Coaches Q&A: Early Signing Period - Division 1 Recruiting Class Breakdown
March 7, 2018
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Coaches Q&A: Early Signing Period - Division 1 Recruiting Class Breakdown
*In Alphabetical Order
The NCAA early signing period starts November 8th, 2017 and will run through the 15th. With the start of the fall signing period upon us, we look to break down each individual Division I commitment from in-state prospects, where they are headed and what tools they will bring with them.
Over the next two weeks, we will break down the recruiting hauls for the in-state Division II programs as well as Division I out-of-state programs that have signed players from the great state of Michigan.
***** Below we talk in-depth about each in-state prospect
Central Michigan Chippewas
Overview: Coach Jaska and Opalewski pulled off another strong recruiting class for 2018, grabbing five players during the early signing period who could potentially step right in to contribute. CMU competes for the MAC conference title yearly and have a strong presence across the state with former players who have become coaches. Not too many programs across the state have placed as many players in the pro ranks as CMU.
| Name | State | High School | Position |
| Ethan Collick | MI | Saline | OF |
| Ian Leatherman | MI | Jenison | RHP |
| Garrett Navarra | MI | Sterling Heights Stevenson | LHP |
| Joe Payton | IL | Brother Rice | RHP |
| Kade Preston | MI | DeWitt | C |
| Joey Zontini | MI | Eisenhower | 1B |
- Total Commits: 6
- # Top 50 Ranked Players: 3
- Immediate Impact Player: Garrett Navarra
- Sleeper of the Class: Ian Leatherman
Steve Jaksa, head coach – Recruiting Class Q&A
PBR: What is your overall view of this latest recruiting class?
Jaska: We are excited with the group that we signed. They are athletic and have the skillset that we were looking for depending on their position. We were also pleased with the intangible items that we believe will enhance their development.
PBR: What are the biggest needs you feel that you addressed with this class?
Jaska: Not sure about the overall needs of the class but feel we addressed some items that are consistent that we are looking for. Pitching, catching and infield play are always on our radar screen.
PBR: Do you see a potential for any of the new players making an impact as freshmen?
Jaska: Yes we do, but that will be decided by the player himself.
PBR: Were there any showcases that played a key role in your recruitment for this class?
Jaska: I hate to single out one particular showcase. We go to a lot of events that help us make a determination regarding whom we believe is the best fit for CMU
PBR: What lies ahead in your recruiting plans once the next signing period arrives in April?
Jaska: We have some thoughts in mind regarding our needs and that is somewhat determined by how certain guys play throughout the course of the early part of the season.
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Garrett Navarra LHP / OF / Sterling Heights Stevenson, MI / 2018Rankings StateRank: 12 / POS: 3
One of the biggest surprises of the 2017 spring high school season. He made a huge jump in velocity touching 89 mph consistently, along with two off-speed pitches. Navarra has two-way potential as his bat will be an asset. A gap-to-gap hitter who has a feel for the barrel. |
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Ethan Collick OF / OF / Saline, MI / 2018Rankings StateRank: 23 / POS: 7
Collick was a big contributor on Division 1 state champion Saline last season and followed that up with a strong summer season. A left-handed hitting OF drives the ball consistently, it's rare that you will not see Collick hit the ball hard. A strong athlete as well, has good speed that may allow him to play all three spots in the OF at the next level. |
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Joey Zontini 1B / RHP / Eisenhower, MI / 2018Rankings StateRank: 24 / POS: 2
Member of team Michigan at the 2016 Future Games and has worked hard and transformed his body since he attended the event. Now standing 6-3, 225 pounds he's physically imposing on the diamond. At the plate, shows good raw power. |
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Ian Leatherman RHP / 3B / Jenison, MI / 2018Rankings StateRank: 68 / POS: 25
Plays summerball for one of the most respected programs year in and out, Diamonds out of Grand Rapids. The RHP has family ties to Central Michigan that could help ease his transition to the college game. On the mound, fastball is in mid-80s with an understanding of how to pitch. |
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Kade Preston C / 3B / DeWitt, MI / 2018Rankings StateRank: 186 / POS: 37
Has a projectable frame with a lot of upside. Preston is the type that will steadily improve throughout his college career. Behind the plate has good hands, receiving well. At the plate has a gap-to-gap approach, making solid contact at the plate. |
Eastern Michigan Eagles
Overview: Coaches Van Ameyde and Roof landed one of the top recruiting class in the state last year. This year they have added two players during the early signing period that will add to the depth signed last year.
