From bullpen phenom to potential ace, Dylan Volantis's unique curveball and sinker are poised to dominate hitters in a new starting role.
Dylan Volantis took college baseball by storm last season, and with a potential new role on the horizon, the expectations for him are through the roof.
Last season, Volantis operated in a relief pitcher role, making 23 appearances and recording a national freshman best in saves (12) and WHIP (.88).
The 6-6, 225-pound pitcher from Westlake High School was named the Baseball America Freshman of the Year, SEC Freshman of the Year, and was placed on the All-SEC First Team thanks to his incredible performances.
Now, in a natural progression for a young college pitcher, Volantis is projected to be one of Texas' starters this season.
What makes him special is his unique pitching style, which differs from that of many of today's elite pitchers in the college and MLB landscape.
Instead of overpowering batters with an overwhelming fastball, Volantis does most of his damage with his off-speed pitches.
His curveball is his bread and butter, bamboozling opponents early and often in the count. Volantis also mixes in a sinker that sits in the low 90s but with lots of late movement, making it hard for hitters to make a big connection.
His next goal is to improve his changeup that he seldom used last season, making it a more consistent part of his arsenal.
Volantis showed that he could be one of the best pitchers in the nation in his freshman season, but coming out of the bullpen and starting games are two very different animals.
As a starter, you approach games differently, mentally and physically - it's a job that's not for everyone. That's why Texas head coach Jim Schlossnagle is not ready to name Volantis as a starter just yet.
"Luke (Harrison) is for sure in it. Everyone else is competing, including Volantis," he said on Friday.
Volantis gave a similar response when asked about his role this season.
“I’m not a starter, I’m not a reliever, I’m a Longhorn," he said. "Whatever the coaches need, whatever the players need, I'm there for that."
It's the safest and probably smartest approach from the coaching staff, because the last thing a team wants to do is mess with a young star's confidence by throwing him into a situation he's not quite ready for.
But in all likelihood, Volantis will be taking the mound to start games on the weekends, and if last year showed us anything, it's that he's ready for the spotlight that comes with being a starter at the University of Texas.