Jarvis solidifying Auburn’s infield

AUBURN | Auburn committed an SEC-worst 85 errors last season, which prompted Butch Thompson to make some major changes in his infield going into year two.

Thompson has added three junior college transfers that are expected to start right away in third baseman Josh Anthony, shortstop Luke Jarvis and second baseman Jay Estes.

Jarvis, especially, has helped solidify the infield.

“You can't ignore on the infield that we can tell when Luke isn't at short,” Thompson said. “He does a great job directing traffic and then having good at-bats in the lineup.”

Jarvis has done his best to take a leadership role on a team where he’s one of 20 newcomers.

“It's hard coming in as a junior college guy and trying to be like a leader of a bunch of new guys,” Jarvis said. “Trying to find my place, and these guys are awesome so it's been pretty easy to just gel with everybody and get on guys or have guys get on me.”

Jarvis should also be a key bat in Auburn’s lineup this season. He hit .371 with 17 doubles, two home runs, 34 RBI and 12 stolen bases as a sophomore at Saddleback College in Mission Viejo, Calif., last year.

He’s been one of Auburn’s best hitters and defenders during fall and preseason practice.

“There is a learning curve,” Jarvis said. “Believing in myself is the biggest thing. Coach Bo (Brad Bohannon) has been awesome just instilling that belief in myself. Just getting a bunch of reps too.”

It didn’t take long for his new teammates to take notice.

“Really good in the field, really good approach at the plate. He's a great guy. On the field and off the field he's really been impressive,” senior Blake Logan said.

While the San Diego native is far from home, he already feels very comfortable and is enjoying his time in the South.

“I was talking to other schools but I wanted to go out of state and experience something a little bit different,” Jarvis said. “I've never been this far away but it's been awesome. The coaches are awesome. I really like the coaches and the guys are super cool. I like the town. It's a lot more laid back, even coming from SoCal. It's nice not having traffic. That's the biggest one.”

Auburn opens the season with a four-game series against George Washington at Plainsman Park Feb. 17-19.