Baseball inks 15 to National Letters of Intent

AUSTIN, Texas—Texas Baseball and head coach David Pierce today announced the signing of 15 student-athletes to National Letters of Intent in the class of 2019.

Pierce, along with assistant coaches Sean Allen and Philip Miller, bolstered their future roster by adding 15 high school seniors today.

"Today marks another step in the right direction for Texas Baseball program," Pierce said. "I am very proud of Sean Allen and Philip Miller's efforts to recruit with integrity and patience in order to land the best players in the country for our program and for The University of Texas.

"In an age of early commitments, Sean and Philip have done an outstanding job of juggling what's best for The University of Texas and also the incoming student-athletes and their families. Coach Allen, Coach Miller, Drew Bishop, Phil Haig, Carli Todd and all our support staff in the baseball program, the athletic department, and the university have represented our brand in an incredible way during the recruiting process for this 2019 class."

This recruiting class consists of 13 student-athletes from high schools in Texas, one from California, and one from Louisiana.

"The class of 2019 fills the needs of our program," Pierce continued. "It consists of three catchers, three left-handed pitchers, a right-handed pitcher, two outfielders, two infielders and four two-way players—three right-handed pitchers and one left-handed."

The catchers include Silas Ardoin (Sam Houston HS/Lake Charles, La.), Cameron Constantine (McKinney North HS/McKinney, Texas), and Peyton Powell (Robinson HS/Robinson, Texas). The class also includes four right-handed pitchers—André Duplantier II (Summer Creek HS/Humble, Texas), Trey Faltine (William B Travis HS/Richmond, Texas), Jared Southard (Rouse HS/Leander, Texas), and Will Swope (The Woodlands HS/The Woodlands, Texas)—along with four left-handed pitchers—Peter Hansen (Oak Ridge HS/El Dorado Hills, Calif.), Chase Lummus (Godley HS/Godley, Texas), Sam Walbridge (Saint Mary's Hall/San Antonio, Texas), and Austin Wallace (Flower Mound HS/Flower Mound, Texas). Among those pitchers, Duplantier (infielder), Faltine (utility), Swope (infielder), and Wallace (outfielder) are all two-way players.

The 2019 infielders include Brett Baty (Lake Travis HS/Austin, Texas) and Brenden Dixon (Argyle HS/Argyle, Texas) while the outfielders are Douglas Hodo (Boerne HS/Boerne, Texas) and Colton Rathjen (Episcopal HS/Houston, Texas).

"The future looks bright for Texas Baseball," Pierce continued. "I want to thank the high school and summer league coaches for their continued support for our program and for the time and dedication they've put in with our 2019 signing class. Today is a great day for all the recruits and their families, our coaches, our support staff, the university, the current players, and especially The University of Texas fan base. We can't wait for these young men to get to the Forty Acres. Hook 'Em Horns!"

Texas Baseball 2019 Signing Class (As of November 14, 2018)

Silas Ardoin | C | R/R | 5-11 | 190 | Sam Houston HS | Lake Charles, La.

Personal: Son of Danny and Hope Ardoin…father, Danny, was a fifth-round draft pick by the A's in 1995 and went on to play 15 years of professional baseball, five at the major league level…has two brothers, Drew and Sam, and one sister, Erin…Drew is currently a junior on the Lamar baseball team.

High school: Is a four-year letterman for Sam Houston High School under head coach Chad Hebert in Lake Charles, La.…participated in Area Code Games and in the Future Star Series International Games this past summer…was named All-District catcher in both 2016 and 2017.

I chose Texas because: "…I fell in love with the campus, the baseball team, the winning tradition, the coaching staff, and the city of Austin as soon as I stepped foot there on my visit. I love winning and I am excited to be able to be on one of the best college baseball teams in the country and get to compete for a national title."

Allen on Ardoin: "Silas is a very polished catch-and-throw type catcher that really understands the position. His father was a big-league catcher and you can tell Silas has grown up around the game. With his advanced approach to the game we look forward to getting Silas on campus."

