Feb. 13, 2014

CollegeBaseballInsider.com surveyed college coaches around the country to preview the 2014 college baseball season by sharing their thoughts on the teams and players to watch in their conferences. CBI compiled their answers to provide insight on the upcoming season. click here for CBI Conference Previews

Today, we take a look at Conference USA (five coaches responded; new members ODU and Charlotte did not have enough info about other teams to participate).

Additions: Charlotte, FIU, Florida Atlantic, Louisiana Tech, Middle Tennessee, Old Dominion, UTSA

Departures: UCF, Houston, Memphis

The team to beat: Rice

The top starting pitchers: Jeff Hoffman (East Carolina)*; Austin Gomber (FAU); Jordan Stephens (Rice)

The top closer: Zech Lemond (Rice)

The pitcher you least want to face: Zech Lemond (Rice)

The most underrated pitcher: No player received more than one vote

The best defensive catcher: No player received more than one vote

The best catcher arm: No player received more than one vote

The best defensive infielder: Ford Stainback (Rice)

The best infield arm: No player received more than one vote

The best defensive outfielder: Leon Byrd (Rice)

The best outfield arm: No player received more than one vote

The best pure hitters: Michael Aquino (Rice); Mason Robbins (Southern Miss)

The biggest power threats: Aramis Garcia (FIU); Michael Aquino (Rice); Tyler Rocklein (FAU)

The hitter you least want to face: Mason Robbins (Southern Miss)

The toughest hitter to strike out: No player received more than one vote

The most underrated hitter: No player received more than one vote

The best baserunner: Richard Carthon (Tulane)

The best game coach: Wayne Graham (Rice)

The assistant coach most ready for a head-coaching job: No coach received more than one vote