Baseball | December 02, 2021

AIKEN, S.C. – The University of South Carolina Aiken, in conjunction with interim head baseball coach Michael Holder, is pleased to announce the signing of five student-athletes for the upcoming 2022-23 academic year.

Justin Byrd, Jacob Butler, Doom Dennis, Derek Espinoza and Tyler Rowland will continue their athletic and academic careers at USC Aiken beginning next fall.

Byrd is a 6-2 infielder/RHP from Bogart, Ga. The North Oconee H.S., attendee is a four-year letterwinner. Byrd is a two-sport standout that earned all-region honors in baseball and basketball. He is a four-year member of the honor roll.

"Justin brings a high level of versatility to our program," Holder said. "His ability to impact the game both on the mound and at the plate is something that you do not see in many young players. Whether his future is on the mound, as a hitter, or both we feel confident that he is a player that will have a big impact on our program for years to come."   

Butler is a 6-2 pitcher from Windsor, S.C. The South Aiken H.S., attendee picked up all-region accolades during his junior season. He is also a scholar-athlete award winner. 

"Jacob is a very good athlete who we think has a very bright future on the mound," Holder stated. "He already does what a lot of young pitcher's struggle with and that is command all three pitches for strikes. With his frame we believe he could make a jump in velocity and be a very effective arm for us."  

Dennis is a 6-2 infielder from Charleston, S.C. The Bishop England H.S., attendee registered a .314 batting average as a junior with 18 RBI. He posted a .505 on-base percentage and swiped 10 bases.

"Doom is a very athletic kid, and we love that he has played multiple sports," Holder said. "We expect him to come in and make an impact on our program quickly. He has a lot of bat speed at the plate and many intangible qualities that are hard to teach. We are very excited to have him in our program and believe he will make everyone around him better."  


Espinoza is a 6-0 pitcher/infielder from Kingsland, Ga. The Camden County H.S., attendee recorded all-region honors as a pitcher (first-team) and infielder (second-team) as a junior. He batted .382 with a .432 on-base percentage while tallying a 2.56 ERA on the mound.

"Derek comes highly recommended from Coach English who consistently turns out not only good players, but great young men as well," Holder stated. "We believe Derek will not only be a great fit in our program, but also have a chance to contribute early in his career.  With a fastball that has great arm side run and sink he makes it difficult for hitters to square anything up. We are expecting Derek to have an impact on our program for years to come."     

Rowland is a 5-8 pitcher from Evans, Ga. The Greenbrier H.S., attended worked 70.2 frames as a junior, posting a 9-1 ledger on the mound. He held a 1.189 ERA and had a 1.061 WHIP that year. Rowland picked up the Augusta Area High School Sports award.

"We are very excited about what Rowland brings to the table for our team," Holder said. "He is one of few pitchers I have recruited that is able to consistently throw his fastball wherever he wants to. He knows how to compete and there is no doubt that when he is on the mound, he is going to give your team a good chance to win. We cannot wait to see him in a Pacer uniform."