Gamecocks add depth to 2017 pitching class
South Carolina added another big-time pitcher to its 2017 class Tuesday when JL Mann lefty Jack Stamler committed to the Gamecocks.
Stamler, who committed to Clemson last July, recently flipped his decision, opting for the garnet and black.
“Clemson never felt like home,” he said via text message. “I never saw myself being happy there for four years. South Carolina was amazing; from the moment I stepped on the campus I wanted to move in immediately.”
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Stamler decommitted from the Tigers Monday, saying it was a hard decision since head coach Monte Lee put a lot of time into recruiting him and was close to Stamler.
But when he committed to South Carolina he knew he was “doing the right thing” and it was “the place I wanted to be.”
The 6-foot, 190-pounder visited Columbia last summer before committing to Clemson, and after decommitting he visited campus yesterday. That’s when the Gamecock coaching staff offered him a scholarship and after taking a night to sleep on it, he realigned his commitment.
“South Carolina's campus is the nicest I've seen, the coaches are phenomenal,” he said. “I've heard nothing but great things about all of them.”
Stamler is the second-ranked lefty in the 2017 class and ninth overall prospect. He had a 0.74 ERA last season for JL Mann, helping lead the team to the state finals. He was a perfect 9-0 and struck out 87 batters.
Being a lefty, he said he’s really worked on pitching inside to batters, and it’s become a good part of his game. This season, he said he’s working on locating his changeup more effectively.
The second commitment from JL Mann in this class, Stamler joins his teammate Blake Jeter as Gamecock pledges. Stamler’s also the fourth lefty in the class joining Bryce Hulett, Chase Williamson and Corey Stone.
“I'm excited to get to enjoy everything Columbia and the campus offers and also getting to work with coach Meyers and all the other coaches,” Stamler said.
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