As a member of the Southeastern Conference (SEC), a premiere athletic conference, the Auburn Tigers are tasked with maintaining a level of athletic excellence with veterans as well as developing their young talent. As a way to do both, the Tigers have sent young talent to the Turks over the last few years. When they were in Harrisonburg, Dillon Ortman (2012) was the lone sophomore of a group that consists of Blake Austin, Jay Gonzalez, and Trey Cochran-Gil, all of whom were in their freshman year of eligibility. This summer stands as no deviation to this schema with two red shirt freshman and a true freshman being shipped up to the ‘Burg for 2013.
Justin Camp, a red-shirt freshman majoring in Wildlife Science is from Decatur Alabama. The 6′ 1″ right hand pitcher was red-shirted last year due to an injury. Camp graduated from Austin High School where he was 6-0 with a 0.62 era in 41 innings, striking out 64 his senior year. In his high school career he pitched three no hitters. Justin accumulated the following accolades in high school; 2010 Team USA Trials invitee, Perfect Gam/Rawlings All-American, USSSA All-American, 2010 AHSAA North-South All Star, Decatur Daily All Area.
Craig Shirley, a red-shirt freshman majoring in pre-business is from Dothan, Alabama. The 6’4″ 230 pounder is a right hand pitcher and infielder. He played for Coach Steve Garrett at Northview High School. As a senior he hit .350 with 10 home runs and 38 RBIs. In 2010 and 2011 he named a Louisville Slugger All American, and the Dothan Eagle Player of the Year, and named to the 2011 First Team All State. As a junior Shirley hit .477 with 18 home runs, 72 RBIs and 48 runs scored, leading Alabama 6A high schools in home runs. In 2010 Shirley was the Alabama representative in the Power Showcase Home Run Derby, was named 6A All State infielder, and the Max Preps Junior All American.
Matt Schultz, a freshman majoring in pre-exercise science is from Plainfield, Illinois. The 6’1″ 215 pound right handed pitcher played for coach Jim Vera at Oswego East. Schultz had a 1.17 ERA and 90 strike outs in 49 innings as a senior in high school.