SAN ANTONIO, Texas - Head Coach Patrick Hallmark and the University of the Incarnate Word baseball program announced Tuesday the addition of eight student-athletes acquired during the NCAA's early signing period.
 
The recruiting class, comprised entirely of Texas products, will join the Cardinals for the 2018-2019 academic year.
 
"We started a little late with our staff not being in place until August, but we are thrilled with these future Cardinals," Hallmark said. "We were searching for student-athletes with character and toughness, and we think we found them. We are excited to welcome this class of young men and their families into the UIW baseball family.
 
"Scott Shepperd and Ryan Aguayo have done a great job identifying the players we need to take our program into the future. They have spent countless hours away from their home and their families in order to make this class a possibility. I cannot thank them enough for the effort they put into getting this outstanding group of young men to San Antonio."
 
UIW expects to sign additional players during the later signing period.
 
EARLY SIGNING PERIOD RECRUITING CLASS
 
Taylor Smith – 6-0, R/R, C – Gateway Prep – Southwest Elite – Georgetown, Texas
Hallmark on Smith: Taylor has a chance to be an impact player offensively and defensively. His arm strength can shut down a running game, and his bat has enough juice to be a long-ball threat anywhere. We are excited to have Taylor at UIW.
Shepperd on Smith: We are really excited to get Taylor in the 2018 recruiting class. His skillset is already developed and making the jump to Division I should come very naturally. He has a history of being a good hitter and the potential to develop some real power. I really like his abilities behind the plate, and I expect him to help solidify that position in coming seasons.
Smith on why he chose UIW: The reason I chose UIW is because the atmosphere on campus and on the baseball field was what I was looking for. I can't wait to be a part of the new baseball program and create a winning tradition.
 
Antonio Valdez – 5-10, S/R, MIF – W.B. Ray High School – Prospects National Scout Team – Corpus Christi, Texas
Hallmark on Valdez: Antonio's athleticism and versatility make him a great fit for what we are building at UIW. He is an offensive middle infielder that has tremendous upside. We are thrilled to get to coach Antonio for the next few years.
Shepperd on Valdez: Antonio is a very athletic guy that could play anywhere on the field, but we see him playing in the middle for us. He has the ability to make plays that no one else can make. We also like that he will add flexibility with the bat. A pure switch hitter that can run is hard to find, and we have one in Antonio.
Valdez on why he chose UIW: I chose UIW because of the impressive coaching staff. On my visit, I was amazed by the knowledge and research, combined with the experience of the coaches. The staff is the most impressive I have spoken to.
 
Christian Vega – 6-0, R/R, P – Katy High School – Houston Kyle Chapman – Katy, Texas
Hallmark on Vega: Christian is a polished right-handed pitcher who comes to us ready to log innings against college hitters immediately. Christian's experience at Katy and Kyle Chapman have him groomed for big things in college, and we're happy to help him develop further over the next four years.
Aguayo on Vega: When we sat down as a coaching staff and discussed the future arms in our program, Christian Vega is exactly who we were envisioning. He is an athletic right-handed pitcher from Katy High School, with a high ceiling and future. He features three quality pitches in his arsenal, with some pitchability. He has tons of room to grow and mature with his body, and when he does, there is no doubt he will make a huge impact on our program.
Vega on why he chose UIW: I chose to be a Cardinal because I recognized the future that the program has. I'm very excited to see what I can bring to the table for a team that's set on winning the Southland Conference. I loved the coaches and the vision they have for the program.
 
Ashton Davis – 6-4, R/R, P – Pflugerville High School – Marucci Elite – Pflugerville, Texas
Hallmark on Davis: What a great pitcher to get very late in the recruiting process! Ashton has a great pitcher's body with an already good fastball. Coach Shepperd and I can't wait to work with Ashton and see how high the ceiling is.
Aguayo on Davis: Ashton is another quality arm we got in our 2018 recruiting class. He is a strong, physical kid, with a plus arm and makeup. His stuff on the mound is present with life on the fastball. With his stuff, competitiveness and athleticism, he definitely brings a presence to our pitching staff. We are looking forward to Ashton stepping on campus.
Davis on why he chose UIW: As soon as a I stepped on the UIW campus, it felt like home. All of the UIW baseball players and coaches are hardworking, driven and honest people, with common values and goals. Everyone is very disciplined and ready to prove themselves, but at the same time, are welcoming and supportive of newcomers. I can't wait to add to the competitive fire as a Cardinal.
 
