Two more players commit to Vols

Fall practice may be in full swing, but recruiting hasn’t slowed down any around University of Tennessee baseball.

The Vols have received a verbal commitment from Michael Hornsby of Young Harris (Ga.) Junior College.

For a change of pace, Hornsby isn’t a pitcher.

Tennessee’s first five 2008 commitments — eligible to play in the 2009 season — are all pitchers.

The 6-foot, 180-pound Hornsby could help fill a future need as a slick-fielding middle infielder.

The Carrolton, Ga., native helped lead Young Harris to the Junior College World Series appearance last season.

As a freshman, Hornsby hit .340 with 15 doubles, two home runs and stole 15 bases as the Mountain Lions went 46-22.

He played in every game and also set a school record by getting hit by 17 pitches.

The Vols also have expressed interest in one of Hornsby’s teammates, right-handed pitcher Stephen McCray, a 6-4, 225-pound sophomore.

Matt Ramsey of Farragut, Clayton Gant of University School of Jackson, Steven Gruver of Canfield, Ohio, Hunter Daniel of Bearden and Adam Adkins of Goodpasture are other UT commitments.

The Vols are also getting left-handed pitcher Josh Allman from a familiar high school to UT fans.

The Swain County senior from Bryson City, N.C., the same school that produced former UT quarterback Heath Shuler, told the Asheville Citizen-Times he wants to be a Vol.

Allman was 5-4 last season, but was All-Smoky Mountain Conference. He picked the Vols over Appalachian State and Western Carolina.

“Josh isn’t an overpowering pitcher,” said Swain County coach Brandon Deitz. “He throws in the mid-80s, but he is smart pitcher. He has been trained well. He throws a lot of off speed.”

Raleigh came to UT from Western Carolina and Allman said the coach’s move to UT is a main part of why he has decided to come to the Vols.

“Coach Raleigh was a big reason I chose Tennessee,” Allman told the Asheville Citizen-Times. “Everything over there is nice, it’s a prestigious program and I like the academics, too. I’ve known coach Raleigh for a while. He’s one of my favorite coaches.”