Nov. 30, 2011

OXFORD, Miss. – Ole Miss closed out the early signing period with the addition of a trio of junior college players to the signing class with Austin Blunt, Stuart Turner and Lance Wilson all signing letters of intent, head coach Mike Bianco announced on Wednesday.

The three junior college players join previously announced signees Brady Bramlett, Gavin Cecchini, Matt Denny, Cameron Dishon, Christian Helsel, Ty Hensley, Zach Irwin, Chase Nyman, Stryker Trahan and Jacob Waguespack as a part of the signing class that will arrive on campus for the 2012-13 academic year.

Blunt comes to Ole Miss from Howard College in Texas where he helped lead his team to a 46-13 record a year ago and advancing to the finals of the Region 5 Tournament – within a game of advancing to the junior college World Series.

The right-hander earned All-Conference honorable mention honors as he tallied a 3.78 ERA with a 4-1 record in 50.0 innings of work. He struck out 40 and walked only 14 in his time on the mound.

“We’re really excited about the addition of Austin to our pitching staff,” said Ole Miss assistant coach and recruiting coordinator Carl Lafferty. “He’s a fierce competitor and really understands how to pitch and will make an immediate impact.”

Turner will join the Rebels after a career at LSU-Eunice where he turned in an impressive first season a year ago. Turner hit .343 for the year with 12 doubles, two home runs and 45 RBI. He also scored 39 runs and went 10-for-13 in steal attempts on the season.

“We’re really looking forward to getting Stuart to campus next fall,” Lafferty said. “He does a great job handling a pitching staff and is a very physical player at the plate.”

Wilson comes to the Rebels from Shelton State Community College in Alabama, where he helped his squad advance to the Alabama Community College Conference Tournament after posting a 37-19 record in 2011.

Wilson hit .301 for the season with eight doubles, 24 RBI and 39 runs scored. He was also an impressive 30-for-31 in steal attempts on the season.

“Lance is an exciting player and a premium defender at the shortstop position,” Lafferty said. “He’s a dynamic presence and really puts pressure on a defense on the base path.”