Clemson baseball: Five impact newcomers to know

When fans pile into Kingsmore Stadium on Friday for Clemson’s opener against Maine, here are a few new names expected to play big roles:

Jake Higginbotham

Fr., RHP, 5-10, 170, Hoschton, Ga.

He has a fastball that can reach the low 90s, a change-up and a solid curveball. He was a top-100 prospect nationally and was a first-team All-American for Louisville Slugger and USA Today.

Seth Beer

Fr., OF/1B, 6-2, 195, Lambert, Ga.

Perfect Game’s No. 2-ranked player in the country gave up his senior season in high school to play baseball at Clemson. Beer, a two-time Under Armour All-American, was the top player in the state of Georgia.

Alex Eubanks

Fr., RHP, 6-0, 185, Moore

A redshirt freshman, he used last year to heal from a moped accident and learn how to prepare at the college level. He could be a starter or play an important role out of the bullpen. He’s built to handle innings.

Brooks Crawford

Fr., RHP, 6-4, 225, Bishop, Ga.

Crawford’s fastball that can get into the 90s; his accompanying pitches are a change-up and a slider. New coach Monte Lee says he has “pro potential.” Crawford could start or come out of the bullpen.

Chris Williams

Soph., C/1B, 6-0, 220, Garden Grove, Calif.

Transfer has three years of eligibility remaining and impressed the coaches with his hitting in the fall. He was the conference MVP at Golden West College in 2015. He’s a catcher and first baseman.

Brad Senkiw, Anderson Independent Mail

This story was originally published February 18, 2016 at 8:57 PM with the headline "Clemson baseball: Five impact newcomers to know."