SPANISH FORT, Ala. – Toro senior Cole Jarman of Spanish Fort signed a letter of intent Nov. 22 to play baseball at the University of South Alabama.

The switch-hitting, right-handed outfielder/pitcher said he was excited about joining the Jaguars at South next fall.

"I have worked my whole life for this," he said. "It means everything to me because I love baseball, and that is what I want to do in life."

Jarman started as an eighth-grade varsity pitcher on the mound and as a utility infielder but soon found more playing time in the outfield. Shoulder surgery sidelined him as a pitcher last year. But his bat was as strong as ever. After getting the college decision over early, he's now looking forward to taking the field with the Toros one more season to help defend the 5A state title he helped SFHS win as a junior.

Spanish Fort head coach Tommy Walker said Jarman is a natural hitter, but his work-ethic makes him even better and ready to make an impact at the next level right away.

"He's got tangible strengths and intangible strengths," Walker said. He is one of the hardest workers I've ever had in hitting. I've had to do very little with him as a hitter, just a little tweak every now and then. He has great plate discipline and he has all the other strengths: bat speed, power, those type things. He started out as a pitcher on the varsity as an eighth-grader. He did not pitch last year because of surgery. To bounce back like he did was incredible. He just got better and better in the outfield. I see him being a tremendous outfielder for us this year. He will pitch some this year. He doesn't have to be 'The Guy' but he has to be 'A Guy.'"

Jarman batted .366 with 10 doubles, 4 triples, 4 home runs, stole 14 bases and drove in 29 RBIs as a junior. He also made a key, multi-run saving snag in left field in game two for the Toros in the Class 5A state championship. "He made an incredible catch in the state finals,“ Walker said. "There is no way he runs that down, but (if not) it runs down the line and clears the bases.”

He also batted .512 with runners in scoring position last season while posting a .590 slugging percentage.

Jarman plans to major in nursing at South Alabama and will play for future head coach Mark Calvi, assistant head coach to Steve Kittrell who will retire at the end of 2011.

"I'm looking forward to this year and excited about next year too. I hope coach Calvi can keep me going," he said.

The son of Tom and Loni Jarman and younger brother to Anna Jarman, Cole expressed thanks for his family and coaches.

"My dad taught me everything I know. And all of the coaches I've gone through. It means everything to me. I want to thank my mom for telling me I played great after every game even when maybe I didn't, my sister for always being there, too. And my dad for taking me out to the field and making me hit and throw and work on ground balls. For all the countless hours you put in, thank you."