JACKSONVILLE – Jacksonville State Head Coach Steve Bieser has added a former player of his to lead the Gamecocks' offense with the addition of Brian Sharp to his first staff at Jax State.

The former Missouri standout comes to Jacksonville after serving as a graduate assistant on Bieser's staff in Columbia, Missouri. Sharp played for the Tigers from 2016-2018.

"Brian (Sharp) was a standout two-way player for me at Mizzou and after playing professionally for a couple seasons came back to serve as an assistant specializing in offensive development for the past three years.," said head coach Steve Bieser. "He is very knowledgeable in all facets of the game and will be a great addition to our staff.  He will lead our hitting development efforts and assist in the recruitment of our prospective student athletes.  Brian has dominated every role he has been in and will continue to be a great asset."

The Liberty, Mo., native hit a career-best .321 with eight home runs, nine doubles and 39 RBI as a senior in 2018. A two-way player, he posted a 3.38 ERA on the mound in his final season with a 4-0 record in 10 appearances. Sharp is the co-owner of Mizzou's single-game RBI record with a nine-RBI performance against Northeastern in 2018.

"It's an honor to be a member of the coaching staff and community at Jax State," said Brian Sharp.  "I am thankful for the opportunity and ready to get to work!"

Sharp was drafted by the New York Mets in the 26th round of the Major League Baseball Draft in 2018. While with the Tigers, he was named the SEC Player of the Week following week two in 2018 and the SEC Freshman of the Week in 2016 (March 7).

In two seasons in the Mets organization, Sharp posted 124 hits, including 39 extra bases hits. He finished his stint in the minor leagues with 60 RBI.