MONROE, La.—Defending Sun Belt Champion ULM signed a pair of outfielders on Thursday afternoon, baseball head coach Jeff Schexnaider announced.

Skyler Barrentine of Lake Charles, La., and Chris Grayson of Monroe both signed National Letters of Intent to play for the Warhawks beginning with the 2010 season.

With the addition of Barrentine and Grayson, four of ULM’s five signees so far during the early period have Louisiana ties.

The pair joins RHP Luke Briley of Natchitoches, La., (Mississippi Gulf Coast CC); SS Judd Edwards of Oxford, Ala., (Oxford HS) and RHP Drew Granier of Thibodaux, La., (Mississippi Gulf Coast CC) who all signed with ULM on Wednesday.

Barrentine was an all-state selection last season for Sam Houston High School and is a two-time all-district honoree.  He dominated opposing pitching as a junior to the tune of a .486 batting average with 10 home runs and 45 RBIs.  As a sophomore, he hit .494 with one home run and 31 RBIs.  The 5-foot-11 Barrentine also earned all-district honors as a wide receiver and kick returner for the Panthers’ football team.

“Skyler is a solid outfielder that hits from the left side of the plate,” Schexnaider said.  “He is extremely athletic and with an above average arm he can really cover some ground in the outfield.  We are very excited about his future at ULM and believe that his best baseball is ahead of him.”

Grayson started 44 games for Frank Phillips College as a freshman last season.  The 6-foot-1 Neville High School product hit .319 with 11 doubles, four triples, two home runs and 25 RBIs for the Plainsmen.

“Chris is a great sign for our baseball program,” Schexnaider said.  “He has a lot of passion for ULM and will provide us with a lot of options in our outfield next year.  Chris is really athletic and will be fun to watch over the next two years.”

The Warhawks open the 2009 season on Feb. 20 when they host Northwestern State in the opening game of the ULM Warhawk Classic at Warhawk Field.

2008-09 ULM Baseball Signees
Skyler Barrentine, OF – Sam Houston HS
Luke Briley, RHP – Mississippi Gulf Coast CC
Judd Edwards, SS – Oxford (Ala.) HS
Drew Granier, RHP – Mississippi Gulf Coast CC
Chris Grayson, OF – Frank Phillips College