Nov. 21, 2007

MEMPHIS, Tenn. - University of Memphis Head Coach Daron Schoenrock wrapped up the early signing period by inking Florida Gulf Coast pitcher Ryan Fraser to a National Letter of Intent. A 49th Round Draft Pick of the Tampa Bay Devils Rays in the 2006 First Year Player Major League Draft, Fraser joins Drew Martinez, and Bartlett High standouts Jacob Wilson, Heith Hatfield and Trey Turner as Memphis' 2008-09 signing class.

Ryan Fraser went 3-5 record with a 4.55 ERA in his freshman season at GCCC.

One of four GCCC players to sign with four-year institutions, Fraser signs with the Tigers after a freshman campaign in which he pitched in both starter a reliever roles. He posted a 3-5 record with a 4.55 ERA. A native of Cleveland, Tenn., the 6-3 righthander fanned 34 batters in 55.1 innings of work to help Gulf Coast to a 32-18 season. The Commodores notched a seventh-place finish in the Florida State Tournament after claiming the runner-up trophy with a 15-10 record in Panhandle Conference play.

A two-sport standout, Fraser had an award-winning prep career at Walker Valley High. He lettered for two years as a quarterback and safety on the gridiron, but shined as a dual position player in two seasons on the diamond for Coach Mike Turner. Fraser earned All-Region and All-Area honors after guiding WVHS to a 25-10 mark as a senior. The two-time All-District selection compiled a 6-0 record on the mound as a junior en route to helping Walker Valley both Region and District titles.

"We are excited with Ryan's experience and the talent he will bring to the program," Schoenrock stated. "He possesses the stuff and ability to pitch somewhere at the top of the rotation in the 2009 season. We are glad he has decided to become a Tiger!"