NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C. – Head Coach Marc MacMillan announced the signing class of five recent high school graduates, two Division I, one Division II, one Division III, and nine junior college graduates on Tuesday. All 18 newcomers are eligible to wear a Buccaneers' uniform starting in the spring of 2023. 
 
"A great deal of credit goes to Anthony Izzio and Damon Lessler who assisted in assembling this class," shared MacMillan. "Coach Twohig and Coach Kuhn were able to supplement the class with eleven additional players solidifying, in my opinion, an exciting and talented group of student-athletes. This is a group that will continue to help us compete for championships, and we look forward to watching them develop  - on the field and in the classroom while giving back to the North Charleston community."
 
Get To Know Your Class of 2022:
 
Ernesto Polanco, SS – Transfer from Coastal Carolina, 6'0 | 190lbs | R-R
Sophomore: Transfer from Coastal Carolina University. Polanco went to Coastal as one of the top SS on the East Coast  - rated the 5th best SS in the state of New Jersey according to Perfect Game, 2021. Prep Baseball Report also ranked Polanco at #6 best SS in New Jersey. He was a Perfect Game Pre-Season All-American and ranked #186 Nationally as a SS and Top 500 Overall. He was also a New Balance Future Star Series participant and played in the National Combine for Jeremy Booth. He was named All-State in 2019 and 2021. "Ernie" was born in Salcedo, Dominican Republic and moved the United States when he was 10. With an accurate arm, quick feet and a good handle, Polanco looks to help pace the INF this year for CSU.
 
Coach MacMillan on Polanco:
"Ernesto is a talented, athletic and smart player who comes to us highly recommended. He possesses a terrific work ethic and a desire to be a top draft pick. We are very excited to be a part of his development."
 
Eddie Olsen, RHP – Transfer from Moravian University (DIII), 6'2 | 205lbs | R-R
Graduate Transfer: A consistent strike thrower, Olsen has a tough mindset and good breaking ball. He transferred in from DIII Moravian University where he also played football. Olsen put up very solid numbers over his 4-year career. He had 39 App | 29 starts | 13-12 record with 2 saves 7 complete games with 140K in 172IP, and an ERA of 4.86. Olsen is poise, and mature. He will help the Buccaneers bullpen this spring.
 
Coach MacMillan on Olsen:
"I like dual guys. In this case, we get one who played college football. Eddie will come in and add instant experience and maturity to our bullpen. He's a sponge and loves to compete. We are thrilled to have him here at CSU."
 
Jared Restmeyer, RHP – Transfer from College of St. Rose (DII), 6'2 | 185lbs | R-R
Graduate Transfer: A consistent throwing RHP, Restmeyer come to Charleston Southern from DII College of St. Rose where he had a solid 2022 spring going 6-2 with as 3.86 ERA. Restmeyer had a good career with St. Rose throwing 126 innings striking out 100 batters. He pitched in the Hampton Collegiate Summer League in '22 combining for 35IP, 31K, only 6 BB, and had a 2.80 ERA. He brings the ability to throw all his pitches in any count and adds bullpen depth to the BUCS roster this upcoming spring.
 
Coach MacMillan on Restmeyer:
"Much like Eddie Olsen, Jared adds another experienced arm to our pitching core. He comes to us after a really good summer, and we are looking forward to seeing him carry that into fall practice under the guidance of Coach Kuhn."
 
Ryan Daugherty, LHP – Transfer from Saint Mary's College (DI), 6'0 | 165lbs | L-L
Graduate Transfer: Daugherty comes to CSU from out West at Saint Mary's College where he was used primarily as a reliever for the Gaels. Prior to SMC, he was a standout 2-way player for Capistrano Valley HS in Mission Viejo, CA. He helped lead his team to the CIF Div. 1 California HS Championship. He earned D1 CIF "Player of the Year" honors while pitching and playing CF. He was named to the Prep Baseball Report All-State Team as well as CalHi Sports All-State Team. Ryan threw 27 innings of relief and recorded 27K over two full seasons and looks to make a huge impact on the staff at Charleston Southern.
 
Coach MacMillan on Daugherty:
"Ryan is another experienced pitcher who comes from a solid program at SMC. He fills an immediate need as a LHP will lean on his experience and consistency as he competes."
 
