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| Outfielder Christian Coburn's remarkable freshman season earns him the No. 16 spot among the year's top Patriots. |
The countdown begins with Nos. 20-16:
20. Brian Buscher (Baseball)
Former CF star and Major League Baseball veteran joined the coaching staff at South Carolina and helped the Gamecocks to a second consecutive NCAA championship.
Honorable mention: After a standout career at Flagler College, Zach Bove signed on as an assistant coach at CF.
19. Jessica Lopez (Softball)
Tough and talented freshman catcher was a stabilizing presence behind the plate and one of the team's most consistent hitters.
Honorable mention: Outfielder Arika Fox joined Lopez as a freshman all-conference selection.
18. Justin Cecil (MBB)
Sharpshooting forward parlayed a strong sophomore year at CF into a deal at Division I Mercer; now a senior, he's grown into a respected leader and the Bears' deadliest deep threat.
Honorable mention: Cecil's former teammate Travis Johnson helped West Virginia Wesleyan to an NCAA Division II Tournament berth.
17. Jesse Mesa (Baseball)
Former CF infielder rounded out a nice career at Division I College of Charleston, hitting .275 with 18 RBI in his senior season with the Cougars.
Honorable mention: Mesa's CF middle-infield partner Luis Penate hit .300 while starting all 52 games as a senior at Nova Southeastern.
16. Christian Coburn (Baseball)
Gifted outfielder was a revelation as a freshman, leading the Patriots with a .343 batting average and 19 extra-base hits. A solid stint in the Florida College Summer League and a strong fall season suggest more to come.
Honorable mention: Catcher Josh Whitchurch hit. 316 for the Patriots in his own standout freshman campaign.
- Coming Wednesday: #15 - #11
