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Norris Commits To MSU
Originally Posted Online At:
http://bulldawgjunction.com/news/story_print.php?article=2791
By PAUL JONES -
BullDawgJunction.com Senior Writer
Starkville,
MS (August 7,
2009) -- Mississippi State's Class of 2010 baseball group got a bit larger
Friday afternoon, and its latest commitment may be the biggest name
yet. Fairhope (Ala.) High School pitcher/third baseman Daryl Norris
gave his verbal to MSU head coach John Cohen and is considered the
top 2010 prospect in the state of Alabama.
Norris delivered the news to the MSU coaching staff around noon and
gave the Bulldogs coaches a nice surprise during lunch.
"I called
them about noon and they were all sitting around eating Chinese
food," said Norris. "I hope I made them have a good lunch
(laughing)."
Norris also had offers from Alabama, Georgia Tech, Auburn, South
Alabama and Troy and also drew heavy interest from North Carolina,
LSU, Georgia and Tennessee.
Considered one of the top prospects in the Southeast, Norris said
his collegiate decision "just felt right".
"Mississippi State just felt right for me and it was the right
fit," said Norris. "Their coaches really welcomed me and were very
patient with me. I took a long time to decide but they never tried
to rush me. All of their fans are passionate about Mississippi State
baseball and it's a very cool program."
Norris became the second Fairhope High School product to commit
to MSU for the Class of 2010, joining teammate and infielder Garrett
Pitts.
He is also the starting quarterback for Fairhope High School and
now has a big weight lifted off his shoulders.
"Now I just have my senior season in football and baseball to
focus on," said Norris. "I am glad this big decision is over with."
Norris may have to make another decision next summer as the
6-foot-1 and 205-pound right-hander is expected to be drafted pretty
high in the 2010 Major League Baseball Draft.
But Norris noted he's in no rush to make that decision and for
the moment, prefers to go to college first.
"I haven't heard much from any scouts or talked to any of them,"
said Norris. "But I feel blessed to have that problem if that
situation were to occur next summer. But I turned 18 in June so I
will be 19 next summer, and if I go to college, I will be old enough
to turn pro after my sophomore year. And I am in no hurry to turn
pro."
Last year as a junior, Norris posted impressive numbers at the
plate and on the mound. Offensively, the all-state performer hit
.487 with 13 home runs and 50 RBIs. Norris also had eight doubles
and one triple.
On the mound, Norris was 9-3 with a 1.25 earned run average and
hitters posted only a .160 batting average against him. Norris
struck out 90 batters and walked 25 in 61.1 innings of action.
Norris struck out a season-best 18 in a win over Foley High School
(Ala.) during the 2009 regular season.
Norris noted his fastball has topped out at 94 mph and he
consistently throws it in the 90-91 range. Norris, who plays with
the Bama Bombers in the summer, also throws a changeup, curve and
slider.
Norris becomes the 16th commitment for MSU head coach John Cohen
and the Class of 2010. Other 2010 commitments include outfielder CT
Bradford of Pace, Fla., infielder Chase Lewallen of Sumrall,
infielder/pitcher James McMahon of Oak Grove, Pitts, pitcher Evan
Mitchell of Marietta, Ga., infielder Adam Frazier of Bishop, Ga.,
outfielder Corey Dickerson of Meridian CC, infielder/outfielder
Taylor Stark of Northwest Rankin, shortstop Demarcus Henderson of
Wayne County, infielder/pitcher Wes Rea of Harrison Central, pitcher
Victor Diaz of Metuchen, N.J., catcher Brett Bozeman of Gainesville,
Fla., pitcher Ross Mitchell of Murfreesboro, Tenn., shortstop Coty
Blanchard of Cherokee County, Ala., and infielder Brayden Jones of
Madison Central.
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