Coastal Alabama-North Community College sophomore Jamarian Crain is headed to the Crescent City.
The 2017 Franklinton High School graduate signed a letter of intent to attend the University of New Orleans and play baseball for the Privateers.
“I’m very excited being closer to home where all my family and coaches can come watch me play. Before, I was four hours away and it was a little tougher,” Crain said.
Crain, who plays centerfield, had a banner year this season.
Crain was No. 1 in the Alabama Community College Conference with 40 stolen bases. He was caught just twice.
Crain scored 49 runs, which was good for 11th in the conference.
Crain batted .400, reached base at a .494 clip and slugged .504.
Crain hit a homer and drove in 22 runs, to go with five doubles and a triple.
He also walked more than he struck out. Crain coaxed 20 walks and struck out just 19 times in 135 at-bats.
“I just felt like early on it was clicking. Then one of my assistant coaches sat down with me when I was hot at the beginning of the year. I started the same way my freshman year, but then people started striking me out and I was getting myself out because I was getting too anxious at the plate,” Crain said. “He told me this year, that when things don’t go my way to calm down, let it play out and I’d get on my game and that’s what happened.”
Coastal Alabama-North Community College coach Daniel Head praised Crain.
“I am very proud of everything that Jamarian was able to accomplish here at Coastal Alabama,” Head said. “He is one of the most relentless competitors that I’ve ever coached. With that approach to the game along with his character, leadership and talent he will continue to be successful at the next level and will be able to keep playing this game for a long time.”
Crain is a civil engineering major.