Oct. 20, 2011

OXFORD, Miss. – The accolades continued to come in for the Ole Miss baseball program as the 2011 recruiting class was ranked fifth nationally by Baseball America, the publication announced on Thursday with the release of its annual recruiting rankings.

It’s the highest ranking for a recruiting class for Ole Miss Baseball and is the second publication to name the class among the top five in the nation. Collegiate Baseball tabbed the recruiting class third nationally in its annual list of recruiting rankings earlier this fall.

Fans can see the squad in action this weekend with a pair of scrimmages at O-U Stadium/Swayze Field. Friday’s scrimmage is set for a 2:30 p.m. start, while Sunday’s scrimmage will begin at 1 p.m. Ole Miss is currently in the middle of fall practice that will conclude next week with the Red-Blue World Series starting on Wednesday.

“We’re excited about this recruiting class and have had a great fall working with the new guys on campus as well as the returning players,” said Ole Miss head coach Mike Bianco. “We’re proud of the work that our recruiting coordinator Carl Lafferty has done over the last year or so putting this class together. We’re proud of what he’s done and excited to have these guys as a part of our program.”

“I’m really excited to have these guys on campus,” Lafferty said. “Having watched them perform over the last year or two, there is no doubt in my mind these young men will make an impact for our program both on the mound and in the field.”

The nine drafted players on campus as a part of the incoming class for the 2012 season include:

Hawtin Buchanan – Drafted by the Washington Nationals in the 19th round; 2011 Dandy Dozen pick by the Clarion Ledger and two-time All-State selection by the Clarion Ledger.

Dylan Chavez – Drafted by the Minnesota Twins in the 32nd round; JUCO transfer from American River College where he lettered one year in 2011.

Chris Ellis – Drafted by the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 50th round; Named Hoover Metro Pitcher of the Year at Spain Park High School.

Senquez Golson – Drafted by the Boston Red Sox in the eighth round; 2011 Dandy Dozen pick by the Clarion Ledger.

Will Jamison – Drafted by the Cleveland Indians in the 40th round; All-State selection in Tennessee, Region MVP and Mr. Baseball Finalist in 2011.

Austin Knight – Drafted by the Philadelphia Phillies in the 43rd round; All-State selection by the Clarion Ledger, two-time Class 3A All-State selection and a 2011 Louisville Slugger All-American.

Josh Laxer – Drafted by the Washington Nationals in the 20th round; 2011 Dandy Dozen selection, All-State selection and Co-Player of the Year selection.

Sikes Orvis – Drafted by the Boston Red Sox in the 19th round; Four-time All-Conference selection and 2011 All-Central Florida selection.

Jake Overbey – Drafted in the 10th round by the Philadelphia Phillies; 2011 All-State selection in Tennessee and MVP of the West Tennessee All-Star Game.

The Rebels will open the 2011 season on February 17 with a three-game series at TCU.