North Florida Baseball Announces Newcomers Ahead of Fall Ball

North Florida baseball general newcomers graphic 2024-25

North Florida Baseball Announces Newcomers Ahead of Fall Ball

10/2/2024 6:43:00 PM | Baseball

2024-25 Roster 2024-25 Schedule

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - With fall ball games and practice ahead over the next week, get the update on a strong group of North Florida baseball newcomers.

The Ospreys officially open fall practice tomorrow, Oct. 3, with the first of three fall exhibitions beginning Oct. 11 at Harmon Stadium.

Seth Alford
Position: Utility
Ht/Wt: 5-11 / 170
B/T: R/R
Hometown: Jacksonville, Fla.
Previous School: St. Johns Country Day HS
Class: Fr.

Prior to UNF

Attended and played baseball at St. Johns Country Day
Hit .314 with seven home runs as a senior
Went 3-for-3 with 3 RBI in the state semifinals

Personal Info

Born in Jacksonville, Fla.
Majoring in business finance
Son of Michelle and Brian Alford
Has one sibling, Darrik

Why UNF?
"I felt that it was right for me. I love the coaching staff and it's close to home. Coach Mercadante has been super down to earth with me and I'm thankful to have a head coach like that."

Brennan Baker
Position: RHP
Ht/Wt: 6-0 / 206
B/T: R/R
Hometown: Jacksonville, Fla.
Previous School: Tallahassee CC
Class: R-So.

Prior to UNF

Transferred in from Tallahassee CC
Played high school baseball at Mandarin, winning multiple conference championships
7A District Player of the Year

Personal Info

Born in Jacksonville, Fla.
Son of Aundria and Benjamin Baker
Favorite athlete of all-time is Tom Brady
Favorite food is steak
Favorite movie is Goodwill Hunting

Why UNF?
"I chose UNF because I felt like it was a really good fit, I enjoyed the environment, coaches and location. Also, it's close to home."

Jackson Bellhorn
Position: RHP
Ht/Wt: 5-11 / 192
B/T: R/R
Hometown: Oviedo, Fla.
Previous School: The Master's Academy
Class: Fr.

Prior to UNF

Five years of varsity baseball at The Master's Academy
2022 District champion
Named 2022 team MVP while earning two all-state honors

Personal Info

National Honors Society student
Intends to major in financial planning
Father, Todd, played baseball at UCF and with the Mets organization
Uncle, Todd, played in the MLB with the Red Sox, Cubs, Rockies, Padres and Yankees

Why UNF?
"The reason I picked UNF was because of the coaching staff. It was also a perfect distance between my hometown and Jacksonville."

Sean Benjamin
Position: UTIL
Ht/Wt: 5-11 / 182
B/T: R/R
Hometown: Fernandina Beach, Fla.
Previous School: Fernandina Beach HS
Class: Fr.

Prior to UNF

Born and raised in Fernandina Beach
Four varsity letters in high school
Hit above .300 in all seasons of high school ball
Hit a home run and went 3-for-3 to advance to the State Elite 8
2022 Class 3A Region 1 Runner Up

Personal Info

Intends to major in sport management marketing
Son of Kristy and mike
Has one sibling, Sarah

Why UNF?
"I chose UNF because it is close to home and the program gives me the best opportunity to excel in athletics and academics."

Brady Browning
Position: UTIL
Ht/Wt: 5-10 / 185
B/T: R/R
Hometown: Madison, Fla.
Previous School: Western Kentucky
Class: Sr.

Prior to UNF

Transferred in from Western Kentucky
Played high school football, basketball and baseball
Also played a year at Chipola, hitting 12 home runs with a .308 average
Attended West Florida for a season, beginning his college career
Named All-Panhandle Conference First Team at Chipola
Hit six home runs at WKU
Struck out 17 batters in a game in high school
Attended Aucilla Christian Academy in Monticello, Fla.

Personal Info

Born and raised in Madison, Fla.
Intends to major in electrical engineering
Son of Jennifer and Mark Browning
Has two siblings, Daulton and Isabella
Uncle, Tevin, played football at Valdosta State

Why UNF?
"I really believe in the coaching staff at UNF and was interested in getting into the college of engineering."

Javier Calzadilla
Position: Infield
Ht/Wt: 6-0 / 169
B/T: S/R
Hometown: Clermont, Fla.
Previous School: East Ridge HS
Class: Freshman

Prior to UNF
Played high school ball at Windermere HS
Also played with the Windermere Wolverines in 2024

Personal Info
Born in Caracas, Venezuela

Samuel Camacho

Position: INF
Ht/Wt: 6-0 / 195
B/T: R/R
Hometown: Plantation, Fla.
Previous School: Miami Springs Senior HS
Class: Fr.