Pierce on Ardoin: "Silas, along with other incoming catchers, will have a chance to compete for the starting catcher position as a freshman. His pedigree gives him an understanding of pitchers and of managing the game. He is known as a defensive catcher with a great skill set, but has a chance to be a very good gap-to-gap hitter as well."

Brett Baty | INF | L/R | 6-3 | 210 | Lake Travis HS | Austin, Texas

Personal: Son of Clint and Leslie Baty…has one sister, Lauren…dad is the head boys basketball coach at Lake Travis.

High school: A four-year letterman in baseball at Lake Travis High School under head coach Mike Rogers…also lettered in three years in basketball…following his junior season, was named the Texas High School Baseball 2018 Gatorade Player of the Year…was also named the Austin American-Statesman Player of the Year, the All Cen-Tex Player of the Year, 1st team All-State, and to the USA Today Team Texas…represented Texas in the 2018 Area Code Games and participated in the tournament's home run derby…was the District MVP in both 2017 and 2018, 3rd team All-State in 2017, and the District Newcomer of the Year in 2016.

I chose Texas because: "…I grew up in Austin and always wanted to be a Longhorn. I'm familiar with the tradition of Texas Baseball and wanted to be a part of continuing that tradition. When I visited the campus for baseball, I enjoyed meeting the coaches and could feel this was the right fit for me."

Allen on Baty: "Brett was one of the first, if not the first, player we offered when our staff came to Texas. The 2018 Texas Gatorade Player of the Year, Brett is arguably the best high school hitter in the country. He had an OPS of 1.575 last year with 12 homers for Lake Travis. We knew right away he could hit but he has worked extremely hard on his defensive game and has turned himself into a very good infielder. Brett will be a middle of the order hitter right away once he arrives on the Forty Acres."

Pierce on Baty: "Pure hitters are very hard to find and, in my opinion, Brett is one of the best pure hitters in the country. He has exceptional work ethic, character, and leadership abilities and because of that, I can see him starting at first or third as a first-year player. I really consider Brett as one of those players that ignites the culture of your program immediately."

Cameron Constantine | C | R/R | 6-0 | 190 | McKinney North HS | McKinney, Texas

Personal: Son of Gavin and Corina Constantine…has two brothers, Gabe and Gavin Jr.…is involved in PALS (Peer Assistance and Leadership), a mentoring program at McKinney North HS that aims to provide guidance through academic tutoring and sports.

High school: Lettered in each season at McKinney North High School under head coach Jim Gatewood…also a three-year letterman in football where he played quarterback…earned district and state academic honors in each of his three seasons…in baseball, was named to the Perfect Game All-Tournament team in 2017 and a Perfect Game Top-50 player in Texas in 2018…in football, was named District Offensive MVP in 2017 and 2016 while also earning District Newcomer of the Year in 2016.

I chose Texas because: "…the Texas program is known as a winning program. I plan to come and work hard and contribute to the Longhorns tradition."

Allen on Constantine: "Cam is a very good athlete and a two-sport star that could play QB in college if he wanted to go that route. We could see Cam come in and play multiple positions for us because of that athleticism and his ability to consistently find the barrel at the plate."

Pierce on Constantine: "Cameron is versatile, athletic, and presents options to play multiple positions. He is a catcher by trade but has the ability to play other positions. Cam was one of the first players we committed in the 2019 class. He bleeds burnt orange and we are excited he'll be spending the next four years on the 40 Acres."

Brenden Dixon | INF | 6-1 | 195 | R/R | Argyle HS | Argyle, Texas

Personal: Son of Dr. Trev and Angela Dixon…has two sisters, Shaye and Shelby.

High school: Lettered in every season at Argyle High School under head coach Ricky Griffin…helped Argyle to state and national championships in 2018…named District MVP, All-District, All-County, All-Area, and All-State as a junior…represented the Texas Rangers in the 2018 Area Code Games…earned All-District and All-County honors as both a sophomore and junior…also a four-year letterman in football at Argyle where he earned All-District honors in each of his first three seasons and was named Argyle Defensive Back of the Year as a junior.

