IUP Announces 2016 Early Signing Class

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By Greg Williams
PA/WV Director of Scouting

The IUP Crimson Hawks and head coach Jeff Ditch have announced the signing of 11 players to National Letters of Intent, including ten standouts from Pennsylvania. The Crimson Hawks went 22-21-1 in 2015, including a 13-14-1 mark in the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference. IUP looks to return to the PSAC conference tournament this spring after last appearing in the title game in 2011.

2016 PA EARLY COMMITS

Tyler Adams, LHP/OF, Central Cambria HS
PBR Rank: #131 in PA Class of 2016 rankings

Shane Aster, OF, Northampton Area HS 
PBR Notes: 2015 Unsigned Senior Showcase (October 3, 2015) 6-foot, 165-pound uncommitted senior. Right-handed hitter starts from an open stance and takes a short stride to square. Displayed a flat barrel path and the ability to stay behind the baseball routinely with a bat exit velocity of 85 mph. Aster turned in the top 60-yard dash time at the event running a 6.88. Showcased athleticism in the outfield with an accurate 77 mph arm that had solid straight line carry.

Josh Beale, 3B/OF, Freeport Area HS 

Chris Eisel, OF, Baldwin HS
PBR Rank: #209 in PA Class of 2016 rankings

Kailen Grimm, SS, Montour HS

Ben Hudock, RHP/SS, Liberty HS
PBR Rank: #212 in PA Class of 2016 rankings 
PBR Notes: 2014 PA Underclass Games (June 25, 2014) Hudock has a lean 5-foot-10, 150-pound frame and gets the most out of his frame. The righty sat 78-80 out of a high 3/4 arm slot with a hip coil delivery. His fastball shows arm side run and late life down in the zone. Hudock also commanded a 67 mph curveball with some tilt that gives the junior two quality pitches to work with. He worked three innings in game action registering three strikeouts.

Ryan LaCoe, SS, Hershey HS
PBR Rank: #205 in PA Class of 2016 rankings

Alek Tesla, LHP, North Hills HS

Corey Webb, C/3B, Easton Area HS
PBR Rank: #140 in PA Class of 2016 rankings
PBR Notes: 2015 PA Top Prospect Games (6/16/15) Solid defender who blocked well, showing some agility and mobility behind the plate. Made a nice play picking a dirtball and throwing out a runner at third base. Recorded workout pop times of 2.05-2.15, while accuracy will improve when he consistently gets his front foot around and pointed toward second base. 5-foot-11, 170-pound right-handed hitter with room to add strength to frame. Strides on toe with knee roll, but gets weight transferred off backside well. Swing has some length, but showed an ability to barrel the baseball to the opposite field.

John Yocum, RHP/3B, Freedom HS

REMAINDER OF THE CLASS

Luke Hollander, OF, Royal Palm Beach HS (FL) 
PBR Rank: #84 in OH Class of 2016 rankings