Georgia College

2014: Had an ERA of 7.71 through 25.2 innings pitched, with an impressive 22 strikeouts to only eight walks … Made 16 appearances, tied for third on the team ... Threw three shutout innings with four strikeouts and only one walk in his only start of the season, against Clark Atlanta, and earned his first college win.

High School: Graduated from Effingham County High in Springfield, Ga., where he played for head coach Brett Griffin ... Was a two-time All-Region First Team pick ... Named 2012 Best of Preps All-Greater Savannah Team ... Played club ball for Warner Robins Chain under head coach Andy Burress.

Personal: Majoring in exercise science ... Son of Glenn and Helen Ward ... Born Aug. 18 ... Favorite athlete is Justin Verlander of the Detroit Tigers ... Chose GC because of the athletics and academics and also the small hometown feel ... Says his biggest sports thrill would come if they were to win a National Championship ... Gameday ritual is not to step on the foul lines ... Favorite song is "Eastbound and Down" by Jerry Reed, movie is Smokey and the Bandit, and TV show is SportsCenter ... Lives by the motto: "For I know the plans I have for you," says the Lord. "They are plans for the good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope." Jeremiah 29:11