HARROGATE, Tenn. -- Lincoln Memorial University head baseball coach Jeff Sziksai and his staff have assembled the largest batch of early signing period commits in program history, as it was announced this week that the Railsplitters inked 13 players for the 2015-16 academic year.
 
"I want to first recognize the hard work and dedication of our three assistant coaches," Sziksai said. "Recruiting coordinator Tim Brown and assistant coaches Ben Adleburg and Justin Haywood have worked exceptionally hard putting this recruiting class together. Their countless hours on the road and on the phone developing relationships with these guys have really paid off."
 
The Railsplitters' 13 commitments represent seven different states (Tennessee, Georgia, Ohio, Illinois, Florida, Iowa and Pennsylvania). The group is composed of 12 high school seniors and 1 junior college transfer.
 
"Our goal in the early period was to address all of our immediate needs, and I feel that we exceeded those expectations," continued Sziksai. "I am excited about this group of young men and what they will be bringing to our program next year, and for years to come.  Knowing how to win and expecting to do so is crucial, and a majority of these kids come from programs that have been highly successful either at the high school or junior college level. We want our program to be built with kids that are winners with great work ethic and high character, and all of these young men fit the bill."
 
HD Dillard is a 5-9, 170 pound outfielder hailing from Woodstock, Ga. and Etowah High School. In his junior prep season under the direction of head coach Greg Robinson, Dillard compiled a .328 batting average with 16 RBI, one home run, 14 walks and 13 stolen bases. In the field, the speedster finished his junior campaign with a .976 fielding percentage. Dillard is a six-time Perfect Game All-Tournament Team selection, while earning a spot on the 2012 AAU Super Showcase All-Star Team. He's been lauded throughout his career for his defensive prowess, earning 2013 Rawlings All-Defensive Team, 2013 6-4-3 Defensive Player of the Year and 2014 Etowah Defensive Player of the Year honors. Off the field, Dillard spends a portion of his Christmas break as a volunteer at Goshen Valley Boys Ranch.
 
Dillard was also pursued by Kennesaw State, Georgia State, Kansas and Middle Georgia State. When asked why he chose LMU, Dillard said, "It felt like home the minute I arrived. The coaches made me feel welcomed and wanted. I just felt like this was where I was supposed to be, which I never felt at all the other schools I visited."
 
He intends on majoring in Sports Management during his tenure at Lincoln Memorial.
 
Regarding Dillard, head baseball coach Jeff Sziksai said, "HD was a great get for us in the early period. He is a switch hitting, athletic outfielder that really has a great feel for the game. He has experience playing at a high level both at Etowah High School and also in the summer with 6-4-3. We are excited about his future here."
 
Ethan Elliott is a 6-2, 160 pound left-handed pitcher from Knoxville, Tenn. and Catholic High School. During the 2014 campaign, Elliott tied the Catholic High School single-season record for wins with a 9-3 mark, compiling that clip with a 2.02 ERA and 73 strikeouts in 76 innings pitched. Elliott has received a number of athletic distinctions, earning TSSAA Region 2 District 4 first team, Knoxville News Sentinel PrepXtra first team and TSWA All-State. He was also placed on Perfect Game's High School Follow List for Tennessee. In his free time, Elliott volunteers with the Salvation Army, Buddy's Race Against Cancer and the Second Harvest Food Bank.
 
Elliott was also recruited by Carson-Newman, Hiwassee and Cleveland State Community College before ultimately electing to sign with Lincoln Memorial. When asked why he chose LMU, Elliott noted the small campus, the academic reputation and the successful baseball program. He intends on pursuing a degree in Health Science/Biology during his stay at Lincoln Memorial.
 
Regarding Ethan Elliott, Sziksai said, "We have had our eye on Ethan for several years and were thrilled to finally get him. He is the definition of a 'pitcher' that has plus command and really competes. As he matures physically, I think he will really have a major impact on our pitching staff. Ethan was named All-State on a Catholic High School team that made it to the state championship game last year, so he has proven that he comes from a background of winning."
 
Ryan Gibson is a 6-2, 195 pound infielder/right-handed pitcher from Mooresburg, Tenn. and Cherokee High School. During his junior season under head coach Matt Carter, Gibson compiled a 5-3 record on the mound with a 1.12 ERA, 41 strikeouts and only nine walks in 50 innings pitched. At the plate, he racked up a .312 batting average with 15 RBI, 19 runs scored, three doubles and a pair of triples in 32 appearances. He is a three-time IMAC All-Conference selection, while he was selected as the IMAC's Player of the Year and Cy Young Award winner for his efforts last season. In the classroom, Gibson has earned six separate academic achievement awards through three-quarters of his high school career. In the community, he has been involved in summer baseball camps, health fairs and reading to elementary students.
 
