When Jake Noll was a high school senior at Charlotte High School in 2012, only one Division I program would offer him a scholarship.

It certainly helped that FGCU coach Dave Tollett had known Noll since birth, having taught with Noll’s mother in Charlotte County years ago.

Tollett’s faith in Noll certainly paid big dividends, as the infielder hit .361 in three years with the Eagles and was named the National Freshman of the Year by Louisville Slugger after an outstanding redshirt freshman season.

Fast forward to 2019, where Noll is in big-league camp with the Washington Nationals and opening eyes with every line drive he hits.

“I just want to go out and have some fun, hopefully make a good impression on the big-league staff,” Noll said prior to the Nationals’ spring training game with the Boston Red Sox at JetBlue Park on Thursday. “Hopefully learn as much along the way and make good relationships with everybody. I’m just trying to keep myself calm. Obviously it’s a big stage and I’ll probably have some fans in the stands today, but it’s still baseball and I’m going to try and have fun.”

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Noll has opened the exhibition season on fire, going 6 for 8 with a homer, double, three walks, four RBIs and five runs scored in limited action. He started at third base in Thursday's loss to the Red Sox and batted fifth, going 1 for 2 with a well-struck double off the top of the Green Monster in the top of the second. He also drew a walk, was hit by a pitch and scored a run.

And while Noll, who turns 25 on March 8, likely won’t be in spring camp for the duration, he’s enjoying every moment he’s here.

“It’s crazy, I’m out here on this field playing and just last year I was out here checking out the field because I was working the field crew for (FGCU) and trying to see how we could make our field better,” Noll said. “It’s hard to put into words how I’m feeling right now, but I’m definitely excited about it.”

Since being drafted in the seventh round by the Nationals in 2016, the 6-foot-2, 195-pound Noll has made a steady climb through the organization. Last year, he batted .291 across two levels, advancing to Double-A for the first time. He hit 11 homers and knocked in 72 runs while playing three infield positions – first, second and third. After the season, he received the organization’s Bob Boone Award – given to the player who "best demonstrates the professionalism, leadership, loyalty, passion, selflessness, durability, determination and work ethic required to play the game the Washington Nationals way."

Noll’s college coach certainly isn’t surprised about the success his former protégé is having.

“We didn’t call him Jake, we called him Rake, because all he did was hit,” Tollett said. “He was a great athlete, stole some bases for us. But more importantly, he’s a great guy and a good teammate. He was a true leader. He played hard every game, didn’t take anything for granted. He was a true grinder and I’m proud of everything he’s done.”

Noll’s play this spring hasn’t gone unnoticed by the Nationals. Noll even got the starting nod Thursday, playing third base and batting fifth in front of family and friends in the stands.

“He’s been very impressive, I like Jake a lot,” Nationals manager Dave Martinez said. “Good guy. Plays first base, third base and he’s done really well so far. His first impression has definitely opened up a lot of eyes around here.”

Noll says his goals coming into the season aren’t much different than they are any other year, except this year he knows he could be a phone call away from the big leagues.

“Once again, it’s about going out and having fun,” he said. “But mainly, just get better every day. That’s my main goal, just work on my craft and see how far I can go in this game.”