PRAIRIE VIEW, Texas – The Prairie View A&M baseball program had two players selected on day three of the Major League Baseball draft.
Senior pitcher
Darrien Williams (6-3, 205; Bryan, Texas) was selected in the 26
th round by the Angels of the American League's Western Division. In the 29
th round, high school signee Jaylen Smith (5-11, 170; Copperas Cove, Texas) was selected by the Philadelphia Phillies.
"When I arrived in the fall of 2015, I knew I had something special," said Panthers' head baseball coach
Auntwan Riggins of Williams. "D-Will pitched and had played right field for us, and led the team in hitting. I knew pitching was always his best opportunity to play at the next level. He understood that, and worked hard to make his dream come true."
Williams is the first PVAMU baseball player since 2009 to be selected in the draft. That year, CF Myrio Richard (9
th round, Oakland A's) and C Brandon Whitby (34
th round, Colorado Rockies) were selected.
"It's a dream come true," Williams said. "I put God first. I appreciate the support of my family, girlfriend and friends as well as my coaches. This is something I always anticipated."
Williams was a four-year player for the Panthers, and began his career as both an outfielder before also pitching in year two before solely focusing on the mound during his final two years.
"I only pitched at PVAMU for three seasons," Williams said. "I didn't really have a starting role as a pitcher in high school, but I knew that I had the will to pitch. I am truly blessed to have this opportunity. I can't do anything but thank the man above."
As a hitter, he had a career average of .290 with six home runs and 17 RBI. His best year at the plate came as a sophomore in 2016, where hit .350 in 34 starts with five home runs and 13 RBI.
After one relief appearance as a freshman and 12 starts on the mound as a sophomore, Williams became a full-time pitcher in his final two seasons. He made 40 appearances with 34 starts, winning eight times. He struck out 172 hitters in 205.1 innings.
His best statistical year came as a junior in 2017 when he posted a 4-4 record with a 4.41 ERA with 63 strikeouts in 67.1 innings.
This past season, Williams struck out 69 batters in 76 innings with a 2-6 record.
"This opportunity for Darrien means the world to me because I know how hard he worked," said Riggins, who himself played five years of professional baseball in the minor leagues. "He is a great kid with great values. I would like to praise his parents for doing an awesome job in raising this young man."
Smith is a left handed pitcher who also played quarterback at Copperas Cove HS.