Gibson was also recruited by Carson-Newman, Walters State, Columbia State, East Tennessee State and Cleveland State. When asked why he chose LMU, Gibson said, "I chose LMU, first off, because of their great academic history and the small class sizes, so that I will have more one-on-one time with my professors. I believe this will help me to excel in my academics. The campus was very impressive. I like the relationship that I formed early on with the coaching staff. The baseball team's willingness to give me a chance to pitch and play the field was important to me. All in all, I feel that LMU was the best fit for me."
 
He intends on majoring in Kinesiology during his stay in Harrogate.
 
Regarding Gibson, Sziksai said, "Ryan has a chance to be another legitimate two-way player in our program. We really like what he brings to the mound as well as the plate. As he matures physically, he will be both a power bat and power arm in our program. He was named conference Pitcher of the Year as a junior, so he has a proven track record of success. The future is bright for Ryan at LMU."
 
Jonah Hartline is a 5-7, 160 pound outfielder from Murfreesboro, Tenn. and Riverdale High School. In his junior season, which was played at Lenoir City High School in Lenoir City, Tenn., Hartline led the Panthers in batting average (.330), slugging percentage (.648), hits (30), triples (4), home runs (6), RBI (13) and steals (13). Hartline is a two-time All-County selection, a two-time All-District first team honoree and a two-time Team MVP. Hartline with awarded with Lenoir City Offensive Player of the Year laurels at the end of last season. He is a three-time Honor Roll recipient. Off the field, he donates his time to the Domestic Violence Center as well as the Room in the Inn homeless shelter. He has also helped promote literacy among youths by reading to elementary school kids.
 
When asked why he chose LMU, Hartline said, "I chose LMU because they believe in me as much as I believe in them. As I toured the school, I knew that there was no other place for me. I always told myself that I would know when it 'felt right' and every aspect of LMU felt like home to me. The degree program that I've always planned for was offered, the baseball program I saw myself being a part of was there and the college 'family' that I need to become the man God intends me to be is there. I know all that I've ever hoped for will be fulfilled at LMU."
 
He intends on majoring in Wildlife and Fisheries Management/Biology during his tenure at Lincoln Memorial.
 
Regarding Hartline, Sziksai said, "Jonah is a very exciting, very athletic player that really handles the bat. Our staff was really impressed with how hard he played, and the energy he brings to the game. Jonah can impact the game in every area; with the bat, on the bases and covering ground defensively. He definitely fits the mold of an LMU player, and we are excited about him getting here."
 
Zach Heming is a 6-0, 165 pound catcher from Cincinnati, Ohio and Turpin High School. During his junior season under the direction of head coach Drew Schmidt, Heming hit .366 with 11 RBI, four doubles, 13 runs and 10 stolen bases. For that effort, Turpin was an All-Eastern Cincinnati Conference first team selection, an All-City second team pick and Turpin's Team MVP. In addition to his athletic merits, Heming was an Academic All-Conference honoree and a Spartan Academic Award winner. Heming is also involved in the community, predominantly working with special needs kids.
 
Heming was also recruited by Albany, Cincinnati, Carson-Newman, Shawnee State, Lincoln Trail Community College and Ohio Dominican. When asked why he elected to attend LMU, Heming said, "It just felt right when I stepped onto campus. Everything was nice, the coaches were awesome and I just felt at home."
 
Heming intends on pursuing a degree in Criminal Justice/Sociology at Lincoln Memorial.
 
Regarding Heming, Sziksai said, "Zach has all the tools you look for in a catcher. He is athletic, can really catch and throw and runs well. As Zach gets into our strength and conditioning program he will really improve very quickly. We are excited to have Zach at LMU and are anxious to see how he develops here."
 
Cody Hinson is a 6-1, 185 pound left-handed pitcher originally from Taylor Ridge, Ill. Hinson will be a sophomore this season at Indian Hills Community College, alma mater of LMU senior slugger Kelvin Brito (Yabucoa, Puerto Rico). During his freshman campaign at Indian Hills under the direction of head coach Cam Walker, Hinson finished with a 2.62 ERA and 22 strikeouts in 24 innings pitched. Off of the diamond, Hinson donates some of his time as a volunteer firefighter.
 
