Feb. 19, 2008
ORLANDO, Fla. (www.ucfathletics.com) - A total of 12 newcomers help make up the 2008 UCF baseball team, but only four of them can call themselves freshmen. RHP Cody Allen (Orlando, Fla./Boone), IF Stephen Branca (Valrico, Fla./Newsome), RHP Brennan Dobbins (Longwood, Fla./Lake Brantley) and IF/RHP Evan Stobbs (Myakka City, Fla./Sarasota) all join the Knights after stellar high school careers, and each should provide UCF with plenty of excitement this year.
While the coaching staff likes to ease freshmen into the program, sometimes the best way for a young student-athlete to get acquainted with life in the college ranks is to test the waters right out of the gate. These freshmen could all experience this role in 2008, however, Stobbs became a natural both offensively and defensively in high school that his versatility may be handy the very first weekend against Florida A&M.
A two-way player for Sarasota High School, Stobbs led the Sailors to the 2007 6A state title with a 10-1 record on the mound and a batting average over .400. He should join sophomore Shane Brown as UCF's primary candidates for first base to open the year.
Stobbs is looking forward to not only the season to get underway Friday, but also the opportunity to show the world of college baseball he can be a multiple threat on the diamond.
"I feel like the intensity will get higher and higher as we get closer," said Stobbs. "I'm nervous right now since the games are only three days away. I am not too sure of my role (for this weekend), but me and Shane have been taking reps at first. But I came here to be a two-way player and I'd be excited if I got a chance to start opening week. That would be a dream for me to start as a freshman. For all the workouts and running we did in the fall and early spring, I think I can handle (the long schedule). Even though it might be a little more work with playing first and pitching, I think I will be alright.
"The last week and a half I haven't been hitting that well, but yesterday I came back and went 2-for-2. Hopefully I can keep getting a few more hits under my belt. (On the mound, coach Craig Cozart) has helped me out a lot. When I came here I didn't know really know about pitching. I just went out there and threw. But he told me about different mechanics and how to get extension. He has made me a much better pitcher."
As Stobbs tries to maintain a rhythm at the plate, he and the Knights have two more days of practice following Tuesday night's workout. They will wrap up their preseason schedule with a Thursday afternoon practice before hosting FAMU Friday at 6:30 p.m.
Season tickets as well as single-game tickets to check out UCF baseball this year are currently available by contacting the UCF Ticket Office at 407-823-1000, or by going online at www.ucfathletics.com, the official site for UCF varsity sports. Also check out UCFPhotos.com, the exclusive fan source for UCF action sports pictures.