SENATOBIA - Although his sophomore campaign has yet to begin, Northwest sophomore pitcher John Luke Marlin has already made his next destination official.

Marlin signed with the University of Alabama at Birmingham on Wednesday afternoon, becoming the Rangers' first next-level signee of the 2022 sophomore class.

"When I visited UAB, everything just sort of clicked," Marlin said, regarding his decision. "The coaches and the overall atmosphere is great. UAB is going to help me become a better player and a better person in general, so I am excited to be a part of UAB baseball."

Marlin made 12 appearances on the mound last season, delivering 39 strikeouts against 12 walks. He concluded his freshman season with a 5.40 ERA, 2-3 record and two saves recorded in 33.1 innings of work.

As a reliever-turned-starter, Marlin earned his first career save in a February 23 road matchup at East Central, earning two strikeouts in the seventh inning of the contest. The Tupelo native later captured his first victory in a career-best outing against Hinds on March 28, finishing with 10 strikeouts, one walk and no runs allowed in a complete game effort.

Marlin was one of several Rangers to earn postseason All-MACCC recognition, receiving Honorable Mention status. He also achieved several academic honors, including Distinguished Academic All-MACCC and first team NJCAA All-Academic, while named to the President's List during the Fall 2020 and Spring 2021 semesters.

"We are always excited when guys move on to the next level," Northwest coach Mark Carson said. "Guys don't come here to make a career in community college, they come here to get to the next level and that's what we're able to do. John Luke is a perfect example of that. UAB is a great school and new coach Casey Dunn has had a lot of success everywhere he has been. Guys like John Luke are going to be a part of establishing that success for Dunn and UAB."

Marlin will join the UAB program following the conclusion of his upcoming sophomore season next spring. He will also reunite with former Tupelo and Northwest teammate Peyton Puckett, who signed with the Blazers last summer.

UAB finished 18-36 last season and hired Dunn to lead the program in the offseason. Dunn compiled 530 career wins at Samford over 17 years, guiding the Bulldogs to three NCAA Tournament appearances. The Blazers will also soon make the move from Conference USA to the American Athletic Conference.