DOUGLAS, Ga. (WALB) — Blake Bryant, a senior pitcher ranked among the top 120 prospects for the upcoming MLB Draft, signed to play baseball at Clemson University on Monday.

Bryant, who attends Citizens Christian Academy, a school with about 300 students, helped lead the Patriots to a state championship in 2025. CCA is back in the semifinals this season.

The five-year varsity starter has recorded 396 strikeouts over 244 innings and has allowed just two earned runs in his senior year.

“I’m just thankful that I even have this opportunity and the blessing to even play baseball and be athletic and play any sport I can,” Bryant said. “I’m just very grateful. And I couldn’t do this without any of my teammates, coaches and friends that I have that support me through this.”

Bryant said Clemson’s values aligned with what he wants his career to represent.

“Clemson stood out to me because they have these three pillars. It’s love your country, love your family and love the Lord,” he said. “And that’s what really baseball stands for. And that’s what I want to play for is play for the Lord, my family and this country.”

Two more Patriots sign

Two other CCA seniors also signed to play college baseball Monday. Gray McLean committed to Emmanuel University and Skyler Woods signed with Southern Virginia University.

McLean has hit .473 this season with four home runs and a hit in every game.

“I’m just super pumped, ready for the next opportunity, ready to get going there. I just felt like it was a great fit for me and my family, and I thought it was the best chance for me to succeed at the next level.”

Woods has batted .419 with 30 RBIs after spending two years on a mission in Australia.

“Just looking back, all the nights hitting, and then putting the work in, finally paying off, so that’s really just exciting,” Woods said.

Woods said his faith played a role in his college choice.

“Jesus Christ did everything to me, and my parents have a big role in teaching me about Jesus Christ and my Savior,” he said. “And, you know, just giving two years to Him before moving on with my life is just exciting.”

Woods said the coaching staff at Southern Virginia supported his mission experience.

“The coach is super supportive of my mission, and all the teammates there were really inviting,” he said. “And it just felt like family, so I think that was the place.”

The Patriots are still competing for another state championship this season.

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