Jaylen Williams – 6-0, R/R, OF – Stony Point High School – Action Baseball – Pflugerville, Texas
Hallmark on Williams: Jaylen has all the tools to be a star. He can run, hit and throw. Our staff was thrilled to land such a talented ballplayer. As a two-sport athlete in high school, Jaylen's athleticism is evident. We look forward to seeing what his future holds once he is able to solely focus on baseball.
Shepperd on Williams:  I love guys like Jaylen. He is super physical and all the measurables are there. Aside from being an outstanding football player, his baseball skillset is very developed. He has the ability to play any position in the outfield and play them well. His bat has lightning in it, and I look forward to having it in our lineup.
Williams on why he chose UIW: I chose UIW because of the coaching staff, and I really felt that they would turn the team in the right direction to be the best.
 
Zach Thomas – 6-3, R/R, OF – Cedar Ridge High School – Round Rock, Texas
Hallmark on Thomas: Zach is athletic and strong, with room to get even stronger. We think he can develop into a middle-of-the-order power bat.
Aguayo on Thomas: Thomas is a physical hitter, who carries some plus bat speed. He is a good runner and mainly an outfielder, but could see some time in other positions as well. He possesses some attributes that you cannot teach. At the plate, he will have the ability to drive in some runs for us.
Thomas on why he chose UIW: I have wanted to come at UIW for a while, because they have a strong program, and I loved the environment of the facility and campus. I believe they are becoming one of the top programs around. I am extremely excited about joining the team and becoming a Cardinal.
 
Mathew De La Cruz – 5-10, R/R, MIF – Robert Vela High School – South Texas Colts – Edinburg, Texas
Hallmark on De La Cruz: Matthew is an exciting, athletic shortstop with lots of upside. He has some fast twitch and can win games in several ways. We are happy to have him in the UIW baseball family.
Aguayo on De La Cruz:  Mathew is an incredible, quick-twitch athlete. He can play multiple positions on the field and give us versatility. As he matures and develops, he will have the ability to fill multiple roles for us. He is a solid runner that will give us another threat on the base paths. He brings a confidence to his game that will make an impact his teammates.
De La Cruz on why he chose UIW: I decided UIW was the right university for me after meeting the coaching staff. All the coaches appeared to have winning attitudes and expect nothing less from their players. It is exciting to know they are hungry to win and expect to win baseball games.
 
Cristian Gonzalez – 6-2, R/R, 1B/3B – Hanna Early College High School – South Texas Sliders – Brownsville, Texas
Hallmark on Gonzalez: Cristian's swing mechanics and strength intrigued our staff. He has the power to be a double-digit home run guy for us, and we look forward to working with him.
Aguayo on Gonzalez:  Gonzalez is another strong player in our recruiting class. He is a corner infielder at the high school level and has a chance to play the same in our program. He also holds some tools at the plate and will have the ability to drive the ball consistently. He is the type of player we are looking for at UIW. He is a great student in the classroom and shows outstanding makeup on the field.
Gonzalez on why he chose UIW: The University of the Incarnate Word is a perfect fit for me.  With a great coaching staff, a great baseball program and high academics, UIW will allow me to become the best version of myself. I can't wait to get on campus and compete at the collegiate level.
 
For the first time in program history, UIW is eligible for NCAA Division I postseason play after completing a four-year transition to full NCAA Division I status.
 
This year's Southland Conference Tournament for baseball will run May 23-26 at Constellation Field in Sugar Land.
 
To purchase tickets to any UIW Athletics home event, contact Ticket Sales Coordinator Alma Lara at 210-805-3012.
 
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