Whiteaker Decides On Indiana As College Home

WEST CHESTER - A jump in the ratings help bring a jump in interest to Evan Whiteaker.

“The recruiting process started in early April after (PBR Ohio Director of Scouting) Jordan Chiero put out the (new) rankings,” noted Whiteaker, who made a big leap to 12th among the 2022 class in the state. “Basically, there was nothing before that.”

When the radar gun reads 90, it is hard to ignore and the 6-4 180-pound right-handed pitcher did that in gaining looks from the next level.

“It was awesome,” related the top-rated uncommitted incoming junior in Ohio back in June. “I posted a video on Twitter of me throwing 88-91 and the next day I got a college call. Throwing harder gets you more looks. I was super excited about it and I think I’ll get more.”

That is no longer necessary after a list of three schools - one each from the Big 10, SEC and MAC - turned into just one college with a commitment to Indiana.

“I was able to get on campus,” Whiteaker said about his final decision being made. “It felt like home.”

There was a lot to weigh for Whiteaker, the third Lakota East player to commit to play in the Big 10 in the past year-and-a-half following Nathan Haberthier and Drew Bachman.

“I wanted to go somewhere I would get a quality education and where I could develop into a better person and a better player,” Ohio’s second-ranked 2022 right-handed pitcher pointed out. “I like the philosophy of Indiana. Coach (Justin) Parker (the IU pitching coach) has worked with a lot of good players that have gotten drafted, that’s one of the main things I was looking for.”

The hard-throwing righty brings a lot to the table when it comes to his future on the mound.

“I’m 6-4 and only 180 pounds, so there’s a lot more room to fill out,” Whiteaker noted. “They like my projectability.”

The IU commit has come a long way in the past year.

“A year ago I topped at 84,” Whiteaker said, pointing to a gain in weight as one key to his improvement. “My pitching coach Greg Williams helped a lot in my jump. He really worked with me on getting into my legs more.

“I’ve also become more of a pitcher than a thrower and I locate better. I know what to throw in what counts.”

The work is far from over, however.

“I’m working on shortening my arm path, that’s the number one thing I’m working on now,” Whiteaker explained. “That can help prevent injury and I can be on time more in the strike zone.”

Williams is one of a handful of big influences in helping Whiteaker become the player he is today.

“My parents have been there since I started playing and more recently friends like Drew Bachman (a Lakota East 2021 committed to Ohio State) have been there for me,” Whiteaker noted. “Cole Talarek (a recent graduate) is another. He took me under his wing and showed me a lot his senior year at Lakota East.”

Being part of the high school program at East has proven beneficial in the eyes of Whiteaker.

“The coaching staff is awesome,” Whiteaker said about Lakota East. “They hold you accountable and are always pushing you. Seniors step up and take care of the younger guys. There’s respect all around there.”

Whiteaker is excited to bring that to Indiana now that a quick recruiting process has come to an end.

“It was one of the most stressful times of my life but a lot of fun,” Whiteaker noted. “It went a lot faster than I thought it would … it really picked up the last two months. It was fun talking to coaches and building relationships.”

One of those was Indiana head coach Jeff Mercer.

“When I told coach Mercer I wanted to commit he was really excited,” Whiteaker said. “I’ve enjoyed our conversations and I look forward to playing at Indiana. It’s a really big deal for me. This is a good conference to play in with some outstanding competition.”

Sports medicine or education are the potential majors for the 3.8 student, who admits to a bump in the road during his recruitment due to COVID-19.

“I never expected the process to happen during the virus but my pitching coach was able to work with me and we had phone calls and zoom calls,” Whiteaker said. “Even with the gym closed I was able to work out in my basement and long toss with my dad and my brother.”

Now Whiteaker has settled on a new home in Bloomington, two-and-a-half hours from where he currently lives.

“I plan to bring them another starter right away,” Whiteaker said of what he believes he can provide the Indiana program. “I like to work really hard and I’m looking to do that and go in there and make relationships right off the bat.”