Next season, Jacksonville State University is adding a new Panther. Pell City High School student and baseball player Chase Robinson signed his national letter of intent last week, committing to continuing his playing at JSU.

Robinson signed at the Center for Education and the Performing Arts on Thursday, Nov. 19 in front of a crowd of teammates, classmates, family and friends. He took time to thank God, his coaching staff and other influential people in his life.

While the coaching staff at JSU is a main factor in his choice to commit to the Gamecocks, Robinson had more on his mind that just that. He said wanted his grandfather to be able to attend as many of his games as possible, and the school’s location was perfect for that.

Robinson has had a successful career on the diamond so far. This past summer, he played with East Coast Baseball and was selected to play on the all-tournament team. He participated in a world wood bat tournament in Atlanta, batting .435 with two homeruns. He traveled to Jupiter, Fla. to play for a team and found great success there as well. Robinson also spent time this summer in New York, playing with a team through the New York Mets organization.

“He’s probably one of the fastest young men that has come through here,” Pell City coach Andrew Tarver said, “He has a great arm, great speed, he has power at the plate. Coaches like him.”

Robinson is a pitcher and outfielder for the Panthers, but his future position with JSU has not yet been determined. The 2016 recruit will be playing for JSU coach Jim Case.