Nov. 28, 2007

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - This week we will be profiling each of Samford's six baseball signees. The featured player today is Josh Hall.

Josh Hall (RHP, 6-5, 220, Woodlands Christian High School, Houston, Texas) is a tall hard-throwing right-hand pitcher from Woodlands Christian Academy in Houston, who will have an opportunity to make key contributions right away for Samford. Hall has competed for one of the top Summer and Fall teams in the country with the Houston Heat, the third-ranked travel team in the country.

Hall was selected as a First Team All-State, All-District, and All-County player for the 2007 season. During his junior season, he finished with a record of 8-2, pitching 61 innings, striking out 76, with an ERA of 1.57 while posting an incredible .180 batting average against. A very highly-recruited player, Hall has been an outstanding hitter for his high school as well.

Hall was also able to use his height and athleticism on the basketball court as an All-State performer in the 2006-07 basketball season. He has been a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes for three years.

"I really felt comfortable when I visited and I feel like that's where God wants me to be," Hall said. "I'm extremely excited to start my college career at Samford."

The signing of Hall from the talent rich Houston area is significant as well for the Samford coaching staff.

"Josh is a big, strong, athletic guy that should help significantly right away," Samford head coach Casey Dunn said. "He has outstanding velocity and uses his frame well. The Houston area is one of the best in the country in terms of talent, and being able to get a player of his caliber out of there with his options is great for our program. He and his family are a great fit for the Samford community."

Among Josh's options in recruiting were Clemson, Ole Miss, Baylor and Dallas Baptist.