Jaylin Rae, Utility – Transfer from Central Arizona College, 5'10 | 165lbs | R-R
Junior: Rae comes to CSU as one of the top junior college players in the country. Rae helped perennial powerhouse Central Arizona College win the Junior College National Championship. Rae moved into the top 10 all-time for single-season hits for CAC with 92 while batting .372 with 16 2B, 45 RBI and 14SB. The shifty Rae adds speed and versatility to the top of the BUCS lineup and will split time between 2B and CF this fall. Rae was just recently selected for the Australian National Team that will compete in the World Baseball Classic events in October. Rae adds leadership and toughness to an already solid group of returning position players, who were 1 run away from a regional in the Big South Championship game. Rae also had a big summer in the West Coast League for the Springfield Drifters being named "Player of the Week" and hitting .372 with 3 2B, 35 hits, and 10 RBI. Rae comes to North Charleston from Sydney, Australia.
 
Coach MacMillan on Rae:
"Jaylin is a gritty, right-handed hitting IF/OF who brings a toughness to our program. He is a smart baseball player; comes from a National Championship program; and has a passion for the game. I expect Jaylin to be a daily catalyst for this team."
 
James Jett, Outfield – Transfer from Gulf Coast CC, FL, 6'5 | 235lbs | R-R
Junior: James Jett comes to CSU from Gulf Coast CC / Lincoln Trail CC. He was ranked one of the Top 50 Incoming JC transfers according to Perfect Game. Out of high school, Jett was a National Top 500 ranking according to Perfect Game. He stands at 6'5-235 lbs. and uses a fine-tuned swing to generate a great amount of power, bat speed, and overall quickness. At Lincoln Trail, Jett had 10 HR and 54 RBI and was named Greater River Conference Freshman "Player of the Year". He played this past summer in the Major League Baseball Draft League and adds a power presence in the lineup for 2022-23.
 
Coach MacMillan on Jett:
"James is a physical player who has more in the gas tank yet. He should be an impact player for us with his big-time power and should only get better in both the outfield and at the plate under the tutelage of Coach Twohig.
 
 Kieran Davis, INF – Transfer from SJ Delta College, CA, 5'10 | 215lbs. | R-R
Sophomore: Davis transfers in from one of the top Junior Colleges in all the country - SJ Delta College in Stockton, CA, and Head Coach Reed Peters. Davis is a proven winner and had a stellar freshman campaign for the Mustangs. Voted 1st Team All-Conference as a utility player, he helped Delta to the Super-Regional playoffs in Northern California Community College Baseball. A strong physical frame, Davis hit 7 HR, 12 2B, 55 hits, 42 RBI, and batted .344. in 2022. Davis is versatile and can play 3B, 1B and LF. He will make an immediate impact this spring. The BUCS will lean on Davis greatly in '23.
 
Coach MacMillan on Davis:
"Kieran is a physical right-handed presence in the box with real power. He can play either corner in the infield. We feel very lucky to have landed this young man from one of the top junior college on the West Coast."
 
 Johnny Alkire, RHP – Incoming Freshman from Folsom High School, CA, 6'2 | 170lbs. | R-R
Freshman: Alkire comes to the BUCS one of the more electric young pitchers in the past few seasons. Formally committed to Texas Tech a late change landed the strong throwing right hander at Charleston Southern. Alkire prepped at Folsom High School in Northern California. He pitched 35 innings recording 52 strikeouts and a 3.17 ERA. He was named 2nd Team Perfect Game All-American. He was also voted to the All-State Team according to CAL-HI Sports, and was selected and played in the 2022 Area Code Games for the Oakland A's at the University of San Diego. In addition, he was selected to the "Future-Stars" Series by Program 15 at Citi Field, Home of the New York Mets. This past summer Alkire played in the California Collegiate League for the Lincoln Potters, and in 32IP recorded 30K and 4.19 ERA as a rising freshman. Alkire has a loose arm, and his fastball sits at 87-90 mph touching as high as 92mph. With great poise, and a great competitive drive on the mound, Alkire will look to jump right into the staff and compete.
 
Coach MacMillan on Alkire:
"Johnny is a decorated prep pitcher from California. He is a sponge and has the ability to take what he hears and put it into action. A projectable, future weekend arm, we are thrilled to have him as a BUC, and I look forward to seeing his development under the guidance of Coach Kuhn."
 
