Hunter Elliott, Jacob Gonzalez Named to Golden Spikes Award Preseason Watchlist

The Rebels pitcher and shortstop have been named to the watch list for the nation's best amateur player.

CARY, N.C. -- USA Baseball announced its Golden Spikes Award Preseason Watchlist late last week, and two Ole Miss Rebels made the cut.

LHP Hunter Elliott and shortstop Jacob Gonzalez both were named to the preseason watchlist for the award that recognizes the top amateur baseball player in the nation. This is the third-straight year where Ole Miss has been represented on the list, and it is the fourth time since 2018 that two or more players have earned the honor.

Gonzalez also becomes the first Ole Miss player since 2008 to earn the preseason honor twice, being named to the list last season. 

The preseason honors have been plentiful for the Rebel shortstop who was recently named to the Preseason All-SEC Team and a Preseason All-American. He was also tabbed as the No. 3 overall MLB Draft prospect in college baseball by D1Baseball.

Hunter Elliott is expected to be the Friday night ace for Ole Miss this season after bursting onto the scene as a true freshman in 2022, and he has earned four Preseason All-America honors entering the 2023 season. 

The Rebels open their season at home against the Delaware Blue Hens on Friday. First pitch is slated for 4 p.m. on SEC Network+. 

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You can follow John Macon on Twitter at @JMakeGillespie.

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