"As we move one step closer to Big South Champion play, I am jubilant with the quality student-athletes we've signed during the early signing period," said Coach Pollock.  "There is distinct and noticeable excitement surrounding this year's recruiting class."

Ryan Burt (Cayce, S.C.), Chad White (Suwanee, Ga.), Ryan Brush (Emerson, Ga.), Champ Rowland (Greenville, S.C.), Brantley Rumford (Rock Hill, S.C.), Nick Ferguson (Lancaster, S.C.) and Brad Zebedis (Rock Hill, S.C.) will join the Blue Hose for the 2011 season.

Burt is a combination first baseman and pitcher transferring into PC from USC Lancaster.  While at Lancaster he hit .432 with 31 RBI, 5 HR and 10 doubles, and was named All-Region X as a designated hitter.  While at Brookland-Cayce High School he was a Wendy's High School Heisman finalist.

"Ryan Burt will bring a wealth of game experience to the Blue Hose line-up next season," said Pollock.  "He has the ability to hit for average and for power and could see time on the mound.  He has played for some of the best coaches in the state and should make an immediate impact in our program."

White is a right-handed pitcher out of North Gwinnett High School.  In his junior season he earned honorable mention all-region and all-county honors and moved into a tie for second place in school history for career saves.  His club team, Team Elite, is the top team in Georgia and one of the top-16 U-18 teams in the nation.  Plans to major in pre-pharmacy.

"Chad White will add much needed depth to our pitching staff," said Pollock.  "I fully expect him to integrate himself as an important piece to our puzzle next season.  His control and command of all pitches could easily catapult him into our rotation out of the gate."

Brush will join the Blue Hose in the outfield after a four-year career at The Walker School in Marrieta.  As a junior he hit .367 with a .428 on-base percentage.  He also stole 18 bases last season.  Brush is a National Honor Society member and has also played for the East Cobb Shamrocks U-18 team and for the Nelson Baseball School.  He earned Defensive Player of the Year honors for the Shamrocks last season and was 21-for-23 stealing bases.

 "Ryan Brush is a prototypical centerfielder, whose speed and base running ability should make him an impact player for PC," said Pollock.  "He runs extremely well and showcases tremendous gap power at the plate.  He should compete for a starting spot as a freshman in our outfield."

Rowland joins the Blue Hose ranked as the No. 1 Shortstop in the state of South Carolina by Diamond Prospects.  He comes from Greenville's Wade Hampton High School where he earned Defensive Player of the Year honors as a sophomore and Pitcher of the Year accolades as a junior.  He has also played for the Upstate Mavericks and the Carolina Cyclones club teams.

 "Champ Rowland will make an immediate impact for the Blue Hose in our middle infield," said Pollock.  "His versatility, athleticism, and hand-eye coordination are among the best in the country. With arm strength being one of his biggest attributes, Champ is a true two-way guy who could see significant action on the mound.  I am very excited about his potential to eventually develop into one of our leaders on the field."

Rumford is a middle infielder out of Rock Hill High School and was ranked as the No. 2 second baseman in the state of South Carolina by Diamond Prospects.  He hit .370 last season, adding 89 points to his average with seven doubles, three triples and a home run.  Playing for the Upstate Maverick's U-18 Black team he hit .350 and reached the World Wood Bat Championships in Jupiter, Florida.

 "With excellent speed and quickness, Brantley Rumford will prove to add quality depth to our middle infield at second base," said Pollock.  "He is a workhorse, who will compete for playing time during his freshman campaign."

Ferguson is an Outfield/First Baseman transfer from Spartanburg Methodist College where he hit .308 in his freshman season.  He played his prep ball at Lancaster High School where he had an on base percentage over .500 for his last three seasons.  Nicholas plans to major in Business and Marketing.

 "Nick Ferguson will be an impact player for us next season and should project to hit somewhere around the middle of our line-up," said Pollock.  "His experience should prove valuable as we prepare for championship play.  We are excited about the leadership will bring to our program."

Zebedis is a Catcher/First Baseman from South Pointe High School in Rock Hill, S.C.  He hit .400 last season with three homers and seven doubles.  He also played for the CBC Diamond Rats, logging a .522 average last season with five homers and 10 doubles.  Brad is a two-time All-Region, All-Area and Team MVP honoree.

 "In my opinion, Brad Zebedis may be the best "pure" high school hitter in the state," said Pollock.  "He is primary position is catcher, but he could also see time as a designated hitter, first baseman, or an outfielder.  I am looking forward to getting Brad in a Blue Hose uniform next season."

This year's Blue Hose team will open the 2010 season on February 19 against Appalachian State.