 Dylan Matsuoka, RHP – Transfer from Everett CC, WA, 5'11 | 195lbs. | R-R
Junior: Matsuoka, a former OF, converted to pitching his freshman year of junior college at Everett CC in Washington state. He found his calling, as the moved paid off. This past spring as a starting pitcher, Matsuoka helped his Everett club to the NWAC Championships going 5-0 in 30IP, 42K, and a 1.80ERA. He earned 2nd Team All-NWAC. Standing 5'11/195 lbs. Matsuoka is a strong compact thrower from a H 3/4 arm slot. His fastball has good tilt and sits 89-92mph, touching as high as 94 mph last spring. Matsuoka is extremely smart and motivated to be great and could fight for innings as a starter but also can close.
 
Coach MacMillan on Matsuoka:
"A former two-way player, Dylan's upside on the mound is intriguing. He made tremendous strides at Everett in his transition to the mound only. The potential is in him to be a big piece to our pitching arsenal. We are excited to welcome him to the Lowcountry."
 
 Nico Regino, Outfield – Transfer from SJ Delta College, CA, 5'10 | 200lbs. | R-R
Junior: Another great JC transfer from SJ Delta College in Stockton, CA. Coach Peters could not say enough good things about Regino and after the short fall so far, we can see why. Regino comes in as a Gold-Glove outfielder and was voted 1st Team All-Big 8 Conference. Regino is a disciplined middle of the order bat whose quick bat speed and power helped him lead his team to a Super Regional Berth in California's Community College state playoffs. Regino hit 3rd for the Mustangs all season and started in RF posting a .328 BA with 45 hits, 8 2B, 1 3B, 6 HR, and 36 RBI. He also slugged .533 and had an OB% of .414. Regino will help bolster the BUCS offense and will push for a starting position this upcoming spring.
 
Coach MacMillan on Regino:
"Nico is your prototypical tough 'juco bandit'. He loves to hit and comes to CSU with a competitive-spirit to his earn his way into the daily lineup."
 
 Chandler Tuupo, 1B – Incoming freshman from Issaquah High School, WA, 6'1 | 225lbs | L-L
Freshman: a power hitting left-handed from the state of Washington, and former Gonzaga commit. Tuupo comes to CSU after spending two summers with NorCal Baseball. Tuupo was the #1 ranked 1B in CA according to Perfect Game and the King County "Player of the Year" with 16 2B, 3HR, 29 hits, and 27 RBI while batting .403. He was named 1st Team All-State and 1st Team All-KingCo. His 16 2b broke the all-time single season record for his high school. Tuupo will develop quickly in Charleston. His athleticism and strength will allow him to be in the mix early in his D1 career
 
Coach MacMillan on Tuupo:
"Chandler is one of the top 1b in the country and has left-handed power in his bat. He brings with him the ability to play sound defense and should compete for time at 1B this spring."
 
 Devin MacWatters, RHP – Transfer from Everett CC, WA, 6'4 | 195lbs. | R-R
Junior: a hard throwing RHP from Everett CC, MacWatters adds a power arm out of the bullpen for the BUCS. MacWatters held down the closer role for Everett CC the entire year and helped lead his team to the NWAC Championships and a #1 seed in the tournament. MacWatters is a fierce competitor whose FB sits 88-91mph and has flash as high as 94 this past spring.
 
Coach MacMillan on MacWatters:
"Devin has the ability to impact the end of games with his stuff. He's calm but tough and with his repertoire has the ingredients to be a solid closer for us."
 
 Ashton Wilson, Utility – Incoming Freshman from the TNXL Academy, FL, 6'0 | 185lbs. | R-R
Freshman: A dynamic, and versatile athlete. Ashton Wilson comes to CSU from the TNXL Academy in Florida for Coach Brian Martinez. Wilson excelled in this environment for 4 years in high school, increasing his baseball workload as well as excelling in the classroom. He was named to the NAA Conference All-Star team and named Academy Defensive, MVP. Wilson is a true utility player with the footspeed and glovework to play 3B, SS, and 2B. He will also fight for time in the OF this fall. His bat speed and advanced bat to ball skills will allow Wilson to push for significant ABs as a freshman. Look out for Wilson in the future. He is a name to remember.
 