Prior to UNF

Played baseball at Miami Springs Senior HS

Personal Info

Born in North Miami Beach, Fla.
Intends to major in business management
Son of Karen and Samuel Camacho
Has one sibling, Jeremy

Why UNF?
"I chose UNF because it is good academically and athletically."

Colin Cartagena
Position: RHP
Ht/Wt: 6-0 / 190
B/T: R/R
Hometown: Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
Previous School: Westminster Academy
Class: Fr.

Prior to UNF

Lettered in baseball, basketball and football at Westminster Academy
Two-time district champion and regional and state semifinalist in 2023
HSBN District Pitcher of the Year in 2022-24
Went 18-7 with four complete games and a sub 2.50 ERA in all three years of varsity baseball

Personal Info

Intends to major in finance
Son of Jenny and Billy Cartagena
Has one sibling, Mia
Father, Billy, played baseball at St. Thomas University

Why UNF?
"I chose UNF because of the coaching staff that brought me here and gave me the opportunity to compete at a high level."

Marcus Cashman
Position: RHP
Ht/Wt: 6-2 / 180
B/T: R/R
Hometown: Norwich, N.Y.
Previous School: Niagara
Class: Sixth Year

Prior to UNF

Played collegiately at Niagara
Attended and played high school baseball, basketball and cross country at Norwich HS
Struck out 17 batters in one game in high school
Two-time All-MAAC player at Niagara

Personal Info

Born in Savannah, Ga.
Intends to major in psychological science
Son of Maureen and Craig Cashman
Has two siblings, Breanna and Kyle
National Honors Society student
Favorite baseball player is Aaron Judge
His father is his inspiration for playing baseball
Favorite show is "Peaky Blinders"
Favorite book is "Can't Hurt Me" by David Goggins

Why UNF?
"The university was the perfect fit for me in continuing my academic and baseball aspirations."

Mitchell Collins
Position: INF
Ht/Wt: 5-9 / 189
B/T: L/R
Hometown: Omaha, Neb.
Previous School: Niagara
Class: Sixth Year

Prior to UNF

Transferred in from Kentucky State University
Named SIAC Freshman of the Year
Played at Creighton Prep in Omaha
Cousin, Troy McGirt, plays baseball at Elon

Personal Info

Favorite baseball player is Michael Brantley
Intends to major in business
Born in Omaha

Why UNF?
"It's a great opportunity to play at the highest level under some of the best coaches in the country. The coaches care and I see myself developing into a better player."

Josh Cone
Position: LHP
Ht/Wt: 6-1 / 199
B/T: L/L
Hometown: Bradenton, Fla.
Previous School: Pasco-Hernando State College
Class: R-So.

Prior to UNF

Redshirted as a freshman at USF before transferring to Pasco-Hernando State College and earning first team all-conference and reliever of the year honors at the junior college level
Struck out 40 batters in 41 innings
Posted a 2.25 ERA and 1.02 WHP
Four-year varsity letterwinner at Out of Door Academy
Won the 2021 state title
Threw two no-hitters in high school

Personal Info

Son of Stephnaie and Donald Cone
Has one sibling, Noah, who attends Eckerd College
Intends to major in interdisciplinary health studies
Born in Detroit, Michigan

Why UNF?
"Chose UNF because I believe in the coaching staff to elevate me to the next level."

John Costa
Position: RHP
Ht/Wt: 6-0 / 222
B/T: R/R
Hometown: Jacksonville, Fla.
Previous School: Tallahassee State College
Class: R-Jr.

Prior to UNF

Transferred in from Tallahassee CC
Fanned 55 batters in high school
Fanned 48 in his second year of junior college ball

Personal Info

Born in Jacksonville, Fla.
Intends to major in finance
Son of Caroline and Roberto
Has two siblings, Cristina and Robert
Member of National Honor Society in high school, as well as Spanish Honors Society
Favorite player: David Ortiz
Greatest inspiration: Jesus Christ
Favorite movie: Star Wars Revenge of the Sith

Why UNF?
"I chose UNF because the coaches gave me the opportunity to continue playing baseball after my time at Tallahassee CC. I am from Jacksonville and am excited to play in front of my hometown, family and friends."

Joseph Dimino
Position: LHP
Ht/Wt: 6-4 / 246
B/T: L/L
Hometown: Millstone, N.J.
Previous School: NJIT
Class: R-So.

