the playoffs this fall, finishing the season with 1,500 yards passing, 300 yards rushing and 21 touchdowns.

Head Coach Brad Stromdahl says, "Ross is a tough kid who works extremely hard on and off the diamond. He has the chance to have next-level pitchability which will translate the second he steps on campus. Ross Norman's best days are ahead of him."

SAM PARKER
1B/LHP | 6-4, 210 | L/L | Marietta, Ga. (Kennesaw Mountain)

Two-way standout as a left-handed pitcher and first baseman at Kennesaw Mountain High School ... Rated a among the top 400 players in the nation by Perfect Game ... Left-handed hitter with power ... Chosen for the Atlanta Braves annual 44 Classic presented by Nike at Truist Park, a showcase featuring top diverse high school baseball talent from the Southeast, and won the home run derby.

Head Coach Brad Stromdahl says, "Sam comes to us as a polished two-way player. His style of play and competitiveness will make him a perfect fit to our program. Sam is a very strong and durable kid with a tremendous work ethic."

SAMUEL SCHOFIELD
RHP | 6-3, 210 | R/R | Madison, Ga. (Morgan County HS)

Right-handed pitcher from Morgan County High School and a Top 350 prospect in the nation by Perfect Game ... Polished arm who throws 90-93 with excellent control ...

CALEB WHITE
RHP | 6-9, 210 | R/R | Van, Texas (Van HS/Eastern Oklahoma State College)

Tall right-hander who has been clocked at 95 mph ... Has a down-hill delivery and feel for three pitches ... Made 15 appearances as a freshman at Eastern Oklahoma State with an 0-1 record and one save ... Collected 16 strikeouts in 16.2 innings ... Tossed a no-hitter as a senior at Van (Texas) High School.

Head Coach Brad Stromdahl says, "Caleb brings some special attributes on the mound. He has the chance to separate himself in our league, and we are excited for his future in our program."

CHAY YEAGER
3B/RHP | 5-10, | L/R | Peachtree City, Ga. (Starr's Mill HS/Wofford/Pasco-Hernando State)

Two-way standout who can contribute in the infield and on the mound ... Hard-throwing righty who has been clocked at 96 mph ... Primarily an infielder for Pasco-Hernando in 2022, when he hit .347 with six homers, 53 RBI and 47 runs scored ... Originally attended Wofford ... Led Starr's Mill High School to the 2021 Class AAAAA state title. Pitched a 1-0, complete-game victory over Loganville in Game 1 of the championship series, allowing just two hits and striking out eight over seven innings ... As a sophomore was named second team All-Region with a .380 batting average.

Head Coach Brad Stromdahl says, "The way Chay plays the game radiates throughout the field. He fits into our program perfectly with the energy and presence he brings to the park daily. He has a chance to get a lot of at bats, as well as see time on the mound."

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