“It’s a small class because we didn’t have a lot of attrition, but it’s a quality class,” Peterson said. “This is a good, solid class that includes three pitchers because you can never have enough pitching. They’re all strike-throwers, so that gives them the opportunity to pitch right away.”
Zac Curtis // LHP
Hendersonville, Tenn. // Hendersonville HS // Vol State CC
Posted a 4-2 record with a 3.80 ERA as a freshman at Vol State en route to earning conference Pitcher of the Year honors and a first-team all-conference selection … Collected 54 strikeouts while walking 23 in 42.2 innings … Made seven starts, including three complete games and one shutout … Was a two-time all-region honoree while at Hendersonville under head coach Mike Hendrix … Named to the all-district tournament team twice and participated in the TBCA Showcase … Will be a sophomore at Vol State during the 2012 season.
Peterson on Curtis: “We’re hoping for instant production from him since he has junior college experience. We hope he helps immediately in the rotation, especially since he is a lefty because that gives us a big plus.”
Dathan Prewett // IF
Spring Hill, Tenn. // Spring Hill HS
Helped Spring Hill to the Class 2A state semifinals in 2011 under head coach Paul Lamm … Hit .484 from the leadoff spot … Belted five home runs and crossed the plate 62 times as a junior … Recorded 15 stolen bases … Has helped Spring Hill to three straight District 12AA titles … Will be a senior at Spring Hill during the 2012 season.
Peterson on Prewett: “We needed to add a middle infielder, and Prewett gives us athleticism. He has a chance to be really good middle infielder.”
Garrett Ring // RHP
Mt. Pleasant, Tenn. // Mt. Pleasant HS
Earned District 11A all-tournament and all-season team honors as a junior under head coach Neylan Roberts … Also named to the all-season and super sophomore teams in 2010 … Received Mt. Pleasant Rookie of the year honors as a freshman and earned District 12A all-tournament accolades … A 2011 Tennessee American Legion Boys State Representative … Has maintained the highest GPA in his class for three consecutive years … Will be a senior at Mt. Pleasant during the 2012 season.
Peterson on Ring: “Ring has a great upside. He has a power arm that’s only going to get stronger. He will really be fun to watch and see how he develops.”
Heath Slatton // RHP/OF
Columbia, Tenn. // Columbia Central HS
Led Columbia to the Class AAA state title game last season, where the team finished as runner-up under head coach Mark Pickle … Earned all-state, all-mid-state and all-district honors in 2011 … Hit .395 during his junior campaign … Slugged seven home runs and drove in 43 runs while crossing the plate 35 times … Played for Team Tennessee and participated in the TBCA Showcase during the summer … Will be a senior at Columbia during the 2012 season.
Peterson on Slatton: “Slatton gives us left-handed power with the bat and also good arm.”
