WINTER HAVEN – Polk State Baseball capped a strong fall with six sophomores signing with four-year schools.

Of the six to sign, five will be moving on to NCAA Division I programs. Polk State kicks off its 2025 season in late-January with the JUCO Early Bird Kickoff in Auburndale.

"This is a good hard-working group," said Head Coach Al Corbeil, who is entering his 15th season. "They've put themselves in position to move on to quality four-year schools. I expect them to have continued success here this season and at the next level."

Pitcher Jake Echols becomes the third Polk State player to sign with Florida State University in the last three years. The previous two – outfielder Nelson Taylor in 2023 and pitcher Aiden Butler last season – were each selected in the Major League Baseball Draft.

"My best friend goes there," Echols said. "I took a visit and fell in love with it – the people, the weather, the campus. I've always seen myself as a Seminole."

Echols posted a 2-0 record for Polk State as a freshman in 2024. In just 16.1 innings of work, Echols finished with 32 strikeouts – an ungodly 17.63 strikeouts per nine innings average.

"I had no other offers out of high school," the 6-foot-4 right-hander reflected. "Coach Corbeil gave me an opportunity. I got lit up early last fall, but the staff kept working with me. I found it and here I am."

Fellow pitcher Gavin Dicks will also be staying in the state. He has signed with Jacksonville University. The new pitching coach for the Dolphins is Casey Kulina, former FCSAA Pitcher of the Year and an NJCAA All-American at Polk State.

"I liked the coaching staff and the facilities a lot," Dicks said. "I'll be able to continue to develop there."

As a freshman last season, Dicks went 2-2 with a 4.85 ERA in 26 innings. A 6-3 lefty, he struck out 30 batters, finishing third on the team with a 12.81 strikeouts per nine innings average.

"I've developed as a person and a player here," Dicks added. "My coaches have really helped with recruiting and getting my name in front of other coaches."

JT Long, a tall 6-7 right-hander, will be taking his talents to the Lone Star State. Long has signed with powerhouse Dallas Baptist University.

"I really clicked with the coaching staff," he explained. "They have a really good pitching program. I liked the campus and their facilities."

Long is coming off a freshman season in which he finished 4-1 with a 3.40 ERA and an FCSAA-leading 10 saves. He was named first-team All-Citrus Conference and the FCSAA Fireman of the Year.

"Out of high school, I didn't have the opportunity to play at a high D-I," Long noted. "Polk really developed me. Coach Corbeil helps guys get to the next level. You're going to be seen here."

One of four pitchers to sign, right-hander Wade Johnson will be heading to Georgia SouthWestern State University, a good NCAA Division II program. He's the fourth Polk State player to sign with the Hurricanes in as many years.

"It was the best fit for me," Johnson said. "The staff aligns with what I want. I feel great about my decision."

Johnson finished 1-2 with a team-best 3.24 ERA as a freshman last season. He recorded one save and 32 strikeouts in 33.1 innings.

"Polk has really helped me mature," Johnson added. "I've honed my skills and have grown as a person and a player."

Like Georgia Southwestern State, Lipscomb University, a Division I program in Nashville, has formed a strong recruiting pipeline through Polk State. Outfielder Jordan Thomas and catcher Simon Scharff are the fourth and fifth Polk State players to sign with the Bisons over the last three years.

"It was a great opportunity to continue to play for a knowledgeable coaching staff," Thomas shared. "I like the head coach – Coach (Jeff) Forehand. He's a fiery guy who reminds me of Corbs. They have beautiful facilities and play in a tough conference."

"When I visited the campus and met the staff, it was a good fit," Scharff added. "I'll be able to continue to grow on and off the field and in my walk with Jesus Christ."

As a freshman last season, Thomas batted .277 for the Eagles with two home runs, 21 RBIs, and 14 stolen bases. The Georgia native finished the year strong, recording with at least two hits in six of his final 11 games in 2024.

"Coming to Polk, I knew I had talent, but I had a lot to work on," Thomas explained. "Coach Corbeil changed me as a player and helped me get to a D-I school."

A former All-County performer at Lake Wales High School, Scharff began his collegiate career at Eckerd College, a Division II program in St. Petersburg. He did not appear in a game last year, but is expected to take over for Aris Rivera, a two-year starter now at the University of Central Florida, as Polk State's starting catcher.

"Polk has helped me tremendously in the recruiting process," he concluded. "Corbs helps develop us and get us opportunities to continue our careers."

Signees

Name, position, signed
• Gavin Dicks, P, Jacksonville University
• Jake Echols, P, Florida State University
• Wade Johnson, P, Georgia Southwestern State University
• JT Long, P, Dallas Baptist University
• Simon Scharff, C, Lipscomb University
• Jordan Thomas, OF, Lipscomb University