For the second consecutive year FIU locked down another nationally-ranked college baseball signing class. With 11 signees in tow, the Panthers inked the No. 5 signing class in the nation according to Perfect Game. Included in the class are four of the Top 100 players in the nation.

Four SEC teams occupied the top four spots with Vanderbilt signing the No. 1 class in the nation. Only Florida had a higher ranked class than FIU in the Sunshine State. The Gators were ranked No. 4.

Like they did with their No. 1 2017 signing class, the Panthers signings covered a variety of positions and as usual pitching.

"This class addresses all of our needs for next year's team," FIU coach Mervyl Melendez said. "It contains power arms, skill players, speed, and power. As it is evident with being ranked a top 5 recruiting class nationally for the second consecutive year, our staff has identified the best players that not only will help us win ball games but will make an impact in our community. These players will be excellent roles models on and off the field."

FIU assistant coach and recruiting coordinator Jered Goodwin broke down the 2018 signing class:

Franco Aleman, RHP, Alonso High School

"Franco has as much future projection as any high school pitcher in the country.  He has made strides over the last year and started to tap into the huge potential. The 6-6 right-hander should make an immediate impact when he steps on campus."

Lency Delgado, INF, Doral Academy

"Lency is a versatile defender and looks like he can stay on the left side. He has big raw power offensively. He has a very high ceiling as he continues to get stronger and develops."

Raynel Delgado, INF, Calvary Christian Academy

"Raynel is a very athletic switch-hitter that showed he had one of the best hit tools in the country all summer long. He has a mature approach and plays hard. He has the ability to play the middle of the field from day one on campus."

Jarrett Ford, INF, Decatur High School

"The Georgia product has the ability to impact a game in many different ways. He is a well above average defender at second base. He has elite speed, and he has shown a very good hit tool against top competition. We expect big things right away."

Shelby Frazier, RHP, Atlantic High School

"The 6-6 right-handed pitcher shows a feel for three pitches and has big projection left in him. He could be used in a variety of ways early, but has the upside to start on the weekends down the road."

Nathan Housen, Catcher, JP Taravella High School

"Nathan shows big right-handed power in the box and has really come on as he has matured. He is an extremely strong kid that can play multiple positions when he isn't catching."
 
John Rodriguez, INF, Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School

"One of the most gifted defenders in the country, John has flashed the ability to hit for power as well. He has very good feet and a big arm. John's athleticism will have him ready from the moment he steps on campus."

Kaeber Rog, INF, Trinity Christian Academy

"Kaeber is a switch-hitter with power from both sides of the plate, with middle of the order capability.  He has the ability to play multiple positions defensively to get his bat in the lineup."

Juan "JJ" Teixeira, RHP, Somerset Academy Charter

"JJ has continued to make jumps in velocity each time we saw him. He is a very hard worker and will have an immediate role on our pitching staff. His brother, Juan, is a sophomore outfielder on our current 2017-2018 FIU Panthers team."

Angel Tiburcio, 1B/RHP, Trinity Christian Academy

"The two-way prospect has a chance to be a big power arm and power bat when he steps on campus.  Angel has a knack for the barrel and has legitimate power. On the mound he has as good of a fastball-slider combo as you will find. Angel is expected to have multiple roles from day one."

Christopher Williams, OF/LHP, River Ridge High School
"Another Georgia product, the two-way prospect has an easy left-handed swing that produces plus bat speed. He is a high ceiling offensive prospect, but has an equally high ceiling on the mound. The lefty has a very quick arm with swing and miss off-speed stuff. He is another two-way player that will have an immediate impact."