Troy picked up some solid talent in the early signing period. Here is the university release.

TROY, Ala. – Troy University baseball head coach Bobby Pierce announced Wednesday the signing of eight student-athletes to a National Letter of Intent to play for the Trojans beginning with the 2014 season. The class includes two of the top 13 high school players in the state of Alabama in addition to the 33rd rated player in the state according to Perfect Game.

“Our coaches work extremely hard to identify a player that fits our style of play and appreciates our commitment to player development and winning,” Pierce said. “I believe this group is a strong collection of talent that will have our fans excited about next year and the future of Troy baseball.”

The signing class, which includes four high school signees and four junior college transfers, consists of Dalton Davis (1B/RHP), Lee Gibson (SS), Jesse Nelson (RHP), Marc Skinner (RHP), Colin Bray (OF), Tripp Calhoun (C), Josh Macurdy (1B/RHP) and Nick Masonia (SS).

Bobby Pierce on Signing Class
“These eight players rival any recruiting class we have had here at Troy in terms of overall skill level and playing ability. We targeted a talented group of freshmen recruits that offer unique qualities that will bolster our program the next several years.

“We expect Dalton Davis, Jesse Nelson and Marc Skinner to provide stability on the mound and pitch in important roles. Both Lee Gibson and Davis are talented left-handed hitters that will strengthen our offense for several years. We believe this group of four will play an integral part of Troy baseball throughout their careers.

“The four junior college players will make a quick impact on the 2014 team as they fill immediate needs in our program. Josh Macurdy will contend for quality opportunity in the rotation since he has won at every level of competition. We are also intrigued by the potential he shows with the bat in his hands. Tripp Calhoun will provide stability and leadership behind the plate to complement our other catchers in the program. Colin Bray and Nick Masonia are both dynamic players that can impact the game from the top of the lineup or in the field defensively.”

Colin Bray, OF, S/L, Vancleave, Miss. (Faulkner State CC)
Transferred to Faulkner State after playing his freshman season at a Division I school. The switch-hitting outfielder was named the Mississippi Boys Athlete of the Year by the Mississippi Press following his senior season at Vancleave (Miss.) High School. A three-sport athlete, Bray hit .364 with three home runs, 12 stolen bases and 32 runs scored, while posting a .475 on-base percentage his senior season. Bray earned All-Coast honors in baseball and basketball and was an all-state selection as a quarterback and punter.

Pierce on Bray:
“Colin Bray is a top of the lineup type player that hits from both sides of the plate and runs exceptionally well. He can play any of the three outfield positions and defends at a high level. He decided to leave a Division I program last year to play in junior college and we are excited that he chose to re-establish himself at this level with the Trojans. His future is extremely bright as a player.”

Tripp Calhoun, C, R/R, Dacula, Ga. (Darton State College)
Calhoun led Darton State College as a freshman batting at a .360 clip with 25 RBIs, 25 runs scored and a .432 on-base percentage. He was also perfect on four stolen base attempts and belted seven doubles. Calhoun earned second team all-region honors as a senior at Dacula (Ga.) High School after batting .408 with four home runs, 30 RBIs and a .529 on-base percentage.

Pierce on Calhoun
“Tripp Calhoun fills an important spot in this year’s class as a catcher that is talented. Catching injuries have plagued our program the last few years and quality catching depth is a critical part of a championship program. His overall defensive ability is Division I ready and he has great offensive potential. Tripp is also an excellent student with outstanding leadership qualities. He is an impressive player that will fit very well into our system.”

Dalton Davis, 1B/RHP, L/R, Hazel Green, Ala. (Hazel Green HS)
Ranked as the 13th best player and top-rated third baseman in the state of Alabama by Perfect Game, Davis is one of the best dual-threat players in the state. Through his first three seasons at Hazel