Edna shortstop Ray Chavarria was among five freshman to sign letters of intent to play baseball this week with the University of Houston-Victoria.

The five, all true freshmen, include Nick Garza, a catcher from Langham Creek; Brandon Bohanon, a catcher for Galena Park North Shore; Clayton Fowler, a pitcher for Katy Seven Lakes; Dylan Bates, an infielder from Houston; and Chavarria.

"This is a good group that we will have coming in," UHV baseball coach Terry Puhl said.

Chavarria was a first-team All-District 28-3A selection for the Cowboys this past season after compiling a .492 batting average with 17 RBI and 22 runs scored.

"He's a strong left-handed hitter that throws well and runs well," Puhl said.

Chavarria, who also finished the year with six doubles, three triples and two home runs, is looking forward to donning the Jaguars uniform next season.

"I'm looking forward to playing under coach Puhl and it's close to home so my family and friends will continue to see me play," Chavarria said. "It's also a big plus knowing that it's a winning program and I'll be a part of that."

Garza, a second-team All-District 15-5A pick at designated hitter this past season, is impressed with the Jaguars' program.

"Their record over the last two seasons and winning the conference is really impressive," Garza said. "I watched them play this year and was real impressed with the program."

Garza has played the catcher position since he was 9 years old.

"He will be one of two freshmen catchers," Puhl said. "He receives well and is big and strong and should be an asset to the team."

Garza is looking forward to his Jaguar career.

"I'm excited about getting this opportunity to play college baseball," Garza said. "I've dreamed of this ever since my sophomore year."

Bohanon, a District 21-5A first-team selection at catcher this past season, helped guide the Mustangs to the bi-district playoffs.

"He's a strong kid and has a great work ethic," Puhl said of Bohanon.

Bohanon is the son of former major league pitcher Brian Bohanon, who made his professional debut with the Texas Rangers in 1990 and spent 11 years in the majors ending his career in Colorado in 2001.

Bohanon, who was also a first-team 21-5A selection at designated hitter and a second-team pick at catcher in 2009 for the Mustangs, is looking forward to playing for Puhl.

"Having coach Puhl as a coach with his knowledge of the game especially on the professional level speaks volumes for the program there and I look forward to being part of it," Bohanon said.

Fowler, a 6-foot, 1-inch, left-handed pitcher, compiled an 11-4 record and helped guide the Spartans to the area playoffs this past season after a runner-up finish in District 17-5A.

"I think it's going to be great playing for coach Puhl and being at a smaller school," Fowler said. "Being the first class of freshmen, it's a chance to start over and play with a big group of freshmen once again."

Fowler, who also has come through the Kyle Chapman Pony League Program, compiled a 2.07 earned run average in 60 innings this past season for Seven Lakes.

"Clayton throws strikes and should be an asset to our program," Puhl said.

Bates played for the Homeschool Christian Youth Association in Houston where they finished fourth in the Homeschool World Series in Florida. Bates was named to the all-tournament team at the World Series.

"Dylan has a good strong arm with good speed," Puhl said.

Bates compiled a .420 batting average with 40 RBI, 40 runs and eight home runs this season.

"I like the coaching staff at UHV and this is the first year they'll have freshmen so it's a new start and that's exciting," Bates said.

The Jaguars are coming off their second straight 30-plus win season and second straight berth to the NAIA National championships.