Versatility Sells Michigan State On Dresselhouse

HIGHLAND - Versatility helped Jake Dresselhouse earn playing time as a ninth grader at state power Orchard Lake St. Mary’s. The hope is that it does the same at Michigan State.

“I started playing all over the place my freshman year,” explained the 10th-rated 2022 in Michigan, listing DH, second base and catcher as where he fit in that season. “It was a way of getting into the lineup. Then in the summer I played catcher and second base, starting almost every single game batting leadoff.”

Michigan State took a liking to the versatility Dresselhouse exhibited.

“I started talking to them about a month ago,” the 6-0 175-pounder noted. “After two weeks they made an offer and two weeks later I accepted.

“I posted a video of my swing on Twitter and they saw me on that. Coach (Matt) Petry reached out to them. They said they like how versatile I am and how I can play all over the field. That brought their attention. They said we’ll see where you fit in the lineup, second base or catcher.”

While happy to play any position, Dresselhouse admits to having a favorite.

“I like catcher a lot,” said the third-ranked uncommitted 2022 in Michigan prior to his decision to attend Michigan State. “I like how you can control the game and can be loud back there.”

Dresselhouse drew some interest from Michigan State before COVID-19 came onto the scene.

“They’ve been keeping an eye on me,” Dresselhouse said. “They saw me at the Preseason All-State Showcase in March and it really went well there.”

No high school spring season did not slow down the 16-year-old.

“I worked out a lot,” Dresselhouse related. “I’d go to local high school cages and work out every day playing long toss and anything that would help me.”

South Florida, Bowling Green, Wright State and Central Michigan all offered Dresselhouse in addition to Michigan State.

“What led me to the decision was staying close to home,” Dresselhouse explained. “I was looking for a great program with a coaching staff that relates well with players and the atmosphere at Michigan State sold me. I love the program and the coaching staff really stands out. They will help me get better. And I like that the kids there push each other to make everyone better.”

But the chance to head to warmer weather was certainly a consideration.

“I like how you can play year ‘round in the south, but up north we can still train in the winter, lift weights and get better,” Dresselhouse said. “I’ve always done that. It’s what I’m most comfortable with.”

Once he recognized Michigan State as a perfect fit, it was just a matter of making a commitment.

“It’s great to see all the work during quarantine pay off,” Dresselhouse noted. “Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to visit Michigan State with covid, but I’ve been there multiple times to watch football and I played on the baseball field there quite a bit with my high school and summer teams.”

There was also some discussion about the future at home.

“I had a long talk with my parents,” Dresselhouse related. “They really wanted me to stay close to home and it was the best fit for me. They can come out and watch.”

Construction management will be the major for Dresselhouse, a 3.6 student relieved to have recruitment in the rear-view mirror.

“This is an exciting feeling for me and my family,” Dresselhouse said. “The recruiting process started at the beginning of the winter of this year. It was very long and slow with everything going on. I just waited patiently, talking to coaches and getting to know them which really helped out.”

Now it is a matter of getting to the East Lansing campus and making an impression.

“I’ve been working in the weight room and feeling a lot stronger,” Dresselhouse concluded. “I’m bringing more power and running faster. I think I can make a big impact there and make the team better.”