'Sox Across The Nation: Week Nine
By: Luke Stefanisko and Ben Rekosh
Throughout the eight weeks of this series we have featured many talented former ‘Sox in the ranks of Division I college baseball.
However, there is more to college baseball than the top level, and the Tom Sox are represented across the Division II, the Division III and the Junior College ranks.
For the ninth edition of this series, here are some of Tom Sox that have excelled this season across the other levels of the collegiate ranks.
Niko Janssens, LHP, College of Central Florida (NJCAA), ‘Sox class of 2025
Topping the list is a former Florida Gator who has been a solid addition to the College of Central Florida roster this season. Janssens has pitched in 18 games for the conference-leading Patriots.
Over the weekend, he appeared in two games of a four game set against Florida Southwestern State College. Game three saw him pitch two complete innings allowing an unearned run while striking out two batters. In game four he pitched a spotless frame fanning one Buccaneer through his brief outing.
Janssens ranks second on the team in appearances, while also leading the squad in saves. It has been a solid season for the southpaw since he assisted the Tom Sox to the VBL title game.
Jake Books, OF, Tampa (D-II), ‘Sox class of 2024
Moving over to D-II now where Books has been a key cog in the perennial contender that is the University of Tampa.
Books collected five hits across the weekend in a series victory over Nova Southeastern. He singled and walked twice in a game one loss, he followed that up in game two with three hits and two walks and sent a ball over the fence for his fifth homer of the season.
After being a part of a Coastal Carolina team that went all the way to the College World Series final, Books has an opportunity to help Tampa become a champion for the third time in three seasons.
Caden Harris, LHP, UVA Wise (D-II), ‘Sox class of 2025
A late season addition to the Tom Sox roster last year, Harris has gotten some early playing time in his freshman season at UVA Wise.
Harris made his debut back in February, spinning three and two thirds innings striking our four batters in a loss to Bluefield State. He picked up his first win against King in March with two scoreless innings. He appeared on Saturday against Tusculum, recording one out with one hit and one walk.
With so much time left in his college career, Harris will have all the opportunity to make his mark in D-III.
Will Jennewein, OF, Sewanee (D-III), ‘Sox class of 2025
Sticking in D-III, Jennewein has followed up an SAA Rookie of the year award season with another solid campaign.
Over his last six games, Jennewein has six hits and six RBI’s. He helped the Tigers secure a series victory over Millsaps with a three walk two run performance in the series finale. The sophomore has been a consistent staple in the lineup all season long for his team.
Jennewein will look to continue helping the Sewanee squad this year, and potentially win the Tigers a Southern Athletic Association championship.
Evan Alwine & Lyndon Coleman, RHP & Head Coach, Pasco Hernando (NJCAA), ‘Sox Class of 2025 & 2023
Alwine was a key piece in the ‘Sox ‘25 VBL season before missing part of the summer due to injury. Coleman was the head coach for a talented Charlottesville team in ‘23 that fell just short of capturing the Jim Lineweaver Cup. The two have joined forces in 2026 with the Bobcats of Pasco Hernando.
Following his transfer from FIU after the summer season, Alwine has pitched in 24.1 innings for PHSC and has struck out 15 batters. Coleman, now the head baseball coach and athletic director, has his team sitting with a 28-18 record overall.
Evan Taveras, C, Florida Southwestern (NJCAA), ‘Sox class of 2025
After providing one of the most clutch hits in Tom Sox history in game two of the VBL championship series, Taveras has shown off his power in his sophomore season.
The catcher has hit six home runs on the year, with two long balls in his last seven games. The first of those homers came in an upset win over stellar JUCO school Pasco Hernando coached by former ‘Sox Skipper Lyndon Coleman.
Taveras announced his commitment to join the UCF Knights squad for next fall, in a return to the D-I level where he is sure to flourish.
Brock Clayton, C, Northwest Florida State (NJCAA), ‘Sox Class of 2025
One of the pivotal characters in Charlottesville’s 2025 race for the pennant is doing what he does best so far this season after transferring from Florida: slugging.
Through 37 games with the NSW Raiders he has 15 extra base hits, 28 RBIs, and five home runs on 37 total hits for a .349 batting average.
Tom Sox Assistant Coach Coy Tomlin’s favorite player committed to play with the South Carolina Gamecocks starting next season, marking a return to the SEC for the catcher.
Be sure to follow the Tom Sox on social media and visit tomsox.org for the latest; ‘Sox Around the Nation will publish every Wednesday.