I chose Texas because: "…I love the winning traditions, the dedication, and the success that this school represents."

Allen on Dixon: "Brenden is a very polished player and has done nothing but win while at Argyle High School. An All-State player in two sports, Brenden brings that competitive nature that we are always looking for. He is a very good offensive player that should end up in the middle of our lineup very soon."

Pierce on Dixon: "Brenden is a proven winner with great leadership qualities. He loves to compete and has high expectations for himself as well as his teammates. I like his attitude, athleticism, and his desire to be a Longhorn. He has a chance to be a fixture in the infield for years to come."

André Duplantier II | RHP/INF | 6-2 | 198 | R/R | Summer Creek HS | Humble, Texas

Personal: Son of André and Dr. Lestavia Duplantier…has a younger brother, Jayden…his cousin, Jon, is in the Arizona Diamondbacks system and was an All-American and 2016 C-USA pitcher of the year while at Rice.

High school: Lettered in every season at Summer Creek High School under head coach D.J. Wilson…has played third, shortstop, and pitched…named first team All-District pitcher as a junior and senior and second team All-District at third base in both of those seasons…named to the Perfect Game World Wood Bat Championship All-Tournament team as both a hitter and pitcher on three occasions (2016, 2017, 2018).

I chose Texas because: "…I felt so much energy each time I would speak to the coaches. When I have had the opportunity to play on the diamond there at the Disch, I loved the feeling of being on the that field even though I have played on other college fields." 

Allen on Duplantier: "Dré is a very physical kid that has the ability to pitch and hit for us. His pro future is probably on the mound but we are looking forward to seeing if he can do both for us. He is an upper 80s low 90s pitcher that has a plus slider right now. We feel like he is just scratching the surface with how good he could be on the mound."

Pierce on Duplantier: "There is a lot to love about André. He is put together physically, he's athletic, and he's an awesome kid. He will absolutely be a major contributor in our program. He has plus arm strength and will compete as a two-way player."

Personal: Son of Sanson Faltine and Edith Lerma…has three younger brothers, Jordan, Jacob, and Roman.

High school: A starter in every season at William B Travis under head coach Rodney Hernandez…has played all nine positions in high school…was William B Travis' team MVP as a junior…was the 2017 Area Code Pitcher of the Year…named first team All-State as a sophomore…has competed on several occasions for USA Baseball and competed in the States Play Series this past summer.

I chose Texas because: "…it has been my dream school since I was a little kid."

Allen on Faltine: "I would argue that Trey is the most versatile player in the country. He has represented Team USA on several occasions and plays all over the field for them. He is very, very athletic and can really run. The great thing about him along with all his tools is how well he knows the game and much he loves to play. He is a very polished pitcher that is only going to improve his stuff as he continues to grow and add weight. He legitimately can play any position on the field, but I'm looking forward to see how well he does at shortstop when he shows up on campus."

Pierce on Faltine: "I only know Trey as 'Sammy' but I know he is one of the best two-way players in the country and will shine in college as a position player and a right-handed pitcher. He is very mature and will be able to handle the responsibilities that come with leadership. Sammy has been a part of elite baseball throughout the country and will excel at Texas. I'm excited to watch his development and growth on the 40 Acres."

Peter Hansen | LHP | 6-2 | 190 | R/L | Oak Ridge HS | El Dorado Hills, Calif.

Personal: Son of Tom Hansen…has one brother, Cole, and one sister, Bridget…was born in Texas but moved to California at age 5.

High School: A two-year starter and three-year letterman at Oak Ridge High School under head coach Tom Melton…has also played outfield and first at Oak Ridge…named Most Valuable Pitcher at the Perfect Game World Series in 2018…named first team SFL and second team All-Metro as a junior…a two-time participant in the Area Code Games, representing the Athletics.

I chose Texas because: "…the culture and winning tradition at Texas are second to none."

