Players from county find success with college ball

Former Evans standout Kyle Wilkerson is enjoying a tremendous sophomore campaign for the Savannah State Tigers.

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The 5-foot-8, 160-pound outfielder has played much bigger than his stature. The Tigers stand at 19-18, and Wilkerson is the only member of the team to start all 37 games.

He was a solid player during his days at Evans, but Wilkerson has certainly elevated his game during the past two seasons.

Here's a look at his numbers so far this season:

Games: 37 (first)

Batting average: .331 (second)

Runs: 33 (second)

Hits: 48 (first)

2B: 12 (second)

HR: 7 (first)

RBI: 28 (second)

Slugging percentage: .559 (second)

Stolen bases: 8/12 (second)

Wilkerson and the Tigers will close out the season with a four-game series in Tallahassee, Fla., against No. 2 Florida State University on May 9-12.

Another former Knight in the middle of a big season is former two-sport All County performer Hank McCladdie.

McCladdie, a 6-foor-4, 195-pound junior, has come into his own at Morehouse College in Atlanta.

In 32 games this season the OF/P is crushing the ball. He is hitting .356 with 14 doubles, four homers and 39 RBI. His slugging percentage is at .616, and his on-base percentage is a lofty .477.

The Tigers are 18-18 this season but stand at 9-6 in their conference.

With Wilkerson and McCladdie added to names such as Shawn Ward and Wes Baxter, the in-state colleges are loaded with Evans products who are getting it done on the diamond this season.