Ruston High Baseball has had no problem putting many players into the college ranks in recent years. As the college baseball season picks up steam, here’s a glance at some former Bearcats standing out in their respective programs across the country.
Dawson Willis
Oklahoma (17-2) is off to one of its best starts to a season in program history, and former Ruston High star Dawson Willis is a big reason why the Sooners keep on booming.
Willis has started all 19 games at third base for the Sooners, hitting .227 with 5 doubles, 2 home runs, and 15 RBIs. He’s also 7-for-7 on stolen base attempts.
Before making his way with the Sooners, Willis put together a great career at LSU-Eunice, named the 2024 DII Defensive Player of the Year. Willis recorded 90 runs, 52 RBIs, and 7 home runs in his final season at LSU-Eunice.
Cade Patterson
Louisiana Tech (11-9) is no stranger to getting the most out of a local product, but the Diamond Dogs have been fortunate to have former RHS outfielder Cade Patterson return to the field after an injury cost him his freshman season last year.
Through 20 games this spring, Patterson has proven to be one of the Bulldogs’ best hitters with 4 home runs — good for second most on the team. He also ranks third on the team in RBIs (16) while also leading the team in walks (15).
RJ Brown
Former RHS catcher RJ Brown has been consistent at Hinds Community College, hitting .250 through 40 at-bats with 2 doubles, a triple, a homer, and 6 RBIs.
He also has just a single error in a teamhigh 96 chances.
JR Tollett
Tollett has given the ULL Rajun Cajuns quality outings on the mound this season, with the former Bearcat throwing 20 1/3 innings for ULL this spring, the third most on the team.
The sophomore has a 5.75 ERA in seven appearances but ranks fourth on the team with 17 strikeouts.
Tollett had a career day against Dallas Baptist on March 8, tossing a career-high 6 innings with a career- best 5 strikeouts.
Justin Szymanski
Szymanski, a sophomore at South Arkansas College, has been a star for the Stars this season. In 76 at-bats, Szymanski is hitting .355 with 20 hits, a teambest 11 doubles, and 3 home runs — second most on the team.
His 15 extra-base hits are the most on South Arkansas (11-15) as the Stars make their way through their tough schedule.
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