There are plenty of speedsters lighting up the base paths in college baseball this season. Let’s take a look at the cream of the crop.
Derek Jenkins | Seton Hall | Sr. | OF | 45 stolen bases
There’s not a more dangerous runner in college baseball than Derek Jenkins. The senior outfielder is leading the country with 45 steals, a whopping 13 more than the second-most prolific base-stealer. Jenkins already has 19 more steals than his Big East-best 26 steals in 2015.
Cole Gruber | Omaha | Sr. | OF | 32 stolen bases
Cole Gruber entered the season ranked fourth all-time in steals at Omaha, but it didn’t take long for him to etch his name at the top of the record book. Gruber broke the school record with his 73rd career steal on March 9. He’s now up to an impressive 32 steals on the year.
Corey Ray | Louisville | Jr. | OF | 31 stolen bases
Ray has established himself as one of the Cardinals’ best offensive weapons and not just because of his work on the base paths. The junior leads Louisville with 11 home runs; the next best slugger on the team, Blake Tiberi, has six long bombs. Still, Ray’s biggest assets are his legs, as he ranks third in the nation with 31 steals.
Jawuan Harris | Rutgers | Fr. | OF | 30 stolen bases
Jawuan Harris is certainly making the most of his freshman season for the Scarlet Knights. The outfielder has been a terror for opposing catchers, swiping 30 bags in 40 games this season. Harris is a two-sport athlete at Rutgers; he also plays under coach Chris Ash as a member of the school’s football team.
Marquise Gill | Eastern Michigan | Jr. | INF | 29 stolen bases
Only Jenkins has attempted more stolen bases than Gill this season, and the Eastern Michigan junior has generally made the most of his many opportunities. The infielder has racked up 29 steals while being the only Eagle to play and start in every one of the team’s games.
Richie Palacios | Towson | Fr. | INF | 29 stolen bases
Palacios has been an immediate impact freshman for the Tigers. He ranks second on the team with a stellar .374 batting average and has been quite the thief running the bases. Palacios has racked up 29 steals this season.
Ryan Lazo | Texas Southern | Sr. | INF | 27 stolen bases
Base-running perfection. That’s what Ryan Lazo is flirting with this season. 27 stolen base attempts, 27 steals. He’s the only player among the top 30 in steals to never have been caught. Can he finish the season unscathed? It will be interesting to see.
