Though freshman first baseman Tristin English has been inexplicably overlooked for much of the season, his tremendous rookie year -- one which includes a batting average north of .300 and 34 RBIs so far -- has placed him among Tech's most valuable contributors. English, destined to be a starting pitcher when he initially committed to Tech (prior to an injury), has given head coach Danny Hall and the Jackets exactly what a successful team needs from a first baseman: a live bat, consistent protection for a fellow slugger, and some extremely solid defense from a position usually reserved for the defensively challenged.