Beals Signs Six for 2016 Season – Ohio State Buckeyes
11/12/2014 12:00:00 AM | Baseball
Nov. 12, 2014
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COLUMBUS, Ohio – The Ohio State baseball program has signed six recruits for the 2016 season, head coach Greg Beals announced Wednesday. Three signees are Ohioans, while two are from Indiana and one from Kentucky; the 2015 recruiting class brings in skills at all nine positions on the field.
“We are excited to announce this recruiting class of future Buckeyes,” Beals said. “This class more than anything has the makeup we are looking for in our student-athletes – competitive, athletic, versatile, passionate and most importantly, strong academically. As always, the efforts of Coach Stafford and Coach Holick need to be recognized today. These guys are instrumental in our recruitment of student-athletes.”
Like Beals said, the coaching staff was an integral part of the Buckeye program that factored into the decision of multiple signees.
“I decided on Ohio State because of the coaching staff and the direction the program is heading,” Ryan Feltner, a pitcher from Hudson, Ohio, said. “I’m excited to be a Buckeye and look forward to helping the team win games, a Big Ten championship and beyond.”
Owen Young, a first baseman and outfielder from Alexandria, Ind., echoed Feltner’s words.
“Ohio State has great coaches, who I believe can help take my game to the next level,” Young added. “I’ve always wanted to be a Buckeye and it’s a dream come true. I can’t wait to get to Columbus.”
For Jacob Barnwell, a catcher from Catlettsburg, Ky., he knew exactly where he wanted to go after his visit to the Ohio State campus.
“I believe in what Coach Beals and the coaching staff is working on every day at Ohio State,” Barnwell said. “Ohio State is one of the elite schools in the country. It was between Ohio State and Georgia and after visiting both, I knew the Scarlet and Gray was the best place for me.”
The combination of academics and athletics also had a great influence on the decisions of this 2015 class.
“Ohio State has a great baseball program and academics,” Connor Curlis, a pitcher from Findlay, Ohio, said. “I grew a strong relationship with the coaches from the beginning and I know I can trust them to make me a better player and person in my next four years at Ohio State. I can’t wait to help the Buckeyes in any way possible.”
Casey Demko, a switch-hitting infielder from Xenia, Ohio, added to Curlis’ sentiments, mentioning the “home feel” Ohio State brings to the table.
“I chose Ohio State for its rich tradition and strong history,” Demko said. “Academically and athletically, Ohio State just felt right to me. The school’s facilities are second to none and its proximity to my home will allow my family to see a lot of the games. I’m excited to be taken under such an experienced and passionate coaching staff. I believe they will help me reach my full potential as a student-athlete, and more importantly, as a person.”
For Pendleton, Ind., native Brady Cherry is looking forward to getting to work with the Buckeyes.
“I loved the school and I feel l have an opportunity to make an impact right away,” said Cherry, a third baseman and catcher. “I’m grateful for this opportunity to play at a premier school such as Ohio State and I plan on making the most of it.”
Ryan Feltner – RHP – 6-3, 180
Hudson, Ohio – Walsh Jesuit HS
Feltner was a first team All-District selection in 2014 and was named Walsh Jesuit Pitcher of the Year twice (2013 and 2014) … he earned underclass high school honorable mention laurels by Perfect Game and was named a Top 10 Ohio Player on Prep Baseball Report all four years … Feltner also is a Top 100 High School Pitcher by Perfect Game and was recognized as a top prospect in 2013 by Louisville Slugger … went 6-0 with a 1.45 ERA and 48 strikeouts in 38 innings pitched in 2013, while posting a 5-2 mark with an 0.88 ERA in 2012 … the son of Laura and Derek Feltner … plays high school baseball for head coach Chris Kaczmar … plays summer ball for Ohio Elite and head coach Chris Valentine.
Coach Beals on Feltner: “We are so excited about Ryan being a Buckeye. He is a very-focused young man. A front line right-handed pitcher, Ryan has great command and feel for the game. Ryan’s ability to pitch with both his fastball and off-speed pitches will make him ready to compete right away.”
