Nov. 16, 2010

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - The Samford Baseball program announced four additions to the baseball program with the 2011 recruiting class last week. Starting today each of those additions will be featured with an article about the individual players. Today's featured student athlete is Caleb Dugas.

Caleb Dugas (IF, 5-11, 195, Northwest Rankin High School, Flowood, Miss.) is an outstanding offensive infielder who will go down as one of the best players in the history of Northwest Rankin High School in Mississippi. Rankin has historically been one of the top programs in its state with a large number of outstanding players over the years. Dugas broke the single season batting average record by hitting .494 during his junior season to pass a mark previously set in the mid 1990's.

Head Coach Casey Dunn is excited about the addition.

"Caleb can really swing the bat well," Dunn said. "He is a strong, physical athlete who has some pop at the plate and some versatility on defense. He plays against really good competition in 6A at a high school program with an outstanding tradition for producing good players. Setting the batting average record says a lot about his ability level."

Dugas, who will play shortstop this year, hit three home runs, slugged 13 doubles, three home runs and drove in 33 runs. For his efforts he was named the team's Most Valuable Player, Best Offensive Player and he was named to both the 6A All-State team and the All-District team.

Dugas has played all over the infield in his career including second base, third base and shortstop.

"Caleb has incredible arm strength and will have played a lot on the left side of the infield," Dunn said. "We know he can play second base as well. It will be good to have that versatility added to the team along with his bat."