Two days after Farragut High School catcher and teammate Ethan Bennett committed to play for the University of Tennessee, pitcher Nick Williams followed suit.
The 6-foot-2, 230-pound right-hander pledged his services to coach Todd Raleigh on Friday.
Williams, a rising senior, said Bennett wasn’t the deciding factor.
“But it was good that he was going there,” said Williams. “He’s a good friend. He’s caught me since I was in sixth grade.
“I’ve just wanted to go to Tennessee my entire life and play baseball there.”
Williams went 6-0 with a 0.82 ERA in 42 innings last season for the Admirals, who finished 38-5 and won a third Class AAA state title in four seasons.
He allowed 23 hits and 17 walks, also garnering interest from Middle Tennessee State, Tennessee Tech, Sanford and UAB.
But after meeting with Tennessee coaches at 9 a.m. Friday, Williams committed on the spot.
“I think they (Tennessee coaches) are awesome,” said Williams, whose brother Michael played for Farragut and is a catcher at Kentucky. “They’re nice guys. Down to earth. Easy to talk to.”
They also are considering using Williams in a dual role, possibly using him at first base. Williams hit .320 with nine home runs and 30 RBIs this past season.
“Nick’s a good one,” said former Farragut coach Tommy Pharr, who left after the season for CAK. “He’s a good kid, worked real hard the past three years. It’s neat to see that pay off.”
Williams throws four- and two-seam fastballs, a change-up and a curve.
“I feel comfortable throwing them anytime,” he said.
His fastball has been clocked as high as 93 mph but normally registers 88-90 on the radar gun.
“He throws it well,” said Pharr. “His velocity improved every year. I think he can improve.
“I think he will improve his off-speed stuff. He’s got a good delivery and locates well. I think he’ll still have some growth on his velocity.
“He’s the kind of kid to get the most out of what he’s got, because he works so hard.”
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©2009 The E.W. Scripps Co.