The pipeline from Farragut High School’s perennial-champion baseball team continues to flow to Lindsey Nelson Stadium.
Farragut catcher Ethan Bennett committed on Wednesday to play at Tennessee.
“I think the program is on the rise and that was a big factor,’’ Bennett said. “The facilities and the tools are there to get better and get stronger.’’
Bennett, who hit .360 as a junior for the Admirals, will sign with UT in November.
He’s the second local commitment for UT coach Todd Raleigh for the class of 2010, joining Matt Kirkland of South-Doyle.
Bennett will join former Farragut players Matt Ramsey and Rob Catapano. Cody Brown just completed his eligibility and Tony Delmonico began his career with the Vols before transferring.
“Ethan, first of all, is an outstanding young man, just a great kid,’’ said former Farragut coach Tommy Pharr (now at CAK). “That’s a good signing for them and him both.’’
Bennett had 11 home runs and 39 RBI as a junior. He missed some games due to a wrist injury but returned in time to hit a game-deciding home run in a 3-1 win over Collierville in the first round of the state tournament at Murfreesboro. Farragut captured its second consecutive state title and third in four years.
“He’s a good catcher and has a great arm,’’ Pharr said. “Defensively, he’s very strong and a very physical kid. He’s going to do great there from that aspect.
“Last year he made great improvement hitting-wise. He’s got good power numbers because he’s a strong kid. (Hitting) is an improvement he needs to make going to a level where the pitching is better.’’
Bennett was second-team All-PrepXtra as a junior. He loves catching because he is involved in every pitch of the game.
“I just feel more in control of the game and in every single play,’’ he said. “The interaction you have with the whole field is just awesome.’’
Bennett visited other state schools but cited UT’s proximity to home as a factor in his decision. He wanted his parents, Gary and Wendy, to follow his career.
“My family is important to me,’’ he said. “They’re the biggest thing in my life.’’
UT returns starter Blake Forsythe at catcher for at least one more season. Forsythe will be a junior in 2010.
© 2009, Knoxville News Sentinel Co.
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Comments » 8
armyvol22 writes:
“I think the program is on the rise and that was a big factor,’’ Bennett said. “The facilities and the tools are there to get better and get stronger.’’
At least these young men think UT's program is on the way up.
Now if we can get the support behind these players and staff.
Go Vols!
workinlikehek writes:
Fantastic, Ethan. Go Vols.
warriorman86#667191 writes:
Why would he want to play for Raleigh?
vol4gzus writes:
It may be just to tick you off I don't know for sure.....
On topic, welcome aboard young man!
FARRAGUT0406 writes:
FHS, a school of champions and great academics!!
golfballs03 writes:
can he play quarterback?
sjackson#227599 writes:
This is a quality catch for UT. I have known Ethan since he played baseball with my son several years ago. He is a phenomenal hitter who can crush the ball but, just as important, he is an outstanding young man who has a great work ethic.
Vol4ever_1 writes:
Great job of getting bennett and williams!! Congrats to these very good FHS players!!
Armyvol-
I am behind the players like no other. I watched how hard these guys worked and have seen how they represent out in the community.
To get behind the staff, no problem if they will start coaching and do their jobs. CTR is overmatched to this point.
The program is on the rise. Unless there is more to go down? Unless CTR has a few things under his sleeve.
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