PROCTORVILLE — With the signing of Fairland’s Tyler Godby, University of Rio Grande baseball coach Brad Warnimont got two players for the price of one.

While Godby is the Dragons’ regular catcher, Warnimont expects his newest recruit to not only catch but pitch in short relief.

“I think he can do both,” said Warnimont. “He was the best pitcher on our legion team and, obviously, he can catch. He played in our fall program (at Rio Grande) so we’ve seen what he can do.

“I like him in a relief role. He throws in the low 80s and he could be in the mid-80s with some work. And he gives us some depth at catcher.”

The Red Storm has only one full-time catcher on the roster. The backup in an outfielder. Still, Godby isn’t sure how much he’ll play.

“Their catcher will be a senior and he’s getting looked at by scouts. If he leaves, my playing time could get bigger. I could get my feet wet right away,” said Godby.

Godby, an all-district player for the Dragons’ basketball team, considered which sport to pursue at the college level.

“I like baseball better. I’m not big enough to play my (center) position in college,” said the 6-foot-3 Godby. “I just want to become a better player.”

Recruited by other schools such at Charleston and Berea, Godby said Rio Grande was an easy choice.

“I really liked the coaching staff and it was close to home. It was the best fit for me,” said Godby.

Warnimont is glad Godby picked Rio Grande.

“He’s got a wealth of potential. He’s a bulldog. He wants to compete. He’s going to work hard,” said Warnimont.

Godby, who plans to major in marketing, is the son of Woody and Sherry Godby.