College first for Cole

scouting and drafting.

“I know a lot of the scouts now and I have pretty good relationships with them,” he said. “I’ve studied a whole lot of numbers, so I know how the process works now.”

Many expect Wilcox, the bellcow of the Georgia draft class, to step right in and compete for a spot in the Bulldogs’ rotation next season. Georgia, already with Gordon Lee High graduates Tucker Bradley and Chaney Rogers on its roster, went 39-21 this spring, but was eliminated in the NCAA Regionals this past Monday night with two losses to upstart Duke.

He said was a good feeling knowing he was going to play for a program that appears to have turned the corner as a potential SEC and national power.

“It’s definitely easier knowing I’m going into an established program now,” he added. “I want to help them get

to a point where they are competing to go to Omaha (for the College World Series) every year. I’m ready for the next challenge.”

He also added that he appreciated the support of his parents in making his decision.

“I knew they would ultimately support me either way,” he said, “but I think Mom is glad I’m going to school.”

Wilcox drafted by Washington

Wilcox eventually did have his name called on the third day of the draft as the Washington Nationals took him with a 37th round pick, even though he fully intends to honor his commitment to Georgia.

Washington also took fliers on two more highly-touted high school players: first baseman Alex Binelas, a Wisconsin native headed to play at Louisville, in the

35th round and pitcher Bo Blessie, a Nebraska commitment, in the 36th round. Both players are also expected to honor their college commitments as well.

North Oconee High School pitcher Kumar Rocker, who teamed with Wilcox on USA Baseball’s 18-U World Cup championship team last summer and who faced Wilcox and Heritage in the second round of the Class 4A state tournament in May, also reportedly has turned down pro ball and will honor his commitment to Vanderbilt.

Rocker, the son of former Auburn football standout and current Tennessee assistant football coach Tracy Rocker, was ranked 23rd on MLB.com’s prospect list. He was also taken on Day 3 of the draft by Colorado in the 38th round, but is not expected to sign with the club.

Catcher Anthony Sigler of Cartersville went in the first round (No. 23 overll) to the New York Yankees.

Kaleiya Romero of San Jose, Cal. and Maxwell Ford of Peachtree Corners, Ga. claimed AJGA victories in the Evitt Foundation RTC Junior All-Star, held at Windstone Golf Club in Ringgold last week. It was the third AJGA win for Romero and the first for Ford. (Photo by Scott Herpst)

Heritage’s Cole Wilcox will suit up for the Georgia Bulldogs next season after electing to forgo professional baseball straight out of high school. (File photo by Scott Herpst)