Eastern Michigan Athletics
Baseball Signs Five For 2011 Season
11/30/2009 2:56:48 PM | Baseball
Jay Alexander announces five players have signed the National Letter of Intent for the 2011 season
YPSILANTI, Mich. (EMUEagles.com) – Eastern Michigan University head baseball coach Jay Alexander has announced five student-athletes have committed to EMU in the early fall signing period. Darren Burks (Matteson, Ill.-Rich South), Adam Dennison (Broadview Heights, Ohio-Padua Franciscan), Derek Long (Gilbert, Ariz.-Mesquite), Lee Longo (Gates Mills, Ohio-Mayfield) and junior college transfer Brian Hill (Flagstaff, Ariz.- Sinagua-Phoenix College) have committed to EMU for the 2011 season.
“I am excited about this class and the outstanding job our coaching staff has done in bringing in student-athletes who have the ability to make an immediate impact,” Alexander said. “All of the early signees are exceptional students in the classroom as well as on the field. I believe we brought the best kids in to fit our system and they will be a welcome addition to the EMU baseball family.”
Burks, a 6-foot-2 outfielder with a very athletic frame, has been clocked in the 60 yard dash at 6.5 seconds. Burks has a strong arm, good bat, and game changing speed that will be put to use immediately.
Dennison, a 6-foot-2 catcher, has a very strong frame and good arm behind the plate. He is projected to be a fourth year starter at catcher for Padua this year. Dennison has quick feet and is expected to contribute immediately.
Long is a right handed pitcher whose fastball peaks into the low 90's. He also possesses an excellent breaking ball and has the potential to be a big contributor as a freshman.
Longo is a corner infielder with serious power potential at the collegiate level. He has a strong frame that should allow him to hit as a freshman. Longo led the Mayfield football team deep into the Ohio state playoffs as an excellent high school quarterback as a junior and senior.
Hill, a 6-foot-4 left handed pitcher, is an experienced pitcher who throws in the mid 80's with an excellent breaking ball and changeup. Hill tallied 69 innings on the mound last season as a freshman at Phoenix College, finishing with a 4-5 record and 2.87 ERA. In 11 starts, Hill did not allow a home run and held the opposition to a .255 average.
