BEFORE BETHUNE-COOKMAN: Played for two years at nearby Daytona Beach Community College under head coach Tim Touma • Helped the Falcons to a conference title with a 29-14 record in 2006 • DBCC finished 26-17 in 2007 in his last year • Lettered three seasons at Venice High School for the Indians in his hometown of Venice, Fla.

PERSONAL: The son of Jenifer Tilka ... born on Jan. 2, 1987 in Newport, R.I. ... decided to attend Bethune-Cookman University because of good baseball and great academics ... mother attended Florida State ... his career goal is to simply become successful after graduation.

AROUND THE HORN w/ ANDREW TILKA...

Favorite Sports Team ... Tampa Bay Devil Rays

Favorite Athletes ... Pedro Martinez

Favorite Television Show ... Family Guy

Favorite Movie ... 300