Sept. 20, 2011

Chambers Interview

LAS VEGAS (UNLVRebels.com) - The UNLV baseball team took one step closer towards its goal of becoming a national name - earning a top-40 recruiting class ranking by Collegiate Baseball. The Rebels' 2011 class came in ranked No. 32.

UNLV is one of four Mountain West teams listed, behind No. 29 TCU and ahead of San Diego State and 2011 tournament champion New Mexico.

"It's a great step towards building the program up," said head coach Tim Chambers. "We are excited and honored to be listed, but it needs to translate onto the field. We need to continue to be aggressive in recruiting and then develop these recruits so that they reach their maximum potential."

Eleven freshmen and one junior college transfer make up this year's recruiting class, highlighted by a record four incoming freshmen selected in the 2011 MLB Draft. All four draft picks - Zak Qualls, Brandon Pletsch, Eric Fedde and Scott Thomassetti - opted to play at UNLV rather than turn pro.

Qualls and Pletsch were Rancho High School teammates and were taken in the 21st and 34th rounds, respectively. Qualls, a left-handed pitcher with potential to be a weekend starter in his first year was drafted by the Los Angeles Dodgers while Pletsch, a shortstop with speed and a knack for making contact was drafted by the Philadelphia Phillies.

Las Vegas High School product Eric Fedde was drafted by San Diego in the 24th round. A right-handed pitcher with a plus slider, is also considered to be in the mix for a weekend spot in 2012.

Scott Tomassetti, a catcher from Sierra Vista was chosen in the 46th round by the Philadelphia Phillies. Tomassetti was a four-year starter at SVHS, finishing his career hitting .449 with a team-leading 15 homers and 70 RBI, while slugging .956 and carrying a .980 fielding percentage in his senior season.

With the decision to enroll at UNLV, the drafted players will have to wait until after their junior seasons to become draft eligible again.

The Rebels open fall practice today at Wilson Stadium.