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By Olivia Sayer
Georgia Ike Cousins head baseball coach Wes Johnson walks to the mound during game four of the NCAA Athens Regional between UNCW and Georgia at Foley Field in Athens, Georgia, on Saturday, June 1, 2024. Georgia won 11-2. (Photo/Mady Mertens; MadyMertensPhotography)
Georgia baseball continues to do work in the transfer portal, as former Alabama left-hander Alton Davis II announced his commitment to the Bulldogs Wednesday.
The 6-foot-5, 185-pounder primarily closed for the Crimson Tide. Davis finished his sophomore campaign with a 4-2 record and 5.61 ERA in 21 appearances. He also led Alabama with four saves and struck out 38 batters in 33.2 innings.
Davis, who is a native of Hueytown, Alabama, had a sensational freshman season with the Crimson Tide. In 25 appearances, he finished with eight saves and a 5.35 ERA.
His performance earned him a spot on the SEC’s All-Freshman team and a place on the NCBWA’s second team freshman All-American list. Davis was also selected to the Midseason Stopper of the Year Watch List, the same nomination Georgia’s Brian Zeldin received.
Davis was a heralded recruit coming out of high school. According to Perfect Game USA, he was the top-ranked left-hander and second-rated overall prospect from his state. Perfect Game also had Davis as the No. 24 overall left-handed pitcher in his recruiting cycle.
Many project Davis as a first round pick in the 2025 MLB Draft. For the Bulldogs, he will help bolster a bullpen that, despite losing the majority of its talent, still features Chandler Marsh, DJ Radtke and other transfer additions such as Eric Hammond, Davis Chastain and Bradley Stewart.
The Preseason All-SEC Second Team member also has the ability to be a Friday night starter. Georgia can pair him with the likes of Leighton Finley, Kolten Smith and Zach Harris, who are all entering their third year of eligibility.
Davis’ arsenal includes a fastball that usually sits in the 93-96 mph range but can top out around 97-89 mph. Now, the left-hander will have a chance to work with head coach Wes Johnson, who is a former big league pitching coach.