UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. – Head coach Rob Cooper has announced the addition of three incoming student-athletes to the 2020-21 Penn State baseball signing class.
All three of the incoming student-athletes hail from Pennsylvania and add to the nine early signees announced during the fall. The early signees were ranked as the No. 49 recruiting class in the nation and No. 4 in the Big Ten by Perfect Game.
Position-wise, the class is comprised of five right-handed pitchers, three infielders, two two-way players, one left-handed pitcher and an outfielder.
Jake Cooper
INF/C | R/R | 5-9/195 | State College, Pa. | State College | Keystone War Eagles
Highlights: Four-year letter winner playing baseball at State College High School under head coach Jeremy Dinsmore…Honored as a Perfect Game preseason All-American…Ranked in the top 500 by both Perfect Game and Prep Baseball Report…Two-time captain…Helped lead team to two district championships in 2018 and 2019…Led the team batting average in 2019…High honor roll student.
On Choosing Penn State: "I chose Penn State because of the world class education it offers and the opportunity to be a part of a championship baseball program."
From the Coaches: "Jake is a strong, physical, hard working player who has shown advanced feel as a hitter. He is versatile enough to play multiple infield positions and potentially catch. He also has an above average baseball IQ and a winning mindset. We are very excited for him to join our program."
Devin Fletcher
RHP | R/R | Bethlehem, Pa. | Liberty High School | PA Stars
Highlights: Four-year letter winner playing baseball at Liberty High School under head coach Andrew Pitsilos…Lettered twice in basketball…Helped lead Liberty High to 2019 District 11 championship…Prior to COVID cancellation of spring season, had 12 strikeouts in 10 innings pitched…Had a 1.7 ERA in 19 innings pitched and 19 strikeouts last fall.
On Choosing Penn State: "I chose Penn State because it was a great academic fit and also a great athletic fit. I also chose Penn State because it was close to home and I loved the facilities and coaching staff."
From the Coaches: "Devin is young man who is just beginning to scratch the surface of his potential. He currently can run his fastball 88-90 and has a lot more left in the tank. He has demonstrated a competitive spirit that will serve him well as he makes the transition from high school to college baseball. We are excited to have him join our program and see him grow as a player and person."
Derek Cease
RHP/MINF | R/R | 5-8/150 | Plymouth, Pa. | Greater Nanticoke Area | North East Pride
Highlights: Three-year letter winner playing baseball at Greater Nanticoke Area for Joe Yudichak…Named Diamond Nation MVP and team MVP three times for North East Pride…Finished last summer with a 1.03 ERA, led the team in stolen bases and runs scored…Hit.400 for the North East Pride.
On Choosing Penn State: "When I went to visit the campus it felt like a great fit and it just felt like home. I enjoyed speaking to the coaches/players and knew this was the place I wanted to play and continue my academics."
From the Coaches: "Derek is the epitome of a baseball rat. He loves to compete and is a legitimate dual threat on the baseball team. He brings a winning mindset and a desire to be the best player he can be. We are very excited to welcome him to Penn State."