| Name | State | High School | Position |
| Lewis Beals | MI | Eaton Rapids | OF |
| Taylor Hopkins | OH | Moeller | 2B |
| Stephen Karis | IN | Zionsville | C |
| Tyler Koons | MI | Gibraltar Carlson | RHP |
| Justin Meis | PA | Bethel Park | RHP |
| Josh Thompson | OH | Springboro | OF |
- Total Commits: 6
- # Top 50 Ranked Players: 2
- Immediate Impact Player: Lewis Beals
- Sleeper of the Class: Tyler Koons
Eric Roof, head coach – Recruiting Class Q&A
PBR: What is your overall view of this latest recruiting class?
Roof: This recruiting class, 2018, is another athletic class that addresses more of our needs, depth on the mound being one and athleticism from a position player side.
PBR: What are the biggest needs you feel that you addressed with this class?
Roof: We feel like we have been able to add some really good classes since we have been here tailoring to our needs.
PBR: Do you see a potential for any of the new players making an impact as freshmen?
Roof: All seven of them can be key pieces to our team right away. Each of them are from the midwest allowing us to really get to know them and track their development throughout the process. We are excited to having them wear green and white next spring.
PBR: What lies ahead in your recruiting plans once the next signing period arrives in April?
Roof: Moving forward, we will continue to recruit the 2018, 2019 and 2020 classes based on our team needs.
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Lewis Beals OF / LHP / Eaton Rapids, MI / 2018Rankings StateRank: 28 / POS: 9
An athletic left-handed hitting OF will come in and immediately fight for playing time as a freshman. Possess good speed that allows him to play all three OF positions. At the plate is a gap-to-gap hitter that has power to leave the yard. |
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Tyler Koons RHP / OF / Gibraltar Carlson, MI / 2018Rankings StateRank: 31 / POS: 11
A projectable RHP has a lot of upside, as the ball jumps out his hand with a long arm whip. Pounds the zone well, while mixing in two pretty good off speed pitches. Koons is the type of kid that we anticipate making a jump in velocity this spring and more during college. |
Michigan Wolverines
Overview: University of Michigan and head coach Erik Bakich have not signed any in-state prospects, but have commitments from some of the top prospects in their respected states. This includes two high-level left-handed pitchers who are rated as the top lefties in their state (Drew Rom and Steven Hajjar) as well as Dillon Nowicki, who is one of the top RHP in Wisconsin, sitting in the low-90s.
| Name | State | High School | Position |
| Riley Bertram | IN | Zionsville | SS |
| Steven Hajjar | MA | Central Catholic | LHP |
| Dillon Nowicki | WI | Stoughton | RHP |
| Jordon Rogers | IL | Simeon | C |
| Drew Rom | KY | Highlands | LHP |
| Jack Van Remortel | IN | Carmel | 3B |
- Total Commits: 6
- # Top 50 Ranked Players (Michigan): 0
- Immediate Impact Player: Drew Rom
- Sleeper of the Class: Jordon Rogers
***** Nothing returned from Michigan for Q&A *****
Michigan State Spartans
Overview: Coach Boss and the MSU staff have done an excellent job of recruiting in-state talent, bringing in a loaded class during the early signing period by landing five of the top 30 prospects in the state. Adding pitching depth, a catcher and an OF, this is one of the better classes you will see talent wise.
| Name | State | High School | Position |
| William Christophersen | IA | Pleasant Valley | RHP |
| Jacob Erickson | MI | Allen Park | SS |
| Brian Martin | MI | Westland John Glenn | RHP |
| Casey Mayes | KS | Andover | OF |
| Colten Panaranto | IN | Roncalli | RHP |
| Jacob Seipenko | MI | Salem | RHP |
| Gabe Sotres | MI | Brother Rice | C |
| Reese Trahey | MI | Brother Rice | OF |
| Zaid Walker | IL | Homewood-Flossmoor | OF |
- Total Commits: 9
- # Top 50 Ranked Players (Michigan): 5
- Immediate Impact Player: Jacob Seipenko
- Sleeper of the Class: Reese Trahey
Graham Sikes, assistant coach/recruiting coordinator – Recruiting Class Q&A
PBR: What is your overall view of this latest recruiting class?