Prior to UNF

Transferred in after playing at NJIT and Mercer County Community College
Named Colonial Valley Conference Pitcher of the Year in 2021
Named to the Carpenter Cup Team in 2021 and was an all-conference and all-area selection in 2021

Personal Info

Born in Millstone, N.J.
Son of Silvia and Ignazio Domino
Has one sibling, Lyla
Attended Allentown HS

Why UNF?
"I chose UNF because of the coaching staff and the facilities."

Kai Etwaru
Position: LHP
Ht/Wt: 5-11 / 185
B/T: L/L
Hometown: West Palm Beach, Fla.
Previous School: Delaware State
Class: Jr.

Prior to UNF

Played high school baseball at Palm Beach Central
Went 7-0 with a 3.36 ERA over 75 innings as a sophomore in high school
Transferred from Delaware State

Personal Info

Born in Wellington, Fla.
Intends to major in general studies
Son of Natasha and Jay Etwaru
Has one sibling, Maya

Why UNF?
"I wanted to take a step up and move to a better conference and improve. UNF gave me that opportunity."

Dylan Fatovich
Position: UTIL
Ht/Wt: 5-8 / 157
B/T: L/R
Hometown: Jensen Beach, Fla.
Previous School: Jensen Beach HS
Class: Fr.

Prior to UNF

Played high school baseball at Jensen Beach
Lettered in football, baseball and basketball
State runner up in 2022
Treasure Coast Athlete of the Year in 2022-23
Defensive Player of the Year in football in 2022

Personal Info

Born in Jensen Beach
Intends to major in sport management
Son of Andrea and Dan Fatovich
Has two siblings, Trey and Isaiah

Why UNF?
"I wanted to stay in Florida and I like the coaching staff."

Ryan Furey
Position: RHP
Ht/Wt: 6-4 / 220
B/T: R/R
Hometown: Gotha, Fla.
Previous School: Rollins College
Class: Jr.

Prior to UNF

Transferred in from Rollins College
Played high school baseball at Bishop Moore Catholic
All-conference pitcher at Rollins last year
Went 10-3 at Rollins with over 110 innings worked

Personal Info

Intends to major in business management
Son of Janet and Mike Furey
Has two siblings, Caroline and Andrew
Brother, Andrew, plays baseball at Florida Southern

Why UNF?
"I chose UNF because of the opportunity to compete at a Division I program and liked what the school had to offer."

Tommy Groom
Position: RHP
Ht/Wt: 6-3 / 195
B/T: R/R
Hometown: Orlando, Fla.
Previous School: Yavapai College
Class: R-Sr.

Prior to UNF

Transferred in from Yavapai College, a junior college in Prescott, Ariz.
Fanned 33 in 31.2 innings as a sophomore at Yavapai
Started his collegiate career at South Florida
Made eight outings in 2022 with USF after missing his true freshman season due to injury
Made his collegiate debut March 8, 2022 against Boston College
Ranked No. 104th in Florida by Perfect Game among right-handed pitchers
Played at and attended Bishop Moore Catholic High School

Personal Info

Born in Winston Salem, N.C.
Son of Chris and Alvida
Has two younger sisters, Sophie and Anika
His mother is a native of Lithuania
Volunteered with Pro4mer baseball camps

Clay Hendry
Position: RHP
Ht/Wt: 6-0 / 194
B/T: R/R
Hometown: Middleburg, Fla.
Previous School: Daytona State
Class: Jr.

Prior to UNF

Born and raised in Middleburg, Fla.
Played two years at Daytona State
Named a 2023 JUCO all-star
Had 89 strikeouts as a senior in high school at Middleburg HS
Won the district title in 2021
Named a first-team all-county player and Northeast Florida Super 11 Team honoree
Struck out 17 in one game
Logged 57 innings at Daytona State

Personal Info

Favorite baseball player is Jacob DeGrom
Dream car is a 2004 SVT Cobra
Favorite drink is coca cola
Favorite restaurant is Fresh Mex
Favorite animal is a honey badger

Why UNF?
"The culture of building the program and the coaching staff brings something that I want to be a part of. I truly believe that this place gives me the best opportunity to grow and be a part of something special."

Nick Monile
Position: OF
Ht/Wt: 5-6 / 165
B/T: L/L
Hometown: Tampa, Fla.
Previous School: Niagara
Class: R-So.

