The NAIA Conference Ratings were released on Monday, ranking Northwood 1st in the Red River Athletic Conference. The Knights are coming off of back to back RRAC Championships.
The Knights RRAC rival Texas Wesleyan University is ranked second followed by UT-Brownsville and Bacone College.
The Knights return nine position players who had significant playing time last year. There are a few new position players expected to have an immediate impact on this years squad. Catcher Johnny Aldaz is expected to hit in the middle of the Knights line-up after an impressive fall where he was named MVP of the Knights Fall World Series. Aldaz, a junior transfer from Cisco Junior College will split time behind the plate with Sr. Matt Redding. Sam Houston State transfer, Justin Keithley, will be looked upon to add an offensive boost to the top of the Knights line-up which has to replace two of the country's best hitters from a year ago in RJ Harris and Carey Crain. Shortstop, Darby Walker, will add his experience to the mix as he looks to fit into the line-up at a variety of spots. Walker was named Freshman of the Year in the Lonestar Conference following his first year at West Texas A&M. Freshman, Adam Humes will add depth for the Knights at first base. Humes impressed in his first fall with his defensive skills and constantly developing offensive ability. Humes will be counted on the fill in at times for Thomas Huggins who is coming off of major leg surgery after breaking his leg in the RRAC Conference Tournament in 09.
The Knights biggest improvement will be seen on the mound as they have added both depth and talent. A host of newcomers are expected to have a major impact on this years club; Kane Kimrey(Howard College), Trent Montgomery (NE Oklahoma), Corey Sartor (Howard College), Frank Abbl (Mesa CC/Diamondbacks), George Isabel (Garden City CC), Sean Ayala (NCTC), Darby Walker (Cisco JC), Chase Campbell (Alvin CC), and Nick Coronado (Irvine CC).
You can see the Knights on February 5th as they take on defending National Champions, Lubbock Christian University, at Quick Trip Ballpark in Grand Prairie.
