HUNTINGTON -- Marshall University's baseball team signed seven pitching prospects who are expected to join the Thundering Herd in 2011.

The Thundering Herd recruiting class includes nine players total -- five high school players and four from junior colleges. Following is a look at each player.

Aaron Blair, Las Vegas, Nev.

Blair is a 6-foot-4, 215-pound infielder and right-handed pitcher for Spring Valley H.S. ... All-Southwest Division and All-Sunset Conference second team as a junior. ... 7-0 on the mound with 75 strikeouts in 57 innings and a 2.95 ERA. ... .370 batting average.

"We feel that Aaron can be a possible two-way player for us," Marshall head coach Jeff Waggoner said. "He throws 86 to 90 mph on the hill and he has tremendous bat speed at the plate."

Steven Ross, Overland Park, Kan.

Outfielder for Maple Woods Community College in Missouri. ... 6-foot-4, 220 pounds. ... All-Region 16. ... .408 average, 13 home runs, 67 RBIs. ... "Ross was one of the best junior college players in the country last year," head coach Jeff Waggoner said. "He has a great combination of power and speed, which allows him to play any position in the outfield. He can come in and contribute in the middle of the lineup immediately. "

Ryan Butler, Charlotte, N.C.

Right-handed pitcher for Ardrey Kell H.S. ... 6-foot-5, 170 pounds. ... Pitched a four-hit shutout in the State Finals series. ... Most Valuable Player of the State Tournament. ... 12-2 record and 1.84 ERA for two seasons. ... "All the kid does is win," Waggoner said.

Ethan Cole, Austin, Texas

Right-handed pitcher and third baseman for Northeast Texas Community College. ... 6-foot, 180 pounds. ... Left-handed hitter with power. ... "He is a right hander with a big league breaking ball," Waggoner said.

Ryan Etsell, Philadelphia, Pa.

Right-handed pitcher for Northeast Catholic H.S. ... 6-foot-5, 170 pounds. ... All-City selection as a junior. ... 7-1 pitching record and 1.50 ERA with 78 strikeouts and 11 walks in 56 innings. ... .438 batting average.

Louie Helmburg, Louisville, Ky.

Catcher from West Jessamine H.S. ... 6-foot, 200 pounds. ... All-Region 12 team and Kentucky Junior All-State Team. ... Batted .395 with 32 RBIs. ... Threw out 32 of 39 attempted base stealers.

Erin McGee, Bella Vista, Ark.

Right-handed pitcher from Maple Woods Community College in Missouri. ... 6-foot, 180 pounds. ... "McGee is a strike thrower with great stuff," Waggoner said.

Damian Rivera, Miami, Fla.

Left-handed pitcher from Braddock H.S. ... 6-foot-1, 190 pounds. ... All-Dade County player. ... 5-2 record and 2.23 ERA. ... Throws 87 to 89 mph. ... "Damian is one of the best high school lefties in the country," Waggoner said.

Aaron Rosborough, Plano, Texas

Right-handed pitcher for Seminols State (Okla.) College. ... 6-foot-1, 190 pounds. ...

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