From Trojan to Cougar to Panther: Jake Rogers commits to Georgia State
After a solid freshman baseball season at Cleveland State (Tenn.) Community College, Gordon Lee alum Jake Rogers has already began preparations for what he hopes will be a stellar sophomore campaign with the Cougars.
Rogers will have plenty of time to concentrate solely on baseball now that he knows where his future lies.
The ex-Trojan committed on Monday to continuing his college baseball career in Atlanta at Division I Geor- gia State once his playing time in Cleveland is complete.
“I really don’t know how to describe the feeling,” he said. “(Playing Division I baseball) is just something I’ve wanted for a long time. Now that I finally know it’s going to happen, I’m excited.”
Rogers was 6-5 on the mound for the Cougars last season. He threw 72.2 innings and struck out 91 batters, ending the season with a 3.96 earned run average. He had six complete games, four by shutout, and was the conference’s Pitcher of the Week three separate times.
He said he also had offers from Lee University, Columbus (Ga.) State and Tennessee Tech, but said that playing for the Panthers “would just be a good fit” for him and his family. Rogers’ younger brother Chaney, a senior at Gordon Lee, has already committed to play at the University of Georgia.
“Chaney will be playing just an hour or so down the road and hopefully I’ll
get a chance to play against him,” Rogers explained. “Plus living and going to school in downtown Atlanta will be a new experience and a chance for me to get away from the small towns and grow in different ways.”
Although Rogers had hoped that he would be playing Divi-
sion I ball right out of high school, he said he has appreciated his time in the junior college ranks and is looking forward to finishing his time at Cleveland State with a flourish.
“If I had to go back and do it all over again, I wouldn’t change a thing,” he added. “I’ve been blessed to be a part of this program and to play for Coach (Mike) Policastro. “He’s helped me in every way possible and we
have a great relationship. I was fortunate to get a chance to play (at Cleveland State) as a freshman, and I doubt I would have had that chance at a Division I school.
“I’ve gained a lot of experience here and I’m excited for this upcoming season. Now that this (college decision) is finally off my back, I’m ready to put all my focus on helping my team.”