quote:
Paul Mainieri on Jake Godfrey:
“Jake Godfrey was drafted in the 21st round by the Atlanta Braves and is one of those rare power arms that you don’t always get at the college level. He works a low 90s fastball that gets up to 94 mph on a regular basis. At 6’3”, 215 pounds, he is a physical presence on the mound and has that durable frame that can withhold a strong workload. Jake is one of our three Chicago area signees, and he led his Providence Catholic High School team to the Illinois 4A State Championship this past year. Jake has an opportunity to make a big difference for us on the mound and with the influence of Alan Dunn he could join the list of the great LSU pitchers during his tenure.”

Twist of Fate Brings Together Jake Godfrey and LSU

quote:
"Right before my senior season started, I was on a recruiting trip and was set to go to three different schools," Godfrey said. "I went to the first two, but didn't even go to the third one because LSU was the second one. Once I got a taste of the chance I had here, that was it for me."

Jake is a freshman pitcher who tiger fans will come to know very well this coming season. He's one of three freshman pitchers with a real shot at starting on the weekends and even being the Friday night guy. Jake a typical power pitcher in a power pitcher's frame. But unlike most young power arms, he also has great control. Much like Aaron Nola in his first year, he'll need to learn that it's just as important to throw pitches out of the zone as it is to throw strikes.

Player Profile: Freshman Beau Jordan

LSUSports.net Profile - Beau Jordan

quote:
Paul Mainieri on Beau Jordan:
“Beau, and his twin brother Bryce, are from Lake Charles, La. and the rich winning tradition of Barbe High School. As the starting leftfielder, Beau won state championships both in his sophomore and senior seasons. He plays a winning brand of baseball and will impact our lineup because he presents an ability to be a difference-maker in different ways. His greatest attribute is his offensive talent and knack for making things happen - reaching base safely and driving in runs. He has an aggressive approach with a compact swing that also exhibits extension through the zone which allows him to drive the ball. Simply put, he is an advanced hitter and baserunner.”

Beau Wins MVP of Championship Game

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Jordan earned the state championship's Most Outstanding Player award after his impressive performance in Barbe's 7-1 victory over Live Oak in which he went 2-for-3 with a solo home run and two runs scored that included a steal of home plate to tie the game at 1 in the first inning.

It would be easy to go on and on about Beau's accomplishments since he (and a few other LSU recruits) made it to the Little League World Series 6 years ago. But I'd rather talk about him as a player because we may be seeing him a lot this year. He's a powerful hitter who will also hit for average. He has deceiving speed due to his stature and great instincts in the OF. And as good as he is, he plays even better in big situations. Many may think the OF is locked down, but don't be surprised if Beau takes over a spot simply because he won't give PM any other choice.

Player Profile: Freshman Bryce Jordan

LSUSports.net Profile - Bryce Jordan

quote:
Paul Mainieri on Bryce Jordan:
“Bryce is the twin brother of Beau. Although they are hard to tell apart, their qualities as players are distinct. Bryce spent this, his senior season, as the starting catcher for Barbe High School. His defensive skills, in particular behind the plate, drastically improved throughout his high school career. Bryce encompasses versatility, having played in meaningful games at third base and first base. He is an on-base machine. I don’t think I’ve ever recruited a kid that is more determined to get on base, having set records in high school for getting hit by pitches. He has consistently squared up balls his whole high school career and has all the hitting tools you would look for in a player. He and his brother had a lot to do with the state championships they obtained throughout their careers at Barbe.”

Bryce Sets National High School HBP Record

quote:
"Getting hit doesn’t bother him," Barbe coach Glenn Cecchini told USA Today of Jordan. "He's built like a Neanderthal and he knows enough to turn away from the pitch."

Indeed, Jordan is a 5-foot-10, 195-pound infielder who has committed to LSU along with his twin brother Beau (insert joke about seeing double here). Bryce reportedly owns a hefty .644 on-base percentage, helping the Bucs to a 28-2 record entering the final handful of games on the regular-season schedule.

There's no other way to put it; Bryce Jordan is scrappy. And while that may just be a cliche to some, what it means is that he plays aggressive but smart. He may not be the fastest, most talented player, but he'll outwork and out-hustle anyone on the field taking advantage of every opportunity given him to get on base and put runs on the board. On defense, he's quick on his feet which is essential for a catcher or corner infielder and he makes few mistakes. However, with a veteran infield it may be difficult for Bryce to find a starting spot although I wouldn't be surprised if he worked his way in; players like him always do.

This post was edited on 12/10/14 at 8:11 am