Bryant baseball recognized nationally for recruiting class

SMITHFIELD, R.I. – The Bryant University baseball class of 2021, one of the best in program history, has been recognized by two national outlets over the last two weeks.

Collegiate Baseball News released its top 40 NCAA recruiting classes, with the Bulldogs falling in the "other top recruiting classes" category. Bryant was listed ahead of other Northeast powers such as St. John's, Stony Brook and Connecticut.

A big reason for the Bulldogs' placement is Shane Kelly (Sewell, N.J.) and Tyler Mattison (Fort Ann, N.Y.). Both were recognized by Perfect Game as two of top newcomers in the Northeast Conference for 2017-18.

Kelly, a standout at Deptford Township, was listed as the top incoming freshmen. He was a two-time all-conference selection and led his team to a sectional title this past spring.

Mattison was listed fourth and comes to Bryant after a very accomplished high school career at Fort Ann. He led Fort Ann to a pair of baseball state titles and also won state titles in soccer and basketball. Mattison pitched in the Perfect Game Collegiate Baseball League this summer, posting a 3-2 record and 41 strikeouts in 28 2/3 innings.