AUBURN, Ala. – Nate LaRue is the latest example of Auburn and head coach Butch Thompson's recent ability to sign the top talent in the state as he inked his name with the Tigers last month.
"Playing Division I baseball has been a dream of mine since I was young, and being able to be a part of one of the best programs in the nation is beyond anything I could have imagined," LaRue said. "The opportunity to continue my education at Auburn is also amazing because the academics are some of the best in the country."
A native of Mobile, Alabama, LaRue will bring versatility and top-end talent to The Plains next fall. Perfect Game tabbed the McGill-Toolen product the No. 99 overall player in the 2019 class. LaRue is also the top-rated catcher and second-best player in the state.
"I believe that being able to play multiple positions will allow me to find playing time early," LaRue said. "I'll be able to grow as a player in multiple aspects of my game, whether it be catching, pitching or outfield. I feel like learning new concepts at multiple positions will help me apply different aspects of each position and see if I can use those aspects to my benefit at other positions."
Nate LaRue Bio Blast
- Hometown: Mobile, Ala.
- High School: McGill-Toolen
- Travel Team: Houston Astros Scout Team/Elite Squad
- Position: Catcher, Right-handed pitcher, outfielder
- Height/Weight: 6-3, 210 lbs.
- Bio: rated the No. 99 overall player and No. 10 catcher in the 2019 class according to Perfect Game … tabbed the No. 1 catcher and No. 2 overall player in the state … named a 2018 Perfect Game Preseason Underclass Second Team All-American … invited to the 2018 Perfect Game National Showcase, where he was named to the Top Prospect Team … took home Tournament MVP honors at the 2017 WWBA Labor Day Classic at LakePoint … named to the All-Tournament Team at the 2017 WWBA National Championship as well as the 2018 WWBA National and World Championships … earned 2018 ASWA Second Team All-State honors at McGill-Toolen … career .365 hitter with a 1.41 ERA at the high school level … is the son of Cheril and Barry McAleer … has one sibling, Cole LaRue.
Officially an Auburn Tiger! #WarEagle #AU23 @AuburnBaseball
— Nate LaRue (@Ralue24) November 14, 2018
Auburn baseball will continue to announce its 2019 signing class with the addition of new student-athletes during the next few weeks.
The Tigers begin the 2019 campaign with a three-game series against Georgia Southern from Feb. 15-17. Season tickets, which cost $195 per seat, cover Auburn's 32-game home schedule and include 15 SEC contests. Fans can reach the Auburn ticket office by phone at 1-855-282-2010 or by emailing tickets@auburn.edu. To order tickets online, visit www.aubtix.com.