Allen on Hansen: "Peter is going to be very fun to watch develop once he gets on the Forty Acres. He really projects to have three plus pitches. He understands the game, holds runners well and hasn't scratched the surface with how good he is going to be. We can't wait to get him on campus and get through a fall in our strength and conditioning program so we can add to his frame. He can really spin the curveball from the left side. Getting quality left-handed pitchers was a major focus in this class."

Pierce on Hansen: "Wow! This young man gets it. He is mature beyond his years with a great understanding of who he is and what he wants to accomplish at Texas and beyond. Left-handed pitching has been a void at Texas for a few years, but Pete is ready to fill that void. I look forward to watching his maturation through all aspects of the program."

Douglas Hodo III | OF | 6-0 | 175 | R/R | Boerne HS | Boerne, Texas

Personal: Son of Doug and Lori Hodo…has two older sisters, Hannah and Grace, and a younger brother, Hayden…his father, Doug, was a starting outfielder on the 1983 Longhorns College World Series team before going on to play minor league baseball in the Phillies and Braves organizations.

High school: Lettered in each of his seasons at Boerne High School under head coach Bill Merrell…was named first team All-District and All-Area, second team All-State, and Team MVP as a junior…participated in the 2018 States Play Series…was named to the WWBA All-Tournament Team in both 2018 and 2017…named first team All-District and All-Area as a sophomore and named the 2016 District 28-4A Newcomer of the Year as a freshman…is also a three-year starter for the Boerne football team…he became the school's all-time leader in receptions, receiving yards, and touchdowns earlier this season…also a four-year letterman in track and field…has received interest to play football or run track and field from several Division I universities.

I chose Texas because: "…of the opportunity Texas offers both academically and athletically. To play for such a prestigious, storied program that expects to compete for the College World Series every year was an easy choice for me."

Allen on Hodo: "Douglas is another two-sport star in this class. He is a great athlete and one of the fastest players in the state. He really started to develop body-wise last summer and with that added size and strength, he has turned into a very good offensive player with some gap to gap power. Our fans are going to love watching him run around the field as he is an elite runner."

Pierce on Hodo: "Douglas continues our string of legacies, as he will follow in the footsteps of his dad, Doug, who played outfield for Texas in the mid-80s. Douglas is a superior two-sport athlete and will have the opportunity to compete in the outfield immediately. He can flat-out run and he loves to compete. We are fortunate to have Douglas joining our 2019 class."

Chase Lummus | LHP | 6-1 | 195 | L/L | Godley HS | Godley, Texas

Personal: Son of Mark and Lori Lummus…has one sister, Lindsay, who is a student at Texas…father, Mark, is a special assignment scout with the Seattle Mariners and pitched at UT…his aunt, Kimberly Lummus-Crabtree was an All-Conference guard on the women's basketball team from 1995-99.

High School: Lettered in each of his seasons at Godley High School under head coach Pat Maxwell…pitched and played first base for Godley…is 22-0 with four saves over three seasons on the mound…as a junior, named first team TWSA All-State at first base, first team All-District at both pitcher and first, and first team All-County on the mound…also earned All-State, All-District, and All-County honors as a sophomore…earned All-District and All-County honors at first base as a freshman.

I chose Texas because: "…of the tradition, the academics, and the opportunity to play for a national championship."

Allen on Lummus: "Chase is a kid that just flat out understands how to pitch and get outs. The changeup is as good as it gets at his age and he understands who he is. The overall stuff has continued to get better as he ages and we look for Chase to log a lot of innings right away."

Pierce on Lummus: "Chase is the second legacy in the 2019 class, as his dad Mark starred on the mound for the Longhorns in the early 90s. When I think of Chase, I think of a very cerebral pitcher with a huge upside. He has the ability to beat you with command and throw a devastating changeup in any count. Chase has grown up as a Longhorn and we are thrilled to have him apart of this class."

Peyton Powell | C | 6-1 | 190 | L/R | Robinson HS | Robinson, Texas

Personal: Son of Wendell and Suzy Seitzler.

