By Angel Verdejo
Killeen Daily Herald

COPPERAS COVE — Texas College baseball coach Freddy Rodriguez has walked the same path — literally — as many of the players he's recruiting.

And because of that, the former Ellison standout is coming back home to find players for his NAIA program in Tyler.

"My first priority is to get into the Central Texas area and get this area tapped in and get the best players from this area," Rodriguez said. "If I can lock that down, I think it's a start and we're doing a good job there."

He added two more Monday morning — Copperas Cove teammates Chris Burroughs and Israel Riley shared the stage in signing with Texas College.

They weren't alone as Eddie Menyweather, a defensive lineman and linebacker on the football team, signed to go to New Mexico Prep Sports Academy. He'll join teammates Larry Overton and Myron Taylor in playing for the post-graduate prep academy.

"I sent out a whole bunch of tapes and visited and tried out for a whole bunch of schools," Menyweather said. "But then the New Mexico coach called me. That was a blessing — for him to call me."

Burroughs and Riley won't be alone in heading to Tyler. Texas College suited up two players from the area this season — pitchers Donel Morrison (Copperas Cove) and David Kipp (Harker Heights).

In addition, Ellison's D.J. Fisher signed with the Steers in April — the same day the Eagles played Cove. His teammate, Jose Hernandez, signed earlier this month.

"He's from the area so he knows everything about us," Burroughs said of Rodriguez. "And he was at our game. He was out there to watch us — he's actually there in person and not just talking over the phone."

Burroughs, playing first base when he wasn't on the mound pitching, hit .304 for Cove this season, driving in 13 runs while striking out 53 batters. He plans on doing both with the Steers and has a chance for a big upside as he gets older – Burroughs will graduate at 17 years old.

"First one in my family to go to college," Burroughs said. "And to be able to do it for free, and play baseball. Sounds like a hell of a deal to me."

Riley, in just his only year on varsity, was named the team's co-Most Valuable Player and the Defensive Player of the Year. The second baseman scored 16 runs to go with two homers and nine stolen bases.

Both were District 12-5A honorable mentions.

"I really didn't think I'd be going to college to play baseball," Riley said. "Then I just started getting a few phone calls. I was a little unexpected, but it felt good."

Added Rodriguez: "When I was going through school, there were not a whole lot of guys being highly recruited out of this area. So, if we can tap into this area, pick the best talent from this area and grow from area, I think it speaks volumes, not only for this area but our program as well."

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