Fun Process Ends For Leonard With Commitment To Wright State

Jake Leonard SS / 2B / Sterling Heights Stevenson, MI / 2025

MACOMB - “I love the sport, that’s the next big step.”

That is how Jake Leonard explained his interest and desire to have a future playing college baseball.

“It was way before high school, sixth or seventh grade, when I made it my goal to go to college and play baseball,” the top-rated 2025 shortstop in Michigan reflected.

A commitment with Wright State has the dream now a reality for the Sterling Heights Stevenson junior.

“I went to a camp there freshman year and went back sophomore year,” Leonard explained about the start of his connection with the university in Dayton. “Then they came to watch me all summer with the Hit Dogs. They saw me play at the Future Games and that’s when it really picked up. Once the deadline hit they called me and offered on Aug. 1 and I committed right after. I toured the campus twice and loved it.”

There was also an offer from Charleston and “three or four other schools that wanted me to come to a camp and offer me,” but Wright State proved to be just what the 17-year-old was after in a college.

“I love the way they work and love the way they get after it,” Leonard said about the Wright State program.

The 5-8 170-pound left-handed hitting middle infielder had a number of qualities that grabbed the attention of Wright State.

“They like how I play and carry myself,” Leonard explained. “They like how I hit, how I move, my fielding and how vocal I am, wanting to win and wanting to beat you.”

The decision to make it official with Wright State, the Horizon League regular-season champions the past five seasons, brought a close to a recruiting process that began freshman year.

“That’s when schools started to like me,” Leonard said. “It was nothing stressful, I loved the whole process. PBR was a big help overall with the Procase and then the Future Games was a big help. That’s when schools really became serious about me.”

An improved game was beneficial in getting noticed according to the 10th-ranked 2025 in Michigan.

“My hit tool is a lot better, my arm is stronger and my 60 time has improved,” Leonard pointed out. “My glove has always been a plus play.”

That is all part of what Leonard believes he can provide the program at Wright State.

“On the field I’ll bring energy,” Leonard said. “I’m coming to beat you with my stick and my arm. Off the field I’ll bring academics. I also love to lift and will make sure everyone on my team does, too.”

Leonard, who credits the Hit Dogs and the organization’s facility with being a major part of his development and recruitment, is excited to have made a decision on a future home.

“It felt great, it felt amazing,” Leonard said. “Everyone in my family was happy for me.”

Leonard, who carries a 3.43 GPA at Sterling Heights Stevenson and is planning a major in business, is looking forward to what lies ahead at the university in Ohio, a little less than four hours from home.

“I’m excited to get to know the players and excited for the weight lifting part,” Leonard concluded. “It’s going to be great to be around all those college dudes and the college lifestyle.”