Sikes: The 2018 recruiting class is as talented of a class as we have ever had…..quite possibly the most talented. The pitchers in the ’18 class are certainly the most talented we’ve put together at MSU. We got guys who have elite tools, we got some guys who have very high skill level and we got some guys who are elite producers on the field.
PBR: What are the biggest needs you feel that you addressed with this class?
Sikes: We’ve addressed nearly every position. The arms were a focus and we are extremely happy with all of the guys we got. We focused a little more on getting a few junior college arms that would be seasoned when they got here. Jarret Olson, Indigo Diaz and Brandon Williamson are those guys and they are all extremely talented.
PBR: Do you see a potential for any of the new players making an impact as freshmen?
Sikes: A few of the guys who jump out at you from a tools standpoint are OF Zaid Walker, RHP Jacob Seipenko, RHP Colten Panaranto, OF Casey Mayes and RHP Will Christophersen. Reese Trahey, Brian Martin, Jacob Erickson and Gabe Sotres are all guys who have skills that should translate into production on the field.
PBR: Were there any showcases that played a key role in your recruitment for this class?
Sikes: All of them do.
PBR: What lies ahead in your recruiting plans once the next signing period arrives in April?
Sikes: We will wait and see what happens with some of our underclassmen. We are always evaluating so that we are prepared if/when we need to add players.
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Jacob Seipenko RHP / 1B / Salem, MI / 2018Seipenko exploded on the scene late but made a huge impact. Standing 6-6 and weighing 210, he is physically imposing. On the mound commands the zone with a fastball that he runs up to the plate as high as 91 mph. More of a polished HS arm who can make an immediate impact. |
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Jacob Erickson SS / RHP / Allen Park, MI / 2018A legitimate two-way prospect has elite speed in the field allowing him to play all over the diamond. Was a member of Team Michigan at the 2016 Future Games where he was the fastest middle infielder in attendance. Arm definitely plays as he has been clocked as high as 88 mph off the mound. |
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Brian Martin RHP / OF / Westland John Glenn, MI / 2018Rankings StateRank: 14 / POS: 4
Two-way prospect with a long projectable frame should have the opportunity to come in and compete both on the hill and in the OF right away. Bat plays as he has a gap-to-gap approach and the ball jumps. On the mound has an understanding of how to pitch with a solid breaking ball. |
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Reese Trahey OF / RHP / Brother Rice, MI / 2018Rankings StateRank: 21 / POS: 6
A member of Team Michigan at the Future Games in 2015 and 2016. A big-game player who makes an impact with the bat, on the base paths and in the OF. Projects as a corner OF at the next level, however, with his understanding of the game he may be able to play CF. |
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Gabe Sotres C / 2B / Brother Rice, MI / 2018Rankings StateRank: 30 / POS: 4
Solid frame catcher plays at high school powerhouse Brother Rice. Breakout summer this past year as he crushed the ball against all competitors. Understands how to square up the ball and drive it to the gaps. Strong throwing arm behind the plate that allows him to neutralize the running game. |
Oakland University
Overview: The Golden Grizzlies and co-head coaches Colin Kaline and Jacke Healey have landed three 2017 out-of-state prospects, and one in-state prospect.
| Name | State | High School | Position |
| Andrew Hoffmann | IL | Plainfield East | RHP |
| Cherokee LeBeau | IL | Minooka | 3B |
| Clay Thompson | IN | Andrean | OF |
| Jace Matkin | MI | Southgate Anderson | OF |
- Total Commits: 4
- # Top 25 Ranked Players (Michigan): 0
- Immediate Impact Player: Jace Matkin
- Sleeper of the Class: Cherokee LeBeau
Colin Kaline, co-head coach – Recruiting Class Q&A
PBR: What is your overall view of this latest recruiting class?