High school: Lettered and started in every season at Robinson High School under head coach Bryan Kent…named defensive MVP following his junior season…was selected to both the Texas Scouts Association Game and the Texas Rangers Area Code team…named a first team catcher as a sophomore and newcomer of the year as a freshman.

I chose Texas because: "…Texas is one of the top-rated baseball programs and I don't like to lose. I really see Texas as the best place to grow and enhance my opportunities."

Allen on Powell: "Peyton is someone we were very excited to add to this class late this summer. We had a need at the catcher position and Peyton wasn't on the so-called 'circuit' during the summers so we got really lucky to find somebody of his caliber this late. Left-handed hitting catchers are not easy to find and Peyton has the tools to be special."

Pierce on Powell: "Peyton and Silas [Ardoin] played together in this summer's Area Code Games. I liked both and asked longtime Texas Rangers Scout Randy Taylor who he thought was the best; his answer was simple: "Both." I knew they both would grow together and offer different strengths. Peyton has a great upside and will be a major factor in our program."

Colton Rathjen | OF | 6-0 | 180 | L/R | Episcopal HS | Houston, Texas

Personal: Son of Craig and Donna Rathjen…Craig played football at LSU (1982-86) while Donna did gymnastics there (1983-85)…has two brothers, Jeremy and Beau, and one sister, Kirby…Jeremy played at Rice while Pierce was an assistant coach (2008-12) before he was chosen in the 11th round of the 2012 MLB Draft…Beau also played baseball at Rice (2012-14) and Kirby was a gymnast at Arkansas (2016-18).

High school: Lettered in three seasons at Episcopal High School under head coach Matt Fox…named an HABCA All-Star and an All-SPC South Zone outfielder as a junior.

I chose Texas because: "…I have been a lifelong fan of the Longhorns and Texas is one of the top programs in the country. I love the campus, the coaching staff, and what it means to be a student-athlete there."

Allen on Rathjen: We really had a need to bolster our left-handed bats with this class and Colton will help us do that right away. He comes from a family of baseball players and has really good tools and the makeup to be really good for us. He is long and rangy and runs well. He fits the type of outfielders that we need at Texas and we are lucky to have him.

Pierce on Rathjen: "Colton is the younger brother of Jeremy, who played for us at Rice. When you have the chance to recruit a player of Colton's ability while knowing the character of the family, it makes for an easy choice. He is competitive, a great runner, and has a chance to hit with some power from the left side. Colton may be the sleeper in this class. I know he has great genes and will run through a wall for Texas."

Jared Southard | RHP | 6-2 | 215 | Rouse HS | Austin, Texas

Personal: Son of Ray and Estela Southard…has one brother, Tyson.

High school: Lettered in every season at Rouse High School under head coach Chad Krempin…named first team All-District pitcher as both a junior and a sophomore…competed for Texas in the States Play Series, at the Area Code Underclass Games, and the Future Stars Series…has pitched, played first, and caught at Rouse.

I chose Texas because: "…this university is home. Texas is the best university in the nation and it's been a dream of mine ever since I was a kid to play baseball at UT. Not only is the school great but the so are the facilities, the atmosphere, the reputation, the academics, and the coaching staff. The first time I met Coach Pierce, Allen, Miller, and Haig, I was amazed. They've been together for so long and Coach Haig really made me want to be a part of the pitching staff here at Texas so I look forward to working with him and competing for a role. Also, Drew Bishop is the man."

Allen on Southard: "Jared is a big-bodied power right-hander like those that Texas fans have watched over the years. He was blessed with a great arm. I have seen him throw 97-98 from the outfield in a showcase environment so you know the arm strength is there. Jared should follow in the lines of the great powered-arm pitchers that have pitched for the burnt orange over the years."

Pierce on Southard: "When I think of Jared, power right-hander comes to mind. He looks the part and his arm is explosive. He continues to work hard to be the best he can be. Jared's ceiling is tremendously high and he has a chance to reach it because he is a grinder. Jared joins Brett Baty as one of two local players to become future Longhorns."