When asked why he chose Lincoln Memorial, Hinson noted the baseball program, the atmosphere of the campus and the opportunity to further his education and complete his degree.
 
Regarding Hinson, Sziksai said, "Cody is expected to have an immediate impact on our program and pitching staff. After a successful freshman year at Indian Hills where he led the team in appearances and punched out a batter an inning, we expect the same from him again this year. IHCC is a tradition rich junior college, and we are excited to get another player that expects to win and knows how to win."
 
Seth Hunt is a 5-10, 160 pound infielder hailing from Knoxville, Tenn. and Hardin Valley Academy. In his 2014 season, Hunt recorded a gaudy .425 batting average with a .492 on-base percentage while leading his prep squad with 25 stolen bases. Hunt is a two-time All-District selection and he added an All-Region award to his shelf following the 2014 season. Off the field, Hunt is a National Honor Society member that is prominently involved as a leader at the Faith Promise Church.
 
Hunt was also recruited by East Tennessee State, Belmont and UT Martin. When asked why he chose LMU, Hunt stated, "It met every need that I was looking for in terms of the school itself and the athletic facilities."
 
He intends on majoring in Physical Therapy while at Lincoln Memorial.
 
Regarding Hunt, Sziksai said, "Seth is a very good athlete and will have the chance to impact our infield defense right away. Every coach looks for an infield defender that is athletic enough to range to the tough ball, but can make every routine play. Seth does both of those at a high level and combined with his ability to handle the bat, we are excited to have him in an LMU uniform for the next four years."
 
Kyle Jenkins is a 6-0, 190 pound catcher from Jacksonville, Fla. and Mandarin High School. Last season, Jenkins compiled a .343 batting average, 16 RBI, six doubles, one home run and a .507 slugging percentage for the John Ferrell-led Mandarin High squad. Jenkins was noted as a Prospect Wire Underclassman All-American while earning Prospect Wire All-Tournament team laurels. He was also an All-Conference first team selection.
 
Jenkins was also recruited by the University of North Florida. When asked why he chose LMU, Jenkins said, "I chose LMU because I felt that it would be the perfect fit for me. Not only did the coaches impress me with their philosophy of the game and how they went about their business, but the school impressed me academically as well. I believe that the school will feel like home as I continue to grow as a baseball player and a student."
 
He will pursue an Athletic Training degree while at Lincoln Memorial.
 
Regarding Jenkins, Sziksai said, "Kyle is a great get for us in the early signing period and we feel that he is a real diamond in the rough. He really impressed us with his physical ability to catch and throw as well as swing the bat, but what really stood out for us was his makeup. He is a great fit for our program because of his willingness to compete, make adjustments and get after it. He will make the transition to LMU seamlessly."
 
Eric Lessig is a 6-0, 160 pound left-handed pitcher from Knoxville, Tenn. and Farragut High School. During Farragut High's run to the 2014 State Championship, Lessig tossed 42.1 innings, compiling a perfect 5-0 record with 39 strikeouts and a 2.8 ERA. He was tabbed with All-District second team laurels for that effort. Lessig was also a pivotal part of Farragut's 2013 State Championship runner-up squad. In the classroom, Lessig was awarded a spot on the Honor Roll, while he is involved in the community in a number of capacities.
 
Lessig was also recruited by Morehead State, Radford, Lee, Carson-Newman and King. When asked why he chose LMU, Lessig noted the coaching staff, the makeup of the athletic department, the scenery surrounding the campus and the high level education. Lessig plans on pursuing a degree in Business Management during his tenure in Harrogate.
 
Regarding Lessig, Sziksai commented, "Eric was another great get for us in the early period as we feel that he has an incredible amount of upside. Eric was a major contributor to Farragut's state championship run last year, and he figures to do the same again as a senior. In addition to playing for a perennial winner in Farragut High School, he also plays with a very competitive summer ball program at Diamond Simcox. We look forward to seeing Eric here next fall."
 
Matt Mullenbach is a 6-4, 175 pound right-handed pitcher from Urbandale, Iowa and Waukee High School. In his junior season at Waukee, Mullenbach was named All-Conference first team, All-District first team and All-State first team after posting a 10-1 record with a 1.13 ERA in 68.1 innings pitched. Outside of the diamond, Mullenbach spends some of his free time as a volunteer at the Miracle League, which promotes baseball for special needs kids.
 
Mullenbach was also recruited by Minnesota State, Augustana, Iowa Central, Concordia-St. Paul and Buena Vista. When asked why he selected LMU, Mullenbach commented on the strong baseball program and academics as well as the nice campus and people. He intends on pursuing a degree in Athletic Training.
 
