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BROOKSVILLE - Sometimes, your best recruiters are your players.
That's what Thomas University coach Mike Lee learned after former Night Hawks outfielder and Hernando graduate Chris Cole recently helped lure three ex-Leopards to his program.
Brothers Matthew and Stephen Blanton and Jason Dunn each accepted scholarships to the NAIA school in Thomasville, Ga., about 30 miles north of Tallahassee.
"It worked out well for me as a dad," Mark Blanton said, "because they're at the same school and living with their grandparents up there."
Cole, who previously played at Florida State and Stetson, called Lee last year hoping for an opportunity to play at Thomas, which was near the Tallahassee home of Cole's girlfriend. After a senior season in which he received all-region and honorable-mention All-America honors, Cole turned Lee onto Dunn and the Blantons.
Stephen Blanton, an infielder/outfielder, has one year of eligibility remaining after playing a season at Polk Community College and two in the Baltimore Orioles system, rising as high as the Appalachian League (rookie) before being released in January.
He has to spend two straight semesters at Thomas as a student before he can apply to the NAIA for his remaining year of eligibility. He can work out and practice with the team but cannot play in a sanctioned game until 2006.
"This is my first pro guy," Lee said. "I've played against teams that have had them but never had one of my own.
"I don't think it's a stretch to say he might be better than Chris Cole, and Chris Cole did just a phenomenal job," Lee said.
Matthew Blanton, the first baseman on Hernando's 2004 region final squad, considered enrolling at Tallahassee Community College or St. Johns River Community College in Palatka as a preferred walk-on before choosing Thomas.
Lee liked Blanton's swing and knowledge during a tryout and plans to start him at third base.
Rain prevented Dunn from throwing for Lee, but a recommendation from Central Florida Community College pitching coach Bob O'Brien convinced Lee that Dunn will make a top-of-the-rotation starter.
Lee played for O'Brien at Florida Community College at Jacksonville in 1990.
Cole's eligibility has expired, but he will throw batting practice for the team as he works toward his undergraduate degree.
Classes started Aug. 23, and physicals were on Monday. Players are working out and getting the field in shape in preparation for the Sept. 6 start of the fall season.
"Chris Cole is a good kid, and what I notice about the other ones is they're good, solid kids you want to have in your program," Lee said.
"I think they're going to work out pretty well here."