June 6, 2008

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - Jacob Nix, a right-handed pitcher from Hewitt-Trussville High School, has committed to play baseball at UAB as announced by UAB head coach Brian Shoop Friday. Nix was a 2008 Preseason Under Armour All-American and was a standout in both baseball and football at Hewitt-Trussville.

"We are very pleased that Jacob has decided to attend UAB and will be wearing the Green and Gold for the next four years," Shoop said. "Jacob is first and foremost a great athlete. He has very good arm strength and is extremely competitive on the mound."

As a two-year starter at Hewitt-Trussville, Nix compiled a record of 10-2 on the mound with 118 strikeouts in 79.0 innings pitched, while boasting an ERA of 2.24.

On the gridiron, Nix quarterbacked his team to a first round playoff victory last fall and set the state record with two of the longest pays in a single-game with a 95-yard run and a 95-yard pass completion.

"We believe that once Jacob concentrates fully on baseball he will be able to clean up his mechanics and develop into an outstanding college pitcher," Shoop said. "When he develops a consistent command of the strike zone with all of his pitches, Jacob will excel at the high-level of baseball that is played in Conference USA."

Nix has not only stood out on the diamond but also in the classroom. He is a member of the National Honor Society and was a member of the Hewitt-Trussville Student Council. He is also active in Fellowship of Christian Athletes.

"Jacob is another outstanding student and young man," Shoop said. "He comes from a strong family and maybe most importantly, he wants to be at UAB. He is a great addition to the Blazer baseball family."