UNC Baseball: Luke Stevenson earns NCBWA Freshman All-American honors

As a freshman, arguably the toughest position to play is behind the dish.

Not only do freshmen catchers have the task of performing offensively, but must also be a steady presence defensively. All this, plus the fact of having to handle a pitching staff, makes it a very tough task.

Fortunately for the UNC baseball program, Luke Stevenson was ready for the challenge this season, as he earned NCBWA Second Team Freshman All-American honors.

The Wake Forest, North Carolina native was immediately inserted into the starting lineup, as he had some big shoes to fill with the departure of former starter Tomas Frick (who was drafted by the New York Yankees). Sure, he had his share of ups and downs (as all freshmen do at some point) but the potential he has for the future is sky-high.

Stevenson has played in 62 games this season (61 starts), as he posted a .284 average with 14 home runs to go along with 58 runs batted in. Of course, Diamond Heels fans will remember his game-tying home run that set up Vance Honeycutt's walk-off in the opening game of the Super Regional against West Virginia.

While his power was certainly on display, his ability to work the count and draw walks has also been very evident. The freshman backstop drew 47 walks and recorded 59 hits thus far, as he's been on base over 100 times in his first collegiate season.

Not bad by any means!

The UNC baseball program features one of the best lineups in the country, as Stevenson has played a big role in the team's offensive success. As he continues to gain experience, Stevenson has the makings of being a very intriguing player for MLB scouts to take a look at.

Stevenson and the UNC baseball program open up College World Series play in Omaha, Nebraska this upcoming weekend against fellow ACC foe Virginia.