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Indiana University of PA Announces 2015 Early Signing Class

November 23, 2014

By Kevin Leitzel
WV Regional Scout

Indiana University of PA head coach Jeff Ditch announced recently the signing of five players to National Letters of Intent during the early signing period. Ditch is in his tenth season with the Crimson Hawks, he is the program's all-time winningest coach with 211 victories. IUP comes off an 18-23 campaign in 2014, including a 12-16 PSAC West mark.

2015 Early Commits

RHP/SS Brian Albert (Plum HS, PA) - PBR Rank # 146

Ditch: Brian is a tall, lean athlete with outstanding baseball tools that projects favorably as a highly skilled pitcher and position player. Coach Tecklenburg saw Brian this fall while competing in the Western Pennsylvania Fall Baseball League and was drawn to his athleticism and on-field leadership.

PBR: Albert had an electric bullpen session that saw him top out at 87 mph with a two seam fastball that has plus arm side run to it, nearly two years ago at a PBR event. Albert sat 85-86 with his four seam fastball out of a high 3/4 delivery, but actually showcased better velocity and movement with the two-seamer. He also commanded a plus curveball at 73 mph and an 80 mph changeup that he kept down in the zone. 

RHP Jeff Allen (Mechanicsburg HS, PA)

Ditch: We first saw Jeff at the Big 26 Tryout at the Shaner Complex in State College. Jeff???s 3 pitch repertoire, paired with an athletic build and plus work ethic, create a foundation for great success on the mound. Allen comes to IUP from Mechanicsburg, PA, the same hometown as current IUP freshman pitcher Christian McClure.

PBR: The 5-foot-11, 170-pound junior sat 77-79 from a high 3/4 arm slot on the mound at a PBR event last January. His 70 mph 11/5 breaking curveball showed tight rotation and Allen commanded a 71 mph changeup at fastball arm speed.

RHP Colin Claus (West Allegheny HS, PA) - PBR Rank #82

Ditch: Colin jumped on our radar at the WPIAL Coaches Association Showcase last July. Colin???s tall, strong frame, good velocity, and plus secondary pitches will allow him to throw significant PSAC innings in years to come.

PBR: The 6-foot-3, 220-pound righty sits 83-84 from a 3/4 arm slot with solid command of three pitches. At his peak Claus has been up to 86-87. Claus struck out five using his 71 mph slider and an occasional 73 mph changeup to keep hitters off balance in the Fall College Prospect Program. Claus allowed one run on two hits and showed command of all four quadrants of the plate, shortly before announcing his commitment to IUP.

LHP Derek Cursio (Bishop Guilfoyle, PA) - PBR Rank #160

Ditch: Derek???s abilities stood out while attending the Nine Baseball Showcase at Peoples Natural Gas Field, home of the Altoona Curve. We are in need of left handed pitching and Derek will immediately fill that role.

PBR: Cursio worked three very solid innings in game play sitting 82-84 with arm side run from a high 3/4 arm slot at the 2014 PA Top Prospect Games. The lefty also commanded a 73 mph curveball with 1/7 rotation and an effective 71 mph changeup thrown at near fastball arm speed. The 5-foot-8, 165-pounder registered three strikeouts in game action while allowing just one hit.

RHP/1B Caleb Seyler (Central Mountain HS, PA)

Ditch: Caleb is a part of the Flood City Elite ERA summer baseball program. We saw Caleb at the Flood City Showcase, Flood City Summer Tournament, and our fall showcase camp. Caleb???s arm strength and tremendous size create a high ceiling for his development as a pitcher and first baseman.

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