GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Tyler Shelnut of Santa Fe College Baseball has made a commitment to remain in Gainesville to continue his playing career at the University of Florida.

"I'm so excited for Tyler as he finally gets his opportunity to be a Gator," said Head Coach Johnny Wiggs. "He was disappointed it didn't work out after high school, but I think he will be ready to step in and help them immediately now. He is a very good athlete that can play multiple positions in the infield, and his bat is a plus plus tool."

Shelnut was the 2021 Mid-Florida Conference Fireman (Reliever) of the Year and a MFC Second Team selection as a designated hitter for Saints Baseball, who concluded the 2021 campaign with a 33-13 record, a Mid-Florida Conference Championship with an 18-4 mark in MFC play, and a runner-up finish at the FCSAA State Tournament. In his first season with SF, Shelnut hit .271 with eight doubles, seven home runs (No. 2 on the team) and 28 RBI (No. 3 on the team). 

The native of Lake City, Fla. attended Fort White High School, where he was the 2018 FHSAA Class 5A State Player of the Year. He is undoubtedly expected to be a leader in the 2022 batting lineup for the Saints, as he continues to develop and display his talent in advance of joining one of the nation's top baseball programs at the University of Florida under Head Coach Kevin O'Sullivan. 

Shelnut and the Saints will begin the 2022 season on Jan. 28 at home against Hillsborough Community College. The first pitch is scheduled for 3:00 p.m. 

Current SF Baseball Commitments to Four-Year Institutions

Mitchell Gross - Georgia Southern University - Release 

Tyler Shelnut - University of Florida