Redshirt freshman David Leiderman, a former Kennedy High School standout, is a candidate to start at third base. He added 20 pounds of muscle, Russo said, and collected a hit in his first collegiate plate appearance in Hofstra’s Feb. 21 opener against Grand Canyon University.

At first base, Russo is sorting through many options and said Ryan Donovan, Eric Peterson and Brad Witkowski are getting long looks. 

The outfield picture went from cloudy to clear with the addition of transfer Eric Ferguson, who previously attended Temple University but sought a new school after the Owls announced plans to drop their baseball program. A junior, Ferguson last played at Eastern Arizona College where he scored 45 runs and was the JUCO leader in steals with 35. “We’re fortunate to have him,” Russo said. “He has a high motor and a great work ethic. He’s an above center fielder with a good arm.”

The Pride has speed in right field with sophomore Kevin Brantley and senior TJ Ehrsam.

On the mound, Russo is rolling out junior Nick Kozlowski, junior David Jesch, and sophomore Alec Eisenberg as the starters.

Kozlowski, two years removed from Tommy John surgery, had a strong outing at Penn State on the first of March when he scattered six hits and three walks over 5 1/3 scoreless innings and struck out three to pick up the win. “Nick’s overpowering with a nice slider,” Russo said.

Jesch, who dominated as Hofstra’s Sunday game starter in 2012, is back at full health after being limited to three starts last season. He also beat Penn State on March 1, 5-2, striking out seven in seven innings in the process.

Brett Schreiber, a product of Clarke High School, is about to become the Pride’s all-time leader in saves. The senior’s sidearm delivery helped him post the second-best ERA (2.48) in the conference, as well as the best single-season mark in school history, last year.

Hofstra opens the CAA schedule with a three-game swing to Towson. The first conference home series is April 4-6 versus James Madison.