In-state prospect announces commitment to South Carolina baseball program

Gamecock baseball associate head coach Monte Lee lit the 'Cock signal on Tuesday with a social media post announcing a commitment to the South Carolina baseball program.

In his post on Twitter/X, Lee revealed that the USC pledge was a "slugger" from the Lowcountry of South Carolina. On Wednesday night, the future Gamecock came forward with his news.

Class of 2025 catcher Noah Franklin announced his college decision with a simple post that said, "STAYING HOME! #SpursUp" along with a graphic of him in a South Carolina baseball uniform and the word "committed." Franklin, who had previously been committed to the Duke Blue Devils, is now the 9th pledge to the program from the Palmetto State. He was a high school teammate of fellow South Carolina commitment Zach Russell (shortstop/right-handed pitcher).

Franklin, a catcher from West Ashley High School in Charleston, is a big right-handed bat who has some solid defensive tools behind the plate (strong throwing arm, athletic feet). He also has experience playing in the outfield, as well.

At a recent Perfect Game wood bat showcase, Franklin was among the top power performers. In game action, he ranked 3rd among all players in maximum exit velocity (a 105.4 mph line drive that went for a double). He also hit a long home run. Fellow Gamecock commitment Peter Mershon had a top-10 finish in maximum distance (a home run that traveled 389 feet).

Franklin and Mershon both have played a lot of catcher in high school and will compete for the job as the future backstop in garnet and black down the line. They each have big-time power potential, and their time playing other positions (outfield for Franklin, third base and outfield for Mershon) could provide playing time for either player, even if it is not as the team's starting catcher.