Two Former Knights Making Noise in Minor Leagues

UCF baseball saw multiple players achieve their professional dreams this past MLB Draft, with four Knights finding homes at the next level.

Junior outfielder Andrew Williamson, who was UCF's most dynamic hitter this past season, landed with the St. Louis Cardinals in the second round - the program’s highest pick since 2004.

Williamson led the team with 58 runs scored, 16 home runs, 4 triples, 33 extra-base hits, 41 walks, .442 on-base percentage, .645 slugging and a 1.087 OPS, according to UCF Athletics.

As a Second Team All-Big 12 recipient, he started all 55 games for UCF this past season, jumping onto MLB teams' radars with his smooth lefty swing at the plate.

He displayed this swing on Wednesday, smashing two home runs in the FCL Cardinals Instructional League game vs. the Mets.

While current Cardinals outfielder Jordan Walker has had a breakout season, the roster does lack pop in the outfield, as Nathan Church is more of a defensive player.

Williamson can add to the offensive attack with his ability at the plate, while holding his own in the field.

In the Auburn Regional, Williamson burst into the tournament, hitting out three home runs in the Knights' first matchup against NC State.

Williamson's six runs batted in was a career-best mark, while his fourth home run added later in the regional marked a program-best.

The 6-foot junior outfielder moved to right field following his freshman year, where he displayed his powerful arm as well.

Williamson recorded a .972 fielding percentage with 101 putouts and a team-best 3 outfield assists, giving the Cardinals flexibility if they want to move him around in the outfield.

Prior to the draft, Williamson was ranked as the No. 48 prospect, with MLB scouts providing this snapshot about the Knights standout.

"Williamson is a strong and compact left-handed hitter who gives off some Alek Thomas or Nate McLouth type vibes," the MLB website reads... "He has a quick swing with plenty of bat speed, and he’s shown he can get to his solid raw pop in games, particularly to his pull side."

John Smith III, who was Williamson's right hand man last season, has been tearing it up with the St. Lucie Mets, getting off to a hot start in his pro career.

After sending out a pair of homers and driving in three runs in his pro debut, Smith has carried this momentum throughout the beginning of the team's season.

On Thursday, Smith came through in a big spot in the bottom of the tenth, knocking a two-run single the other way for a walk-off victory.

This display of hitting is nothing new for Smith, as he slashed .322/.383/.574 last season, leading the squad in runs batted in with 49.

According to UCF Athletics, Smith III tallied 65 total hits, 13 doubles, 12 home runs, 1 triple and 40 runs scored.

En route to Second Team All-Big 12 honors, Smith III played 49 games and made 47 starts, holding down the left field position.