July 16, 2008

MEMPHIS, Tenn. - The University of Memphis pitching staff continues to strengthen as Head Coach Daron Schoenrock announced the signing of DeSoto Central pitcher Ben Paullus. Paullus is the third pitcher to sign with Memphis after the Tigers lost four hurlers in the 2008 MLB Draft.

"We are excited about Ben's decision to join our program," said Schoenrock. "He is definitely the most experienced up-and-coming arm that surfaced in the spring from the talent-rich DeSoto County area. We expect him to compete immediately for a significant role on our pitching staff.

A four-year letterman for Head Coach Shane Faulkner at DeSoto Central, Paullus joins the Tiger squad after a record-setting senior season. The 6-2 right-hander set DCHS single-season records with a perfect 11-0 record and 94 strikeouts in just 68.2 innings of work to help the Jaguars to a 23-8 finish and a District 1-5A championship. In addition, Paullus recorded three shutouts and was nearly unhittable with a 1.56 ERA. One of his three shutouts was a nine strikeout, five-hitter against nationally ranked Tupelo in the MHSAA Class 5A quarterfinals.

Paullus's senior numbers earned him a plethora of honors including First Team All-Chickasaw Conference, Clarion Ledger First Team All-State and All-Shelby Metro. He joined Tiger signees Heith Hatfield, Drew Martinez and Jacob Wilson as four of the five 2008 Commercial Appeal Best of Preps finalists.

Paullus, who was also recruited by Navy and Mississippi State, is spending the summer pitching for Keith Hagan's Memphis Tigers 18-U team. That team also includes U of M signees Wilson and Trey Turner.