CARBONDALE - Southern Illinois University baseball coach Dan Callahan announced the Salukis have signed 10 student-athletes to national letters of intent to play baseball in 2010.

The Salukis inked nine high school athletes and one from the junior college ranks. Of the 10 signees, six are pitchers, two are infielders and there is one catcher and one outfielder in the class.

"I feel very good about this recruiting class," Callahan said. "We have signed guys who will help us fill some needs immediately, some of whom I feel will not only be quality contributors right now, but will also turn themselves into athletes who will compete beyond the college level.

"I also want to commend coaches (associate head coach Ken) Henderson and (assistant coach Tim) Dixon on this recruiting class. I have not been able to be on the road much this past year. I am pleased with their efforts and ultimate signing of these young men"

Dustin Huff, a catcher from Lincoln Trail College, is the lone junior college player signed in the class. He will help fill an immediate need behind the plate for the Salukis.

SIU has added size with this class. Eight of the 10 players signed have a height of 6-foot-1 or taller and Kollin Dowdy of Harrisburg and Jake Welch bring an added dimension of speed.

Seven of the 10 signees hail from Illinois while the other three come from Missouri, Ohio and Pennsylvania.

The high school signees were pitchers Tyler Dray of Rockford, Todd Eaton of Greenville, Brian Monette of Villa Park, Matt Murphy of Grayslake, Peter Slavonic of Pittsburgh and Bryan Waldrop of Marion, infielders Donny Duschinsky of Elk Grove and Jake Welch of Malden, Mo., outfielder Kollin Dowdy of Harrisburg and catcher Dustin Huff of West Chester, Ohio.

Dowdy hit .453 with three home runs and 28 stolen bases while leading Harrisburg to a 29-5 record as a junior.

"Kollin has a great combination of power and speed," said Henderson. "He is a big kid who is obviously very athletic, as he played linebacker on a good high school football team. He is a tough kid and is a great sign for us. To keep a Southern Illinois kid with his ability at home is huge."

Marion's Waldrop ranked as the 21st-best prospect in Illinois by Prep Baseball Report and the 10th-best right-handed pitcher. His father, Kevin, was a pitcher for the Salukis and won games in both the NCAA Midwest Regional and College World Series in 1977.

"Bryan is another big-bodied guy who has good arm strength," Dixon said. "I think once he gets on a baseball-specific weight and conditioning program and really locks in on just baseball, he is going to be a special one. He's got a high ceiling. Bryan is a local guy and has a chance to do some good things right in his own backyard. We're ecstatic we can keep Bryan close to home."