Prior to UNF

Transferred in from Niagara University
Hit .341 with 58 RBI and 36 HR with Niagara
Hit a grand slam in the Stillwater Regional
Named all-rookie, second team all-conference at Niagara
Finished top ten in batting average among collegiate freshman
Hit .446 as a senior in high school
Won the 2022 district title in high school
Played high school baseball at Calvary Christian HS

Personal Info

Born in Buffalo, N.Y.
Son of Susan and Pat Monile
Has three siblings, Haley, Alex and Dylan
Brother, Alex, plays at FSCJ

Why UNF?
"I chose UNF to move closer to home and play in front of my family."

Trevor Nikolis
Position: RHP
Ht/Wt: 6-1 / 219
B/T: R/R
Hometown: Naples, Fla.
Previous School: St. John Neumann HS
Class: Fr.

Prior to UNF

Had a successful high school career with St. John Neumann Catholic, playing three years of varsity baseball
Won the 2023 district and regional titles
Won the All Faiths Classic Tournament title in 2024
First Team All-Area pitcher
Turned in six punchouts in a complete game shutout in the regional quarterfinals
Held hitters under .200 in all three seasons
Posted a 0.6 ERA as a senior

Personal Info

Son of Carla and James Nikolis
Has one brother, Justin
Father played lacrosse at Bryant
Intends to major in sport management

Why UNF?
"I fell in love with the campus and coaching staff. They helped make this feel like home and that we have something special growing on this team."

Santiago Ordonez
Position: C
Ht/Wt: 5-7 / 193
B/T: R/R
Hometown: Fort Myers, Fla.
Previous School: State College of Florida
Class: Jr.

Prior to UNF

Started his collegiate career at Florida State
Played a year at State College of Florida, hitting .340 while earning first team all-conference honors
Hit .400 throughout high school
Two-time first team all-state
Hit a walk-off home run in the regional final to advance to state postseason play

Personal Info

Born in Coral Springs, Fla.
Intends to major in sport management
Son of Gineska and Andres Ordonez
Has siblings, Andrea and Miguel

Why UNF?
"I felt pursued by the coaches, it felt like the right opportunity and seemed like home."

Aaron Potter
Position: RHP
Ht/Wt: 6-2 /174
B/T: R/R
Hometown: Jacksonville, Fla.
Previous School: St. Johns River State
Class: R-Jr.

Prior to UNF

Played high school baseball and ran cross country at Atlantic Coast
Transferred in from St. Johns River State College
Named 2023 Second Team Sun Lakes All-Conference in 2023
2023 DII JUCO World Series All-Tournament Team
2024 Second Team Sun Lakes All-Conference
2024 DII JUCO World Series All-Tournament Team
Posted a 6-1 record with 75 strikeouts and a 1.89 ERA as a freshman at SJRSU
Went 9-3 with 98 strikeouts and three complete games and a no-hitter as a sophomore

Personal Info

Born in Jacksonville, Fla.
Intends to major in psychology
David Ortiz is his favorite baseball player

Why UNF?
"The coaches are building a respectable program that I want to be a part of."

Bryson Treichel
Position: RHP
Ht/Wt: 6-2 /184
B/T: R/R
Hometown: DeLand, Fla.
Previous School: DeLand HS
Class: Fr.

Prior to UNF

Attended and played at DeLand High School

Personal Info

Intends to major in business management
Son of Kerry and Zachary
Has one sibling, Trinden

Why UNF?
"I chose UNF because it felt like the best place for me to grow on and off the field. I really liked what the coaching staff believed in as well."

Ty Velardo
Position: UTIL
Ht/Wt: 5-10 / 210
B/T: L/L
Hometown: Jensen Beach, Fla.
Previous School: Jensen Beach HS
Class: Fr.

Prior to UNF

Played high school baseball at Jensen Beach HS
Also lettered in football
Advanced to the state finals in 2022, hitting .550 in state playoffs
Went 3-for-3 with a triple short of the cycle to reach the state semifinals

Personal Info

Son of Karen and Frank Velardo
Has two siblings, Domenick and Isabella
Mother, Karen, was an all-american softball player and traveled to Australia with the US Olympic softball team
Intends to major in nursing

Why UNF?
"I chose UNF because of the coaching staff. A new staff with Coach Mercadante having a desirable reputation makes me like this place is home for the next four years."

Carter White
Position: INF
Ht/Wt: 6-1 / 188
B/T: L/R
Hometown: Naples, Fla.
Previous School: UCF
Class: R-Fr.

Prior to UNF

Transferred in from UCF
Hit .345, .390 and .365 respectively over three seasons of high school baseball at St. John Neumann
Three-time district champion and two-time regional champion
Florida Player of the Year finalist in 2022

Personal Info