SAINT LEO, Fla. - Saint Leo University Baseball Head Coach Rick O'Dette announced the signing of four prospects' National letter of Intent in this November's signing day.

"Our staff has done an excellent job identifying and recruiting the student athletes that our program needs to continue to be successful" lauds O'Dette, who continues to state "We feel like this class can have as high of a ceiling as we have had here both athletically and academically, with all of them coming from some of the best High School and Junior College programs across the state of Florida."

This year's group of early signees consist of two Left Handed pitchers and two position players whose talents- in addition to their physicality- position them to make an immediate impact on the Lion's program that looks to build on the 2022 campaign's on field successes.


Dawson Turner
LHP/ 6'7/ 230
St Cloud, FL / Polk State College
Dawson Turner, originally from St Cloud, Florida will be coming to Saint Leo from Polk State College, where he has been a consistent member of their starting rotation. Turner has been named a FCSAA Junior College All Star, as well as Florida League Player of the Week. Head Coach Rick O'Dette contends "Dawson's tools and ability on the mound gives his team a chance to shut down opposing lineups. His size and strength will prove difficult to deal with and we cannot wait to have him on campus."

The biggest draw for Dawson was Saint Leo's beautiful campus as well as the atmosphere and winning tradition of the program itself.


Luis Rivero
OF,3B/ 6'1/190
Oviedo, FL/ Hagerty HS
Luis Rivero is a product of Hagerty HS, where he helped guide the program to the 2022 Regional Championship and was named First Team All- Conference for his efforts. Rivero was ranked a Top 500 player by Perfect Game in addition to the Rawlings Pre-Season All-American Team.  Luis has also spent time playing alongside Kaiden Perez, another signee in the Lion's baseball class.

"Luis is an incredibly talented player who has the skill set to play multiple positions right away for us. He can steal bases and should be able to hit at many different spots in our order. His work ethic and athleticism will be huge additions to our program right away" says O'Dette. Rivero fell in love with Saint Leo due to the campus' home-like feel, and the academic resources the University has to offer its students. Academically, Rivero intends to pursue a degree in Business.


 
Kaiden Perez
LHP/ 5'11/165
Casselberry, FL/ Lake Mary HS
Kaiden Perez signs with the Lions out of Lake Mary High School, which has cemented itself as one of the best high school programs in the state. Perez, who posted a .26 ERA his junior year was a member of the Phillies Scout Team and was also named to the 2022 East Cobb WWBA National Championship All-Tournament team. On Perez, Coach O'Dette reports "Kaiden cemented himself as one of the best high school arms in the state, he knows how to get on the mound and win. Our staff felt like we needed left handed pitchers in this class and we feel more than comfortable with the crop coming in."

Kaiden plans on majoring in Sports business at Saint Leo, saying his love for baseball and sports in general makes him want to stay in athletics long after his playing career is over. Perez cites the cohesiveness of the coaching staff, as well as the winning mindset within the program for his commitment to Saint Leo.


Jake Carrillo
UTL/ 6'4/210
Wesley Chapel, FL / Wesley Chapel HS
 
Local product Jake Carrillo hails from Wesley Chapel High School, where he was a three-year Varsity starter and a two time second team all-Western Conference selection for the Wildcats. Coach O'Dette has high praise for Carrillo, saying "Jake is as physically gifted and athletic of a high school signee we have had. We expect his strength to have an impact whether in the infield or outfield for us right away. He has standout tools both at the plate and in the field and we are excited for what his future holds".

Carrillo credited the reputation of Saint Leo's coaching staff for developing their players as well as the tremendous academic fit for his commitment to Saint Leo. Although he is undecided in what he will major, Carrillo says he is confident that the personalized education Saint Leo has to offer will help him find a major and a career.

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