Will Swope | RHP/INF | 6-2 | 210 | R/R | The Woodlands HS | The Woodlands, Texas

Personal: Son of Grant and Canice Swope…has one brother, David.

High school: Has started in each of his seasons, first as a freshman at Beaumont West Brook and then at The Woodlands High School under head coach Ron Eastman…earned All-District and All-State honors as a junior and was a Perfect Game Preseason All-American…also named All-District as a sophomore and freshman and was Beaumont West Brook's Pitcher of the Year.

I chose Texas because: "…I grew up a Longhorns fan and felt like The University of Texas would provide the best opportunity to win a College World Series while earning a prestigious degree."

Allen on Swope: "Will is another very big bodied righty that pounds the strike zone with very good stuff. He is very competitive and the thing I love about Will is that he is not afraid of hitters. He goes right at them with his fastball and just pounds the zone with a low 90s sinking fastball and plus deception."

Pierce on Swope: "During our recruitment of Will, he was in a transfer phase from the Golden Triangle area to moving to The Woodlands. Coach Ron Eastman at The Woodlands High School, a very good friend of mine, couldn't be happier he made the move. Will is a strike-thrower with stuff. He throws a heavy sinker and will continue to polish his secondary stuff. Will could feature a role as a starter or a reliever."

Sam Walbridge | LHP | 6-5 | 185 | L/L | Saint Mary's Hall | San Antonio, Texas

Personal: Son of Dawne Walbridge…has one sister, Izzy.

High school: Started in each of his seasons at Saint Mary's Hall…named TAPPS first team All-District as a junior, sophomore, and freshman…was Academic All-State as a junior…named SPC All-State as a freshman.

I chose Texas because: "…being a Longhorn was exclusively my dream. It was totally mine; there were no outside influences forcing me to lean to the burnt orange nation; no one influenced that dream or promoted it. I wanted to be a Longhorn and was going to work as hard as I possibly could to reach that goal."

Allen on Walbridge: Sam is a kid that we are so excited to have. He will help fill a need of adding depth to our left-handed pitching. He is tall with long limbs and right now pitches in the upper 80s with quality stuff. As his body matures, the sky is the limit with Sam. He really has the motivation to be great and we are looking forward to getting him on campus.

Pierce on Walbridge: "Sam has as much upside as any player in the class. He will contribute on the mound from the left-side with angle and stuff. He is a great kid with incredible character. I can see him excelling and becoming an elite pitcher early in his career at Texas."

Austin Wallace | LHP/OF | 6-4 | 220 | L/L | Flower Mound HS | Flower Mound, Texas

Personal: Son of Danny Wallace and Julie Holliman…has two sisters, Abby and Kayla, and a brother, Garrett…Julie threw discus and javelin at Baylor (1992-95) while Danny was a baseball walk-on at Texas from 1986-87.

High school: Lettered and started in each of his seasons at Flower Mound under his head coach (and father) Danny Wallace…was named second team All-District as a junior and first team All-District as a sophomore…represented Texas at the Area Code Underclass Games in 2017.

I chose Texas because: "…I grew up a huge fan, always wanted to wear the burnt orange and play in Omaha for a national title."

Allen on Wallace: "Austin is a very big and strong two-way player that should contribute both ways right away. Austin has quality stuff that will only continue to get better while on campus. His best pitch is an 86-90 mph fastball that has plus-life to it. He will develop into a low 90s power type lefty. As a hitter, he has shown the ability to square balls up consistently while at Flower Mound."

Pierce on Wallace: "Austin is another lefty with a high ceiling. He's touched 90 and we project him to be a potential power guy with feel for his secondary pitches. Danny Wallace is not only Austin's high school coach, but his dad that has produce multiple players at Flower Mound High School. We expect the trend to continue with his own son. Austin can hit as well and will compete as a two-way player for us."

The University of Texas at Austin Athletics

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