ARLINGTON, Texas - Just two years removed from a berth in the SBC Tournament championship game, a slew of returning arms and a seasoned lineup have the UT Arlington Mavericks poised to build on a 24-win season in 2015 as they prepare for the 2016 season opener against nationally-ranked Oklahoma State.

This is the fourth in a six-part series previewing the 2016 Mavericks, position by position, leading up to the Feb. 19 opener at Clay Gould Ballpark.

CATCHERS/DESIGNATED HITTER
Returners: Brady Cox, Dalton DeLeon, Will Olson, Jackson Morris
Newcomers: Dylan Schneider

The UT Arlington Mavericks utilized a trio of catchers a year ago with two of those pieces back to solidify things behind the plate in 2016, including primary starter Brady Cox.

Only a sophomore last season, Cox saw time at both corner infield spots in addition to catching duties, but spent 38 games receiving the UTA pitching staff. Offensively, he was solid at the plate with a .252 average, a homer and 17 RBI; however, he was much better at bat on days he was catching as he upped his average nearly 30 points on days Coach Darin Thomas slotted him in the at catcher.

"Brady is the rock of our team," Thomas said. "He had a really good sophomore year last year and to me he's one of the better, if not the best catcher in the conference. He brings back a wealth of experience and does a good job leading our staff. And his bat keeps getting better and better.

Defensively, Cox was one of the best in the Sun Belt in keeping the opposing running game in check. For the year Cox threw out nearly 45 percent of runners attempting to steal with him behind the dish, the best mark of the three Maverick backstops.

Cox will see the majority of the catching reps, but Dalton DeLeon will also get plenty of time after getting into 22 games last season. Dylan Schneider could also get some time at catcher in addition to his role out of the UTA bullpen due to an off-season injury to Will Olson that will force him out for the season.

DeLeon, a senior in his third year in the program, was a reliable option for Thomas as a junior but could easily take on a bigger role as a senior after receiving driving in five runs in 44 at-bats in 2015.

"Dalton is a very important part of our team and this will be his third year here after redshirting for a year," Thomas said. "We feel good with he and Brady both back there. We are going to have to rely on them to catch a lot of big innings for us."

With Olson out due to injury, emergency catching duties will likely fall on true freshman Dylan Schneider who will primarily be putting in most of his work on the mound. Still, Schneider brings a capable skill set after hitting better than .300 during his prep career at Cleburne High School.

Meanwhile, Thomas will have several ways to turn at designated hitter this year with the likely candidate being Jackson Morris to see most of the at-bats in that slot in the order. A big, left-handed bat, Morris made 40 starts at DH as a junior, primarily against right-handed pitching.

He hit .291 for the year, getting only 11 at-bats against left-handed pitching and was one of the most efficient bats in the Mavs' lineup, driving in 22 runs with a homer and six doubles in addition to a .411 on-base percentage which was second on the team only to Matt McLean.

"Jackson is a big guy, but not really a home run guy," Thomas said. "He is more of a doubles guy who will hit for good average. Additionally he can run for really well for a big guy. Jackson had some big at-bats for us last year and will be competing for at-bats in the designated hitter spot."

When the Mavs face a lefty Thomas could turn a number of different ways with Jerame Littell, Cody Farrell and Colton Turner providing early options as capable right-handed bats.

2016 Season Preview Schedule:
Jan. 25 - Outfielders
Jan. 28 - Corner Infield
Feb. 1 - Middle Infield
Feb. 4 - Catchers/DH
Feb. 8 - Relief Pitching
Feb. 11 - Starting Pitching