Owen Young – 1B/OF – R/R – 6-2, 185
Alexandria, Ind. – Alexandria-Monroe HS
Young was a 2014 First Team All-State and All-Conference selection after earning second team all-state honors and first team all-conference laurels in 2013 … at the plate, Young has batted .437 with one home run, 10 doubles, two triples and 20 stolen bases … the son of Rebecca and Dmitri Young … father played 13 MLB seasons and was a two-time All-Star … plays high school baseball for head coach Jeff Closer … plays summer ball for Indiana Pony Express and head coach Quinten Brown.
Coach Beals on Young: “The son of former a former Major Leaguer, Owen is a student of the game and has a passion for being the best he can be. Owen has the ability to be a big-time hitter and we look forward to him putting it all together as a Buckeye. Long enough to play first base and fast enough to play in the outfield, Owen gives himself many options to crack the lineup.”
Jacob Barnwell – C – R/R – 5-10, 175
Catlettsburg, Ky. – Boyd County HS
Barnwell was a first-team All-State, All-Region and All-District selection in 2014, earning Region MVP honors after a 1.18 ERA with 36 strikeouts in 29 innings pitched … earned second team all-state accolades and first team all-district and all-region honors as a sophomore … as a freshman, Barnwell earned first team all-region and all-district as well as second-team all-state laurels … 59 runners have been caught stealing on Barnwell in three years, including 29 during freshman season … holds a .413 average and a .553 on-base percentage heading into his senior year … son of Linda and Michael Barnwell … plays high school baseball for head coach Brandon Ramsey … plays summer ball with the Huntington Hounds and head coach Caleb Stewart.
Coach Beals on Barnwell: “Jacob is a defensive-minded catcher that will fit well in our system. He possesses outstanding catching skills behind the plate including big-time arm strength as well as simply being a baseball rat. With the graduation of Gretz and Sabanosh, Jacob has the opportunity to compete for playing time immediately.”
Connor Curlis – LHP – 6-2, 175
Findlay, Ohio – Findlay HS
Curlis was a first team selection for the Three Rivers Athletic Conference in 2014 and earned honorable mention honors in 2013 …. 6-3 record with four saves and 76 strikeouts in 66 innings pitched … son of Kris and Todd Curlis … plays high school baseball for head coach Jeff Stutzman … plays summer ball for Ohio Elite and head coach Chris Valentine.
Coach Beals on Curlis: “Connor is a loose-armed, left-handed pitcher. We are really excited about his upside for development here in the near future. His body type, arm speed and athleticism make for a combination that screams ‘bright future.’ Connor will have the opportunity to compete in the bullpen immediately.”
Casey Demko – INF – B/R – 6-2, 175
Xenia, Ohio – Bellbrook HS
Demko was a first-team All-League selection at Bellbrook High School … batted .310 with a .491 on-base percentage, 16 stolen bases, 29 runs scored and 84 assists as an infielder … son of Stephanie and Rich Demko … plays high school baseball for head coach Rich Demko … plays summer ball for Ohio Elite and Chris Valentine.
Coach Beals on Demko: “A switch hitting shortstop, Casey possesses all the intangibles you look for; strong character and instincts to name a few. Probably Casey’s best attribute is his feel for the game. A great baserunner and defender, Casey is the son of a coach and former teammate of mine. We are excited about Casey’s future here at Ohio State.”
Brady Cherry – 3B/C – R/R – 6-0, 195
Pendleton, Ind. – Lapel HS
Cherry was a 2014 All-State selection after earning All-County for three years and County MVP … he was named Herald Bulletin Player of the Year twice in his high school career … batted .478 with six home runs last season at the plate … son of Dana and Hugh Cherry … plays high school baseball for head coach Dustin Glant … plays summer ball for the Indiana Bulls and head coach Dan Held.
Coach Beals on Cherry: “Brady is a physical athlete and that more than anything attracted us to him. A three-sport standout in high school, Brady also is the starting quarterback in football and guard in basketball. His athleticism and arm strength make him a strong candidate to play third base, pitch and catch at Ohio State. This type of athlete and versatility is extremely valuable in our program.”
