As the 2022 NCAA Baseball Tournament advances to the Super Regionals round later this week, so do the seasons of a few former prep stars from right here in the Southeast across Alabama, Florida, and Georgia. Here are a few of those names to watch for later this week as college baseball inches closer to its biggest stage in Omaha, along with what each has done up to this point in the season.
Chase Dollander – Tennessee
Dollander’s success this season with top-ranked Tennessee is no secret. A former prep standout at Georgia’s Greenbrier High School, Dollander was named the 2022 SEC Pitcher of the Year after recording a 2.38 ERA with a 103:13 K:BB ratio. He and could be the Volunteers’ game one starter against Notre Dame.
Sonny DiChiara – Auburn
The 2022 SEC Co-Player of the Year, DiChiara has been one of college baseball’s top hitters for the Tigers after transferring from Samford last offseason. The former Hoover High School product in Alabama is by far Auburn’s most dangerous hitter, holding a .389 AVG with 20 HR, and will likely play a significant role for the Tigers as they travel to face Oregon State.
Jordan Beck – Tennessee
The former Hazel Green (AL) High School star is another Volunteer to watch for. Beck has enjoyed a strong junior season as one of Tennessee’s top offensive power threats, batting for a .291 AVG with 16 HR and 56 RBIs. Similar to Dollander, he could play a key role for the Vols in the Super Regionals.
Tim Elko – Ole Miss
After being one of the last teams into the field of 64, Ole Miss has now advanced to a Super Regional after an impressive showing last weekend in Coral Gables. One of the biggest names to watch for in the Rebels lineup is former Hillsborough (FL) High School product Tim Elko, an experienced hitter who is batting .292 this season with 19 HR.
Hurston Waldrep – Southern Miss
This former standout at Georgia’s Thomasville High School is another great name among former Southeastern prep Stars to watch for in the 2022 NCAA Super Regionals. Waldrep has enjoyed a strong sophomore season at Southern Miss, which will now host Elko and the Rebels with a trip to Omaha up for grabs. The right-hander has made 16 starts for the Golden Eagles this season, posting a 2.96 ERA with a 128:29 K:BB during that span.
