LEXINGTON, Ky. — All seven Kentucky baseball signees that were selected in the 2011 MLB Draft have elected to attend UK for their collegiate careers, it was announced following the MLB Draft signing deadline on Tuesday.

The UK coaching staff, led by head coach Gary Henderson, recruiting coordinator Brad Bohannon and offensive coordinator and assistant coach Brian Green brought another plethora of talent to Lexington, highlighted by the seven drafted newcomers electing to attend UK instead of signing a professional contract.

All told, UK’s 2012 roster features 15 players who have been drafted in their high school or collegiate careers, including the seven newcomers.

“We are excited to welcome a special group to Kentucky,” Henderson said. “This is an extremely talented a group of newcomers and we are really looking forward to working with them.”

Among the UK newcomers to enroll at UK for the 2012 season, include shortstop Max Kuhn (24th round; Athletics), two-way talent A.J. Reed (25th round; Mets), right-hander Chris Garrison (28th round; Cubs), righty Taylor Martin (41st round; Rockies), right-hander Chandler Shepherd (41st round; White Sox), southpaw Jerad Grundy (42nd round; Marlins) and catcher Gregory Fettes (43rd round; Tigers).

In addition to the seven drafted newcomers for 2012, UK returns senior catcher Michael Williams, who elected to return for his final campaign as a 37th round pick of the San Francisco Giants in 2011. Six Wildcats from the 2011 roster have signed professional contracts and began their careers, including Alex Meyer (first round; Nationals), Chad Wright (ninth round; Tigers), Braden Kapteyn (15th round; White Sox), Taylor Black (16th round; Phillies) and Jordan Cooper (23rd round; Pirates).

2012 Drafted Returnees

Brian Adams (45th round in 2009; Reds)
Corey Littrell (35th round in 2010; Nationals)
Luke Maile (43rd round in 2009; Red Sox)
Matt Reida (47th round in 2010; White Sox)
J.T. Riddle (35th round in 2010; Red Sox)
Taylor Rogers (37th round in 2009; Orioles)
Michael Williams (37th round in 2011; Giants)
Lucas Witt (37th round in 2010; Dodgers)

Kentucky Signees Picked

Max Kuhn (24th round; Athletics)

•    SS: Zionsville Community HS (Ind.)
A.J. Reed (25th round; Mets)

•    LHP/1B: Terre Haute South (Ind.)
Chris Garrison (28th round; Cubs)

•    RHP: Western Nevada CC (Nev.)
Taylor Martin (41st round; Rockies)

•    RHP: Lexington Catholic HS (Ky.)
Chandler Shepherd (41st round; White Sox)

•    RHP: Lawrence County HS (Ky.)
Jerad Grundy (42nd round; Marlins)

•    LHP: Heartland CC (Ill.)
Gregory Fettes (43rd round; Tigers)

•    C: Lamphere HS (Mich.)