SALEM, Ore. – The Corban University baseball program added five more recruits to its 2015 recruiting class, the Warrior baseball coaching staff announced on Tuesday. These five signees join the previous three that have signed with Corban, bringing the running total on this year's class to eight.
"I couldn't be happier about the signing of these five incoming freshman student-athletes in the 2015 class to join our University and baseball program," stated head coach Jeff McKay. "Daniel, Jalen, Jessup, Kyler, and Jared bring our class of 2015 recruits to eight in number so far, with more expected to follow. These players represent the type of student-athletes we search for in our recruiting efforts. Their upside as a group athletically is the best we have attracted in my time here. Their spiritual and academic commitment will have a big impact on our program also. Finding the right 'fits' for our University and baseball program is a challenge, but I compliment my coaching staff for their hard work and efforts in doing so."
Daniel Freiburger – 5' 10" – INF – Minico HS – Idaho
Freiburger comes to Corban following an accomplished high school career. On top of being named the Great Basin Conference Player of the Year in 2014, he was also a First-Team All-Conference honoree in 2013 and Second-Team All-Conference award-winner in 2012. Moreover, he was selected to the Idaho top-40 showcase.
Proving to be a versatile athlete, Freiburger also played football in each of his four years during high school, garnering Second-Team All-State plaudits as the team's running back in 2014 and First-Team All-Conference recognition during his senior season as well. Additionally, he was a Second-Team All-Conference honoree in 2013. Moreover, Freiburger played one year of basketball during high school.
He intends to major in Physical Therapy at Corban with the hopes of one day becoming a Physical Therapist.
"I have had the opportunity to watch Daniel develop into a solid high school baseball player over the past three seasons," commented associate head coach Jacob Garsez. "Daniel is an above-average athlete that will compete for significant playing time in our program over his career here. We believe that Daniel can steal bases for us in the future, hit at the top of our order, and play solid defense. Our coaching staff is encouraged not only by his athleticism, but his exceptional commitment to the classroom."
Jalen Garcia – 6' 0" – OF – Billings Christian HS – Montana
Garcia brings his talents to the Warrior program from Montana where he was a three-sport athlete playing baseball, basketball, and football. On the baseball team, he was an All-State shortstop as a freshman, and an All-State outfielder as a junior. Additionally, Garcia played Legion Baseball all four years during high school.
On the basketball team, he was an All-Conference player as well as a First-Team All-Tournament honoree. For the football team, he was named the team's MVP.
At Corban, Garcia intends to major in Exercise Science in the hopes of one day becoming a Physical Therapist.
"Jalen is an excellent athlete that has a chance to be a five-tool player at our level," said Garsez. "With some further development we anticipate Jalen earning significant time in our outfield, as well as demonstrating a skillset that can hit at the top or middle of our order. As Jalen develops, we are encouraged by his potential to be a leading force in our line-up in the future."
Jessup Scott – 5' 7" – Catcher – Lewiston HS – Idaho
Hailing from Lewiston, Idaho, Scott comes to Salem following a solid high school career in which he played four years of baseball and one year of basketball. A great moment during his career came when he laced an RBI double to give his team the lead in a state playoff game, ultimately pushing his team on to victory. On top of high school baseball, he played for the Crew Baseball Club and the Lewis Clark American Legion.
Scott intends to major in Psychology with the intention of one day becoming a Counselor.
"Jessup defines what it means to be a bulldog type of player," stated Garsez. "Over the past two years he has developed into a top catching recruit. I feel strongly that Jessup's make-up will provide significant impact in our program in the future!"
Kyler Elliott – 5' 11" – OF/1B – Ennis HS – Montana
Elliot brings his talents to Corban after shining at the high school level in Montana. While leading his team to the Conference Championship during his junior season, he was named to the All-Conference First Team and the All-State First Team. Additionally, Elliot garnered Academic All-State plaudits on the basketball team during his junior year. He was a member of the basketball team for four years and golf team for three years on top of his baseball duties.
In addition to high school ball, he played for a number of different club teams, including the Gallatin Valley Outlaws and Big Sky Baseball Team. He also competed on the Baseball Northwest Team for Montana/Wyoming in 2013 and 2014.
Elliot plans to major in Business with the hopes of working in Hotel Administration someday.
"Our staff is excited about the potential that Kyler's athletic ability brings to our program," commented Garsez. "Kyler has had success at the high school level, but we believe with further development that he can be an impact guy at the college level. Kyler's speed will make an impact for us on the bases in the future."
Jared Bell – 5' 7" – OF – Mt. Spokane HS – Wash.
Bell comes to the Navy and Gold following a successful high school career. While playing baseball all four years and basketball during high school as well, Bell led his baseball team to a Third-Place finish in the 3A State Championship in 2014. He also received the 'Just Play Fair' Sportsmanship Award in the WIAA of the 3A State Championships. While not in high school season, he played for the Spokane Dodgers and the Senior Baseball Northwest Team – WA EAST.
Bell plans to major in Pre-Physical Therapy with the hopes of becoming a Physical Therapist.
"Jared is an undersized outfielder that really competes and has his best baseball years in front of him," said Garsez. "We believe that through hard work, Jared will develop into a strong defensive outfielder, with the ability to compete for a spot at the top of our order."
