Enterprise’s Donovan makes college commitment

Enterprise baseball player Brendan Donovan will have the chance to take his athletic career to a new level once his high school playing days are done.

The senior orally committed to play baseball at the University of South Alabama Sept. 1, and made sure to thank those who helped him along the road to playing in college.

“I want to thank all of my family, friends, coaches and teammates,” Donovan said. “Without them, I don’t think this would have been possible.”

After Donovan took a visit to the USA campus in Mobile during the summer, he and his family made a decision.

“I took some time, sat down with my parents and we talked about it,” he said. “We just felt like that was a great place for me.”

A variety of factors led the Wildcat standout to choose South Alabama, including the atmosphere surrounding the Jaguars’ baseball team.

“It’s a great program,” Donovan said. “They’ve got great facilities and great coaches. It’s a hard-nosed program, and that’s something I was looking forward to being a part of. The coaches are just fantastic. The facilities are great. When I stepped on campus, I just felt like it was the place for me.”

South Alabama coach Mark Calvi and his staff led the Jaguars to a 22-33 record in 2014, and Donovan believes the program is on the rise.

“They’re great coaches,” he said. “I think I will have a great chance to develop there. I think (the program is) going to do well in the future. I can see it getting a lot better. I’m just glad I can be a part of it.”

The EHS third baseman said coaches are eyeing him for the same position in college, and he’s improving at the hot corner.

“I’m still learning as I go, but it’s a challenge and I’m very competitive,” Donovan said. “Having a challenge over there at third base and learning as I go, it’s been a fun experience.”

Last season, Donovan played in 39 games for the Wildcats.

He hit .355 with  24 singles, eight doubles, four triples and two home runs.

Donovan scored 32 runs and drove in 17 as a junior.

He was also solid in the field.

Donovan had an .871 fielding percentage at third last season, and said being able to play there in high school will help him transition to the college game.

“I think it will give me some experience,” he said. “Especially playing third base, you can’t just walk over there and play it like it’s easy. You have to get some experience and you have to get reps there. I think being able to play there for a few years, I’ve learned a lot from it so hopefully I can carry that over to the collegiate level.”

Since he has made a college choice, the senior can focus on finishing his high school career.

“I think we can do some good things with Enterprise baseball,” Donovan said. “Hopefully, we’ll make a run at a state championship this year.”

When his last year on the high school diamond is compete, Donovan is looking forward to achieving his goal of playing at the next level.

“This is something I’ve worked (toward) for years now,” he said. “To be able to say I’m committed to play college baseball, especially at a great program like South Alabama, it’s just an awesome feeling."