CLINTON, Iowa - The Ashford University baseball program made big noise on the recruiting front in recent history, receiving a key commitment from talented infielder/pitcher and current ESPN Top 100 football recruit Ryan Fraley of Sioux City.

Fraley, whose prowess on the baseball diamond helped lead Sioux City North High School to an Iowa High School Class 4A state title his senior year, becomes the sixth signing in Saints' Head Coach John Govek's well-rounded recruiting class for the upcoming academic year.

"Our program is very excited about Ryan's commitment," Govek said. "We respect his decision to pursue a collegiate career with Ashford and we know he will provide great depth as a pitcher and versatile infielder."

Fraley was a four-sport standout prep athlete at Sioux City North in baseball, basketball, football and track. He began appearing on the national radar as a tight end following his junior year that included 20 receptions, four touchdowns and averaged over 20 yards per catch.

But Sioux City North overhauled the offensive system to the conventional spread that cut down on his receptions and helped make his decision to convert full-time from the gridiron to the baseball diamond.

"Football has been fun, but I love baseball," said Fraley, who currently ranks No. 94 on the ESPN Top 100 list among tight ends. "I love the spring-to-summer transition and when I received a letter to continue my education at Ashford, I couldn't pass it up."

Fraley's potential calling card to collegiate football included official visits to NCAA Div. II Bemijdi State University, Minnesota State University-Moorehead and University of Minnesota-Crookston. He also took unofficial visits to schools like Montana State University, University of Northern Iowa and Iowa State University, among others.

Fraley was an academic all-conference pick in football, baseball and basketball, while also being an eight-time letterwinner in his prep career.

Fraley, the son of Don and Holly Fraley, has his sights set on pursuing a degree in Natural Science when he arrives on campus this fall.

2010-11 Ashford Baseball Signees
Ryan Fraley - 1B/P - Sioux City, Iowa (Sioux City North H.S.)
Matt Follen - IF - Waunakee, Wis.(Waunakee H.S.)
Joe Dashek - IF - Franklin, Wis. (Indian Hills C.C.)
Rafael Ordaz - C - Caracas, Venezuela (Ellsworth C.C.)
Tomás Chardón - C - Middleton, Wis. (Middleton H.S.)
Tommie Garton III - UTIL - Bettendorf, Iowa (Pleasant Valley H.S.)