Regarding Mullenbach, Sziksai said, "Our staff was very excited to sign Matt to this year's class. He has all the makings of a top pitcher on our staff and he has the stuff and makeup to have an immediate impact. The Urbandale, Iowa area has been good to us as Matt will join his former cross-town rival Logan Augustine on our team. Matt's ceiling is limitless and we are looking forward to him having a great career here."
 
Peter Pratti is a 6-2, 180 pound right-handed pitcher from Knoxville, Tenn. and Farragut High School. Like the aforementioned Lessig, Pratti played a prominent role in Farragut's run to the 2014 State Championship, tallying a 2-1 record with a 2.87 ERA in 35 innings pitched. He is thoroughly involved in the community, participating in the Fantasy of Trees as well as the Race for the Cure in each of the last four years. He also took part in the Farragut Fall Festival and the Empty Stocking Fund. In the classroom, he was placed on the Distinguished Honor Roll with a 4.12 GPA.
 
Pratti was also recruited by Carson-Newman, Milligan, Wofford and Tusculum. When asked why he chose LMU, Pratti said, "I chose LMU because I wanted to receive an outstanding education while also getting the chance to play the game I love. I want to develop as a player as well as a person and be prepared for my life after LMU. In order for this to happen I need to be surrounded by a great coaching staff as well as great professors, people and teammates, all of which I found at LMU."
 
He intends to pursue at degree in Nursing while at Lincoln Memorial.
 
Regarding Pratti, Sziksai said, "Pete is a guy who we really believe has just scratched the surface as to what he can become. Yet another player that we have been able to sign that comes from a tradition rich high school that is used to winning, Pete is a guy that will be a major contributor to our pitching staff before it is all said and done. He has great makeup and we look forward to getting our hands on him and seeing his development here."
 
Matt Walczak is a 6-2, 185 pound left-handed pitcher from Levittown, Pa. and Harry S. Truman High School. During his junior prep season, Walczak fanned 35 batters in 33 1/3 innings pitched, finishing the season with a 1.46 strikeout-to-walk ratio. He is also a three-year letterwinner for his high school golf team. In addition to his work on the field, Walczak serves as an assistant baseball coach for an 11U squad in his hometown.
 
Walczak was also pursued by Belmont Abbey and Spalding on the recruiting trail. When asked why he chose LMU, Walczak mentioned the wonderful atmosphere as well as the campus. He is expected to complete his work towards a degree in Business Management.
 
Regarding Walczak, Sziksai commented, "Matt brings another quality left-handed arm to this recruiting class, and we were very impressed with his command and feel for pitching. Another guy that really has a feel for pitching, he will really take off once he matures physically and gets stronger. Matt has an exciting future ahead of him in our program, and we are excited to see how he develops."
 
The final commitment of the early signing period, Grady Wright is a 6-0, 245 pound first baseman from Fayetteville, Tenn. and Lincoln County High School. Last season, Wright posted a .315 batting average with a pair of home runs and 18 RBI. A three-year baseball letterwinner and a two-year varsity captain, Wright was a District All-Tournament selection in 2014. He is heavily involved in the community, functioning as a member of the Fayetteville Public Utilities, Lincoln Leadership and Chamber of Commerce student boards while also taking part in the St. Anthony's Youth Group and Diocese of Nashville Youth Leadership program. Wright serves as the Vice President of his class as well as a Student Council member. He is ranked 16th academically out of 243 students in his senior class.
 
Wright was also recruited by Tusculum, Calhoun Community College, Morehead State, Alabama State and Brevard. When asked why he chose LMU, Wright said, "I felt like I was at home the moment I stepped on campus. I can play the game that I love, and get an elite education while doing so."
 
He will pursue a degree in Physical Therapy during his stay at Lincoln Memorial.
 
Regarding Wright, Sziksai said, "Grady is a guy that can have an impact on our lineup right away. He is a true left-handed power bat that will eventually have power to all fields. In addition, he really moves well for a big man and has very light feet around the bag. Once again not only does he possess a number of tools that we are looking for, but he has the mental makeup as well."
 
The Railsplitters completed the 2014 campaign with a 27-17-1 overall mark, finishing third in the South Atlantic Conference standings after tying the program record for SAC wins with 16. Lincoln Memorial opens up the 2015 schedule with a doubleheader against USC Aiken in Aiken, S.C. on February 1.