Kaline: We’re really excited with the four high school guys we signed. We think all have elements of athleticism and are high-ceiling guys.
PBR: What are the biggest needs you feel that you addressed with this class?
Kaline: Andrew Hoffmann from Illinois can be a front-line starter which we’re always looking to add. The three position players we got are versatile.
PBR: Do you see a potential for any of the new players making an impact as freshmen?
Kaline: It’s hard to expect a freshman to come in and make an impact right away but we think one or two prospects can do well.
PBR: Were there any showcases that played a key role in your recruitment for this class?
Kaline: We saw everyone at different events. We go to most of the PBR showcases, Eastern Michigan and Michigan State those are in our backyard and we make sure we get to those.
PBR: What lies ahead in your recruiting plans once the next signing period arrives in April?
Kaline: We have sat down as a staff and evaluated the roster and pinpointed a couple needs to address with the 2019 class. It never stops. It will be here before we know it.
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Jace Matkin OF / RHP / Southgate Anderson, MI / 2018Rankings StateRank: 56 / POS: 13
6-foot-2, 195-pound well developed athletic prospect looks like a college safety. Had one of if not the most impressive performance on the day. Showcasing elite speed during the sixty, transferred that speed to game play running down several balls. He's capable of playing all three OF positions but may be best suited for CF or LF. At the plate crushed several balls in BP, and during game play drove a couple balls in the deep left center power alley. |
Western Michigan
Overview: Coach Billy Gernon and staff addressed pitching during the early signing period landing two of the top LHPs. Along with pitching, they possibly landed their centerfielder for the next four years. WMU won the MAC tournament championship a year back.
| Name | State | High School | Position |
| Jimmy Allen | IL | Timothy Christian | SS |
| Dane Armbrustmacher | MI | Fowler | LHP |
| Bobby Dearing | IN | Lafayette Harrison | 1B |
| Gavin Doyle | IL | Plainfield North | RHP |
| Brady Miller | IL | Plainfield North | RHP |
| William Morrison | MI | University Liggett | OF |
| Drew Szczepaniak | MI | Woodhaven | LHP |
| Ryan Vice | IL | Lincoln-Way Central | RHP |
- Total Commits: 8
- # Top 25 Ranked Players (Michigan): 2
- Immediate Impact Player: William Morrison
- Sleeper of the Class: Dane Armbrustmacher
Billy Gernon, head coach – Recruiting Class Q&A
PBR: What is your overall view of this latest recruiting class?
Gernon: This is a very athletic class with immediate-impact potential and a few guys that already project out at the next level.
PBR: What are the biggest needs you feel that you addressed with this class?
Gernon: We added depth to our pen as well as a couple of key positions that opened up having graduated five senior position players from the 2017 team.
PBR: Do you see a potential for any of the new players making an impact as freshmen?
Gernon: Two or three could impact the program immediately.
PBR: Were there any showcases that played a key role in your recruitment for this class?
Gernon: We canvas multiple events and all of those play an integral part of our evaluation process
PBR: What lies ahead in your recruiting plans once the next signing period arrives in April?
Gernon: We will be looking to add a "late developer" or two this spring while evaluating three of our current juniors progress as pro prospects that might sign early.
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William Morrison OF / SS / University Liggett, MI / 2018Rankings StateRank: 18 / POS: 4
Morrison is the ignitor on one of the top programs in the state, University Liggett. A member of Team Michigan at the 2016 Future Games, plays strong defense and shows his good speed both on the bases and in the OF. A speedy player who can swing it and glove with the elite. |
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Drew Szczepaniak LHP / 1B / Woodhaven, MI / 2018Rankings StateRank: 40 / POS: 5
A 6-3, projectable LHP has good mound presence and throws with a long loose arm action. Fastball possess sneaky get up due to his deception and length on the mound. Also features a curve and changeup that he can locate for strikes. |
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Dane Armbrustmacher LHP / OF / Fowler, MI / 2018Rankings StateRank: 71 / POS: 9
6-4, 185-pound long and lean. The left-handed pitcher has wide shoulders and long legs. On the mound, his length allows him to seem as if he's standing on top of you while running his fastball up to the plate as high as 85 mph. Lots of upside, he will be interesting to follow during his college career. |