Tyler Rank Season 2008

Honors & Awards

• Big 12 Commissioner’s Honor Roll (Fall 2007; Spring 2008; Fall 2008)

2009 Outlook: Sophomore Tyler Rank was one of four true freshmen hitters who gained valuable experience last season ? Appeared in 17 contests, splitting time between first base and designated hitter as he adjusted to the college game ? Hit .192 with five RBIs, including a pair of multi-RBI contests ? Two-way performer who battled through shoulder injuries in 2008 and underwent a pair of surgeries on his shoulders  in the off-season ? Will likely be limited to hitting duties this spring, taking away an arm that could have added depth in the Husker relief corps ? Has been excellent in the classroom, carrying a 3.26 GPA and being named to the Big 12 Commissioner’s Honor Roll in each of his three semesters as a Husker.

2008: Rank was a valuable bench performer in the Huskers’ run to an NCAA Regional appearance in 2008 ? Appeared in 17 contests, hitting .192 with five RBIs, as he saw time at first base and designated hitter ? Showed a good eye at the plate, drawing six walks in just 32 plate appearances ? Did not play in the NCAA Regional or the Big 12 Tournament ? Hit .111 in nine at-bats against Baylor, coming up with a two-run pinch-hit double against the Bears on April 26 ? Started at designated hitter against Western Illinois on April 29, going 1-for-3 with a walk in NU’s 6-4 win ? Started NU’s opener against Texas on March 28, going 0-for-2 in NU’s 14-4 win ? Picked up his first extra-base hit with an RBI triple, going 1-for-4 in a start at first base against Northern Colorado on March 26 ? Started at designated hitter against Arkansas on March 19, singling to right in his only at-bat against the Razorbacks ? Came off the bench to deliver a two-run single against Nebraska-Kearney on March 4 ? Made his first career start at first base against UC Riverside on March 1, drawing a pair of walks, stealing a base and scoring a run in a 10-4 Husker win.

Mayo High School: Rank was one of the top prospects in Minnesota playing for Coach Dan Hoefs at Mayo High School ? Tabbed a first-team all-state performer by the Minnesota State High School Coaches Association and St. Paul Pioneer Press after hitting .392 with three homers and 20 RBIs in 2007 ? Rated by Baseball America as the No. 2 high school prospect in Minnesota for the 2007 MLB Draft ? Earned first-team National High School Baseball Coaches Association All-District V honors ? Hit .587 with seven homers, 46 RBIs and a 1.011 slugging percentage in American Legion ball in 2007, highlighted by a doubleheader when he went 7-for-7 against Winona ? Also recorded a 2-0 mark with a 2.46 ERA ? Was a three-time all-conference pick, hitting .410 with two homers and 30 RBIs as a junior ? Selected to the 2006 Area Code Games, where he helped lead the SPARQ Midwest Team to a tournament title ? Totaled eight varsity letters in high school, as he was also a two-time all-state selection in football and played hockey for a season ? Named to the high honor roll during his prep career at RMHS.

Personal: Born on Feb. 9, 1989, in Rochester, Minn. ? Parents are Ron and Shelly Rank ? Has one sister (Miranda) and a brother (Ryan) ? Has not declared a major, but carries a 3.26 GPA entering the spring semester.