Kent State head baseball coach Scott Stricklin introduced the Golden Flashes’ 2012 freshman class on Friday.

Elyria’s Jake Neuschaefer was one of 10 athletes to get introduced.

Neuschaefer, who is ranked by Perfect Game as the 257th-best prospect in the nation and fifth-best prospect in Ohio, achieved First Team All-Northeast Ohio honors in 2009 and ‘10 and First Team All-Lorain County selection in ‘10 at Elyria High School under head coach Mike Brandyberry. He was also named First Team NEOBCA in 2010 and Honorable Mention All-Ohio. Neuschaefer has also competed for the North Coast Vipers and the Midwest Redbirds.

"Jake is one of the best athletes we’ve ever recruited," Stricklin said. "He’s a great runner with great instincts, and he really can control the center of the diamond from centerfield. He can play any of the three outfield positions as well as being a leadoff-type hitter who can steal bases and put pressure on defenses."

Jake, along with his brother Nolan Neuschaefer, who plays at Baldwin-Wallace, will be playing for the Lorain County Ironmen, a summer wooden-batten collegiate league that plays at Lorain's Pipe Yard.

swalker@MorningJournal.com