JACKSON, Tenn. - The Union University baseball head coach Lee Driggers has announced the 2017 signing class. Union will be adding 11 newcomers to the roster this fall. Joining the Bulldogs will be Lowell Haney (Olive Branch, Miss.), Austin Kitterman (Russellville, Ala.), Tyler Thomas (Jackson, Tenn.), Cade Canada (White Hall, Ark.), Cooper Bullough (Collierville, Tenn.), Chase Diggs (Jackson, Tenn.), JR Miller (Searcy, Ark.), JD Fuzzell (Union City, Tenn.), David Robins (Edina, Minn.), Landon Walker (Milan, Tenn.), and Walter Rook (Collierville, Tenn.).

Driggers said, "I believe this year's recruiting class adds depth to our large returning class, especially on the mound."

Haney, a 5-foot-7 junior outfielder and infielder, transferred to Union from Coahoma Community College where he played baseball for two seasons. He is the son of Rob and Denise Haney and is majoring in mechanical engineering.

Kitterman, a 6-foot freshman right-handed pitcher, prepped at Russellville (Ala.) High School where he played five years of baseball and three years of football. He helped lead his baseball team to the state title in 2015 and area titles in 2013 and 2015. Kitterman was named all-area twice, and all-county four times. He recorded the most wins as a pitcher for the team as an eighth grader. Off the field, Kitterman was a member of the National Honors Society and graduated in the top-10 percent of his class. He is the son of Allan and Vicki Kitterman and is majoring in Biblical studies. 

Thomas, a 6-foot-3 freshman infielder, prepped at Trinity Christian Academy where he played four years of baseball and football. Thomas was a participant of the West TN All-Star game held at the Ballpark in Jackson, and West TN All-Stars vs Northwest Mississippi All-Star game held at USA Stadium. He was named TCA Hitter of the Year for 2016, and was named to the All-District team. Hey s the son of Chip and Fran Thomas. 

Canada, a 6-foot-4 freshman right-handed pitcher, prepped at White Hall (Ark.) High School where he played four years of baseball, four years of basketball and one season of football. He helped lead his baseball team to the Arkansas State Title in 2014. He was named all-state. Off the field, Canada was a member of the Beta Club, Honor Roll, FCCLA and Spanish Club. He is the son of Jay and Tammie Canada and is majoring in English.

Bullough, a 6-foot freshman left-handed pitcher and first baseman, prepped at Houston High School where he played four years of baseball. Bullough helped lead Houston to 2016 District and Region Championships, hitting .339 with 26 RBI and 2 HRs, and posting a .869 ERA with 59 K's in 48 1/3 IP. Career high school ERA of .835.  In 2015, Bullough led Houston to a Region Championship and a Sectional Championship. Bullough was named a member of the 2016 AutoZone Public School All-Star team, 2016 Pepsi/Commercial Appeal Best of Preps All-Metro team, and 2016 TN Baseball Report All 2-Way team. He was also the recipient of the 2016 Houston Baseball Charles DiBella Scholarship Award. Off the field, Bullough was a member of the 30 and Above Club, and was an Academic Honors graduate. He is the son of Rob and Noelle Bullough and is majoring in biology. 

Diggs, a 5-foot-10 junior infielder, transferred to Union from Jackson State Community College where he played two seasons of baseball. In 2016, Diggs was named second team All-Conference for Jackson State. Diggs prepped at Trinity Christian Academy where he played four years of baseball and football. He is the son of Mark and Kristi Diggs and is majoring in sports management.

Miller, a 6-foot-2 sophomore right-handed pitcher, transferred to Union from Northwest Mississippi Community College where he played one season of baseball and had one redshirt season. Miller prepped at Harding Academy where he played four years of baseball and football. He helped lead his baseball team to the 2013 3A state title. His football team also claimed the 2012 3A state title. Miller was named the MVP of the 3A state tournametn in 2013. 

Fuzzell, a 6-foot freshman right-handed pitcher, prepped at Union City High School where he played one year of golf and four years of baseball. Off the field, Fuzzell was named to the Honor Roll and was a Top Ten graduate. He is the son of Jon and Wanda Fuzell and is majoring in nursing.

Robins, a 6-foot-2 junior outfielder, transferred to Union from Dakota County Technical Community College where he played two seasons of baseball. Robins helped his team to a 2016 Region 13 Championship, and had a batting average of .411 on the season. As a freshman, Robins hit for a .370 batting average. In 2015 and 2016, Robins was named to the All-Region team. Robins prepped at Edina High School where he played one year of baseball. He is the son of Rich and Jayne Robins and is majoring in marketing.

Walker, 6-foot-1 freshman right-handed pitcher, prepped at Milan (Tenn.) High School where he played four years of baseball and football. He also played travel baseball for Dulins (Cordova), Shockers, SGC 14's, Sting, Bullet and Stixx. During his travel career, Walker helped his team to eight first place USSSA Tournament Wins, one Super NIT Championship and a WTS USSSA Runner-up three times. At Milan, he was named MVP of the Tennessee Baseball Coaches Association in 2015, was named district pitcher of the year and all-district tournament. Walker was named the Milan Most Valuable Pitcher in 2014 and 2015. He posted perfect records in district play in 2014 and 2015 and had a combined 1.44 ERA in high school. He also posted a batting average of .361. Off the field, Walker was a member of the student council. He is the son of Mike and Beth Walker. 

Rook, 6-foot-4 sophomore right-handed pitcher, transferred to Union from Northeast Mississippi Community College. He prepped at Houston High School where he played four years of baseball.

Union opens their season February 4 with a 3-game weekend series at Ouachita Baptist University in Arkadelphia, Arkansas. Union's first home game is Tuesday, February 7 versus Lemoyne-Owen. 

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