MOBILE, Ala. ? The University of South Alabama continued to bolster its already strong 2008 recruiting class, as Derek O’Reilly and Miles Ethridge, each have signed to play for the Jaguars, that according to Jaguar Head Coach Steve Kittrell Tuesday.
“We are extremely excited about these two young men coming to our program,” said Kittrell. “The coaching staff worked very hard to get both of them to South Alabama and we feel that they both can come in and contribute immediately.”
O’Reilly, from Oakhurst, Calif. comes to USA after spending the last two seasons at Fresno City College in Fresno, Calif. A two-time 1st Team All-Conference selection, and a 2007 Pre-Season All-American, O’Reilly batted .362 with 14 doubles and two home runs. On the bases he led the team with 16 stolen bases. Recently he was named as a California Junior College All-American.
Most importantly, O’Reilly brings an amazingly consistent glove to the USA infield. In 2007, he committed just nine errors in over 200 chances. A career .370 hitter, O’Reilly’s defense and bat will have a major impact on the Jag lineup.
“Derek is a very intelligent player who brings experience and leadership to USA,” said Jag assistant coach Seth Von Behren. “When I saw Derek play, I knew he was a South Alabama type player and we look forward to working him this fall.”
The Jags have also signed Ethridge, a right-handed pitcher from Norcross, Ga. Prior to the 2007 season at North Florida Community College, Ethridge was at Young Harris Community College and Valdosta State.
This past season, Ethridge went 6-8 for NFCC. Logging 92 innings and fanning 60. Ethridge was recruited by Louisiana-Monroe and Florida State before deciding to sign with the Jags.
“We expect a lot out of Miles next season and we think that he has the tough mental makeup and the physical ability to help South Alabama get to the next level,” said USA Recruiting Coordinator and Pitching Coach Jason Jackson. “He threw a lot of innings last season and we expect him to be on the mound a lot next season for South Alabama.”