Coach MacMillan on Wilson:
"Ashton is uber athletic and can play all over the field. I like utility players, and his versatility comes with an advanced hitting approach from one of the best baseball facilities on the East Coast. He has a chance to play early in his CSU career. "
 
 Sam Manwarren, Catcher – Transfer from Northeastern CC, NE, 6'2 | 210lbs | R-R
Junior: Manwarren comes to CSU as a highly decorated JC catcher who hails from the Midwest in Overland, KS. He won the Rawlings' ABCA "Golden Glove" Award for Catcher in '22. He hit .339 with 6 HR, and 38 RBI as a freshman at Northeast CC, and .303 with 16 2B, 8 HR, and 42 RBI as a sophomore. The junior backstop is a presence both behind the plate and in the batter's box at 6'2 210 lbs. He has a consistent pop time of 1.9-2.0 on the bag and is a wall regarding blocking baseballs. He has solid gap to gap power and a good consistent approach at the plate. Manwarren will fight for the starting job this spring for the BUCS.
 
Coach MacMillan on Manwarren:
"Sam will look to come in and immediately help us behind the plate. He will bolster our catching core and has a chance to be a force offensively."
 
 Ike George, Utility – Transfer from Paradise Valley CC, AZ, 5'9 | 155lbs. | L-R
Sophomore: George comes to CSU from the West Coast at Paradise Valley CC in Phoenix, AZ. While at PVCC, George showed of the 6.5-60-yard speed stealing a league leading 51 SB's and ranked him #4 in all of JUCO DII country-wide. He was an ABCA 1st & 2nd Team All-Region Award winner in his two years in the desert. Along with the swipes, George hit .345 with 50 runs scored, 67 hits, and was voted the "Student-Athlete of the Year" at PVCC. His 51 stolen bases put him #1 as the All-Time leader in school history. George finished his career with 107 hits, 76 stolen bases, and 80 runs scored. A graduate of Bishop Kelly HS in Boise ID, George saw his JR and SR seasons cancelled because of Covid. George is a leadoff type of hitter with quick twitch and gap to gap power. he will fight for time both in the outfield and the IF this spring.
 
Coach MacMillan on George:
"Ike is another JC transfer that has electric speed to go along with a left-handed bat. His offensive make-up will be a nice fit in Coach Twohig's and 'The Pack's' identity. We are looking forward to him maximizing all of his ability."
 
 JC Agard, RHP/3B – Incoming Freshman from Sacred Heart Cathedral Prep HS, CA, 6'1 | 175lbs. | R-R
Agard is a special talent from Northern California. A 2-way player both on the mound and in the infield, Agard has shown very fast why he was one of the top prospects out of the Western Catholic League and a 2^nd Team All Team selection. Agard batted .411 with 4 HR, 27 RBI, 30 Hits, and had a .506 OB%. On the mound Agard was used primarily as a closer and had a fastball that sits 88-90mph and tops at 92mph with good downhill tilt. Agard is extremely competitve4 and throws with a short and strong-arm action from a H ¾ arm slot. At the plate Agard has shown good gap to gap power and the ability to situation hit. He is an exciting youngster for the BUCS and looks to push for playing time early on in Charleston.
 
Coach MacMillan on Agard:
"He is a two-way talent. JC brings his glove every day, power in his bat, pitch-ability, and a high baseball IQ to our program. It's unique to find a freshman with his mindset, and it will be fun watching his development during this time here."
 
 Nick Baker, Catcher – Incoming Junior from Iowa Central CC, 5'11 | 200lbs.| R-R
Baker is a strong and solid catcher who comes to CSU from Iowa Central CC where he excelled not only behind the plate but offensively as well. Baker hit .368 with 35 RBI, 4 HR, 9 2B, and had an OB% of .503. Baker has shown the ability to move well behind the plate and has demonstrated leadership skills with the pitching staff and catchers' core alike. Baker will compete for significant time for the BUCS this spring.
 
Coach MacMillan on Baker:
"Nick is a tough, blue collar 'juco bandit'. He plays with a chip on his shoulder that will intensify the competition behind the plate this fall."
 
 Isaac Lucas, LHP – Incoming Freshman from Oakland Tech HS, CA, 5'11 | 180lbs.| L-L
Lucas is a hard throwing LHP who comes to Charleston Southern University from the West Coast. Lucas prepped at Oakland Tech and played summer/developmental ball with Jon Zuber, former DI coach at CAL and owner of the Zoots Baseball Club out of Northern California. Lucas throws from an OT arm slot and creates great tilt to his pitches. He finished his high school career with a 1.36 ERA and in 46IP he struck out 86 batters, walked 16, gave up only 24 hits, and had 10 starts his senior year. 
 
Coach MacMillan on Lucas:
"Isaac is a high energy, confident individual with the physical t