The Time Is Now

Ethan Wilson looks to lead a talented South Alabama club back to a regional

- MIKE LEMAIRE

When the Pirates selected South Alabama outfielder Travis Swaggerty 10th overall in 2018, it was just the second time in 27 years that a Jaguar was drafted among the top 10 picks in the draft.

But luckily for the South Alabama program, it won’t have to wait that long again. That’s because thirdyear sophomore outfielder Ethan Wilson projects as a top 10 overall pick this summer if he continues his current trajectory.

The pandemic may have cost him most of last season and a summer showcase opportunity in the Cape Cod League or with USA Baseball’s Collegiate National Team, but it has barely put a dent in Wilson’s draft stock. Thanks to his loud offensive tools, he was voted a Preseason All-American by major league scouting directors and enters the 2021 season as one of the most exciting hitters in all of college baseball.

Just don’t expect Wilson to care about any of that. He readily admits that he sees the articles. But for now, Wilson and the Jaguars have unfinished business to take care of as they try to return to regionals for the first time since Swaggerty roamed the outfield.