TCU relief pitcher Riley Ferrell was named to Baseball America’s Preseason All-America first team on Monday.

Ferrell played the role of closer for the Frogs last season during their journey to the College World Series. The junior finished the year with a 0.79 ERA, a 3-1 record and a TCU best 15 saves. Ferrell struck out 40 percent of the batters he faced last season, he recorded 70 strikeouts in only 45 1/3 innings pitched.

Ferrell is best known for his fastball, which tops out at a blistering 99 mph. He also can throw a slider to throw hitters off balance that registers at 87-88 mph.

The junior right-hander was the only TCU player to be named a Preseason All-American by Baseball America. The site ranks the Horned Frogs No. 7 in its national preseason rankings.

Ferrell is projected to be a first round pick in June’s MLB Entry Draft by MLB.com.