Florida Southern Baseball Announces Signing Day Class

LAKELAND, Fla. - Florida Southern College baseball head coach Rick O'Dette announced the signing of six prospects' National Letter of Intent this November's signing day. The 2025 class aims to build upon the success experienced by the program in O'Dette's first season at the helm.
 
"I could not be prouder of the start-to-finish effort our Recruiting Coordinator, Tony Caldwell, and Assistant Coach Mitchell Wydetic have put in for this recruiting class," said O'Dette. "Now more than ever, getting the right person in your program is so vital, and this group will have the talent and makeup we need to compete for #10."
 
The 2025 signees consist of four pitchers and two position players. All six of the newest Mocs hail originally from the state of Florida and will come to Lakeland from some of the most productive prep and junior college programs in the state.
 

Brock Spurgeon
C/ 6'1/205lbs
Lakeland, FL /McKeel Academy
Brock Spurgeon emerged as one of the best available catchers in the state of Florida throughout last spring and into the summer and will be joining the Mocs from nearby McKeel Academy. "Quality catchers are so hard to come by, and so many things indicated that Brock was going to be a mainstay in our program as the recruiting process went on. We think this is an incredible fit," says O'Dette.
Spurgeon batted .333 with double-digit extra-base hits last spring for McKeel, all while committing just a single error in over 200 total chances defensively behind the plate. On his commitment, Spurgeon says that the opportunity to play his college years in front of his family, as well as the history of the Florida Southern program, were huge factors in his decision. Spurgeon plans on majoring in Business while at FSC.
 

Javier Navas-Hoyer
RHP/5'10/195lbs
Valrico, FL/ Bloomingdale HS
Javier Navas-Hoyer will be bringing serious pitchability and a high ceiling when he joins the Mocs next fall. Already up to 90 mph with a proven ability to throw a variety of other pitches for strikes, Navas-Hoyer was one of the most potent arms in Hillsborough County and on the summer circuit, posting a 1.62 ERA in 15 appearances for Bloomingdale High School. Here, he led all 6A and 7A programs in Hillsborough County in strikeouts, fanning 88 hitters in just under 70 innings pitched.
"Javier was as close to the full package as we have seen these past few years. He's been incredibly well coached, has shown he knows how to get good hitters out in some big-time spots, and the blossoming velocity will allow him to pitch in whatever role the staff needs," lauds O'Dette, who doubles as the pitching coach for FSC. "On top of being First Team All-Western Conference in 2025, Navas Hoyer is a multiyear member of the National Honor Society. Navas-Hoyer credits the strength of the program as well as the staff's commitment to development, winning, and the overall success of each student athlete for the impetus of his commitment.

Jay Kirchner
INF/OF/ 6'1/190lbs
St Petersburg, FL / Jesuit HS
One of the most physically gifted members of one of the top prep programs in that state will call Florida Southern home next fall. Coach O'Dette, recalling Kirchner's recruitment reports, "Jay exploded onto the scene this summer. He is blessed with standout tools, but the versatility he brings with that is rare. This is someone who is gifted enough to fit in at just about any position on the field."
Kirchner's projection met production this summer, where he was named one of the best hitters and overall tournament MVP in Hoover, Alabama, during the National Elite Championship. Planning to study business while at Florida Southern, Kirchner was a regular on the honor roll at Jesuit High School and was a member of their Final Four team last spring. Kirchner credited the passion from the players and coaching staff alike for drawing him to the program.
 

Braeden Barnes
LHP/5'11/170lbs
Eustis, FL /Eustis HS
The first of two left-handed pitchers in the 2025 Signing Day class, Braeden Barnes did everything possible to stand out to the Florida Southern coaching staff. Barnes rode upper 80's mph fastballs last spring and into the summer, totaling 33 K's in 36 innings pitched while surrendering only 9 walks. "Braeden is the definition of a pitcher; he's got plenty of stuff to get you out, but the way he attacks hitters and the strike zone itself puts him far above his peers. Left-handed pitching is a need for every staff in the country, and Braeden puts us in a great spot," compliments O'Dette.
Barnes ranked a top 50 player at his position by Perfect Game, the nation's largest scouting service, has been a consistent member of the honor roll in his prep years and plans to major in either Business or Sports Management. Barnes recalls the work ethic and environment of the program displayed on his visit for what spurred him to commit to Florida Southern.
 

Gehrig Graham
RHP/ 6'0/170lbs
Dover, FL/ South Florida State College
Gehrig Graham has been a mainstay on the mound in the Juco ranks, making 17 appearances- 14 of them being starts- last spring alone. Graham's 3.50 ERA was good enough for second overall in the Sun-Lakes conference. His 90+ mph fastball and repeated ability to land his off-speed pitches to different locations helped Graham finish top ten in those same rankings for strikeouts and wins. Coach O'Dette echoed what the stats already have to say about the Dover, Florida native, saying, "It's refreshing to watch Gehrig pitch. He competes his tail off, and he gets hitters out." Adding "we've been able to really watch him at a quality Junior college program and are excited about the strides he'll continue to make"
Graham chose to make Florida Southern his home due to the program's winning history, as well as the reputation of the coaching staff. "I wanted to finish playing at a place that was going to continue to develop me as a player and a person," says Graham, who will pursue a degree in business in the fall.
 

Brady Ham
LHP/5'10/180lbs
Nokomis, FL/ South Florida State College
Following his junior college teammate and partner on the mound to Lakeland is left-handed pitcher Brady Ham. The southpaw from South Florida will be bringing his high 80's to low 90's fastball to bear against Sunshine State conference opponents. In a world where quality left-handed arms are at a premium, Head Coach Rick O'Dette is thrilled at the thought of seeing Ham take the mound at Henley Field, sharing, "You go get a junior college arm because you feel those guys come in and not only have an immediate baseball impact, but a maturity and culture impact too. We don't doubt any part of that equation with Brady".
Ham felt the striking sensation that this was his eventual landing spot while on his visit, adding, " I felt like this was the best opportunity for me, both academically and baseball-wise. The school felt like a home". Ham aims to secure a degree in Business Management at Florida Southern after completing his associate's degree at South Florida State College.
 
With the early signing day now in the books, the Mocs look forward to their season opener on the road at West Florida in late January, followed by their home opener at Historic Henley Field on February 3 against Valdosta State.