By Adam Kiefaber
In February, Devon Torrence signed a letter of intent to play defensive back for Ohio State. However, earlier this month Torrence was drafted by the Houston Astros in the 16th round.
Torrence expressed that his first option was to play college football, but listened to offers from the Astros with the guidance from Columbus agent Jeff Chilcoat.
“On talent alone, he was a high pick,” Chilcoat was quoted by the Columbus Distpatch. “But some teams might have been hesitant to take him because in the backs of their minds, they knew it might be a wasted pick.”
When following this story it seemed as if Torrence was going to pick Ohio State over a career in baseball. However, Torrence recently decided to play both.
The Astros signed Torrence (with agent Joe Speed) yesterday in a deal that will allow him to play minor-league baseball, then be able to report for Ohio State football practice in August.
The NCAA allows a player to be a professional in one sport and maintain amateur status in another.
The Canton South High School centerfielder held a .420 batting average through 29 games. Also, he had 43 runds, 23 RBIs, nine triples, 20 stolen bases and 28 walks.
Torrence will report to the class-A Greenville (Tenn.) Astros later this week. His season will be cut short and will report to Ohio State on August 5th. He will miss spring training and the start of baseball season next year as he completes the spring quarter.
Devon Torrence is part of Ohio State’s 2007 recruiting class and is not to be confused with 2008 recruit DeVoe Torrence. Devon is ranked as the eighth best 2007 recruit from Ohio according to Rivals.com and had offers from Arizona State, Georgia Tech, Michigan and Penn State.
DeVoe is Devon’s younger brother and is considered a top recruit and an early edge favorite to win Mr. Football in Ohio for the upcoming season. DeVoe, like his brother is considered an all-around athlete. Rivals.com has DeVoe ranked as the fourth best athlete in the nation and as the 31st best player in the Rivals100 for the 2008 recruiting class.
Ohio State head coach Jim Tressel promised DeVoe that the school was recruiting him as a running back and if he committed early he would be the only running back the Buckeyes will sign in their 2008 recruiting class.
