With the 82nd pick in the 2014 MLB Draft the Colorado Rockies picked up Georgia Southern University junior Sam Howard in the third round.

Howard, a 6’3 lefty from Cartersville,  had a solid season as the team’s No. 1 starter going 7-6 with a 2.53 ERA.

The junior southpaw first appeared on scouts’ radars after spending last summer in the Cap Cod Summer League, the most prestigious college summer league.

Along with that, Howard left a mighty impression in the minds of scouts as the draft neared when he pitched a complete game shutout against No. 5 nationally-ranked Florida State in the NCAA regionals.

He also was an integral part of the 2014 Southern Conference Championship coming on in the ninth to earn the win for the Eagles.

Howard previously was drafted back in 2011 in the 48th round by the Chicago Cubs.