BUIES CREEK, N.C. – Sixth year Campbell head baseball coach Greg Goff announced the signing of Tyler Aiken (Georgetown, Del. / Sussex Central HS), Brooks Borders (Columbia, S.C. / Hammond HS), James Darcy (Langwarrin South, Victoria, Australia / Iowa Western CC), Danny Pardo (Pembroke Pines, Fla. / West Broward HS) to National Letters of Intent.
"Let me start off by saying how happy I am with the work that our staff has done on this entire class," said Goff. "We will be losing 13 seniors to graduation this spring, and this class will have some very big shoes to fill. Recruiting Coordinator Justin Haire and pitching coach Rick McCarty did a fantastic job evaluating talent and connecting with the recruits to get them to Campbell. I want to thank them, and all of our staff for the effort they put into this class."
Tyler Aiken (RHP | 185 | Georgetown, Del. | Sussex Central HS)
Tyler Aiken, a right handed pitcher from Georgetown, Del., posted an 8-3 career record on the mound with a 2.84 ERA and 14 saves for the EvoShield Canes Summer Organization. The 6-foot-2 Sussex Central High School product, coached by Todd Brock, was a 2012 all-conference selection and was tabbed a National High Follow by Perfect Game.
"I wanted to choose somewhere that felt like home, where I would enjoy playing ball for the next four years, and where the coaches and players will always have your back, and that's why I chose to sign at Campbell," said Aiken.
"Tyler is a young man that we feel like will be able to come in right away and have an impact
at the back end of our bullpen," said Goff. "His athleticism and demeanor is going to allow him to compete at a high level very early in his career here. We expect good things from him during his career at Campbell."
Brooks Borders (INF | 6-0 | 165 | Columbia, S.C. | Hammond HS)
Coming to Campbell from Hammond High in Columbia, S.C., Brooks Borders posted a .409 career batting average for head coach Ray Derrick. The infielder, who started every game of his varsity career since eighth grade, committed only four errors in 135 chances as a junior.
Borders, a three-time all-state and North-South All-Star selection, was a 2012 Palmetto Games Participant, named a National Top 1000 by Perfect Game, Perfect Game Underclass All-American Honorable Mention, as well as Academic Honor Roll every semester in high school.
"I chose Campbell because of the strong academics, great D1 baseball, and the family environment created by the coaching staff," said Borders.
"Brooks is one of the more talented and polished middle infielders in this region," said Goff. "We are very excited for him to get to campus, and feel that his versatility will help us right away. He is also an exceptional student, and a fine young man that will fit well into the fabric of this university."
James Darcy (RHP | 6-3 | 220 | Langwarrin South, Victoria, Australia | Iowa Western CC)
James Darcy heads to Campbell from Langwarrin South, Victoria, Australia by way of Iowa Western Community College. The 6-foot-3 righty hurler helped IWCC to a NJCAA National Championship and a 62-6 record last season for head coach Marc Rardin. Darcy pitched 19 innings with 17 punch outs and a 1.76 ERA.
"I think things happen for a reason, and getting an opportunity is all that I wanted and Coach Goff and the rest of the staff showed that they were really excited about getting me to come and play at Campbell," said Darcy. "I felt the same way, and I think that it is a beautiful campus and a very nice place to call home for the next two years."
"James is a very interesting young man," said Goff. "He came to IWCC last winter, but was able to contribute right away and help them to a National Championship. This year he will be one of their main arms as they seek back-to-back championships. He is a big strong right-hander that is going to keep getting better and better. We are happy he chose to become a Fighting Camel because we really think he has a chance to be special."
Danny Pardo (OF | 5-10 | 170 | Pembroke Pines, Fla. | West Broward HS)
Danny Pardo, an outfielder from Pembroke Pines, Fla., was named First Team All Broward County and Perfect Game World Series All-Tournament last season. Playing for Richie Palmer with South Florida Elite, Pardo captured two national titles, the 2011 16U WWBA East Cobb, Ga., and 2012 17U Perfect Game World Series in Peoria, Ariz.
Pardo has been named a National Top 1,000 by Perfect Game and a Perfect Game 2012 Underclass All-American Honorable Mention. Playing at West Broward for Sergio Ambros, the same high school as current Camel Hector Cedano, Pardo hit .404 with 11 doubles and 26 RBI while successfully stealing 21-of-21 bases.
"I chose Campbell because everyone there is so genuine, and I feel like they give me the best opportunity to play at the highest level and compete for a championship," said Pardo.
"Danny is an absolute dirt-bag type player," Goff complimented. "This kid loves to play baseball, and loves to win, two qualities that will go a long way in our program. He has played, and performed well, for one of the best summer programs in the country the last few years, and he will have a chance to jump in at the top of our lineup early in his time here. We are so thrilled to have Danny and his family as part of our program."
"These first four young men have a chance to all have an immediate impact on our program," added Goff. "They are all solid students, and hard-working kids that love baseball and love to win. We are really excited to see them in the black and orange."
More to come.
