Nick Derr commits to Florida State University

Friday marks another monumental day within the Elite Baseball Training program as shortstop Nick Derr has decided to end his recruitment and commit to legendary coach Mike Martin and become a Florida State Seminole.  Nick is the first athlete in the 2016 class to make his commitment.
“I appreciated and respected all of the colleges that were interested in me playing for their program, but coach Martin and his staff really made a big impression on me.  They made me feel like I was destined to be a Seminole.”  Derr said after pulling the trigger Friday while on a visit to the Tallahassee campus.
Florida State is the second winningest program in collegiate baseball history and has produced an impressive list of alumni.  The opportunity to be a part of the history that is Seminole Baseball and to play under Coach Martin and his staff is what led Derr to the commitment.  “After I got to know them, I knew I was a Seminole at heart.”  Derr said about coach Martin and the staff.  “I appreciate the confidence Coach Martin and the staff have for my abilities and I will continue to strive to get better in all areas of the game so I am best prepared when I put on a Seminole uniform.”
Nick gives a lot of credit to Elite Baseball coaches Phil Wright, Justin Stone and Rich Ruffolo for him being able to play for one of his “dream schools”.  Derr has played for Coach Wright since he was nine years old and Wright has seen him grow into one of the top prospects in country.  Coach Wright said, “I still believe he has some growth on the defensive end but if he keeps progressing I believe he will be a big draft out of high school.  Florida State recruits major draft type kids especially this early so that would be my expectation if he stays healthy.  I am fortunate to have coached 6 kids that played in the Major Leagues and at this stage he is every bit as good as any of them.  He is also the fastest of any of them.  He reminds me a lot of JJ Hardy at his age.”  Wright coached Hardy when he was on the 2000 18U National Team staff.
Elite Director, Justin Stone stated on Derr, “Nick has a chance to be one of the top 2016 prospects in the country.  What I like about him is that there is still a lot of room for growth.  Because he’s been a three sport athlete, he has to allocate his training time in a lot of different areas.  I look forward to being able to help him continue to develop over the next four years.”  Stone and Derr have spent a lot of time together refining Nick’s game.  Having played three sports up until this year Derr hasn’t dedicated the time to baseball that most prospects have.  That’s part of what made so many high major programs excited about Nick.
Elite Baseball Training Collegiate and Professional Liaison Rich Ruffolo works tirelessly to make opportunities like this happen for his players. “It’s so exciting seeing opportunities like this happen for our kids. With Nick, Florida State is not only getting the best 2016 prospect I’ve seen in the country, but one of the most humble, hardworking and respectful athletes I’ve ever been around. He’s a first class person and I am proud to be one of his Coaches. Florida State saw an opportunity to grab a superb player and grabbed him.” Ruffolo said.
Now with the recruiting process over Nick can focus on his school work and further growing as a ball player.  He thanked his parents, Brian and Vera, and sister, Amanda, for supporting him through this process.  Nick stated, “I am very blessed and fortunate and I don’t take things for granted.  I am so proud and excited to be a future Florida State Seminole but I am also excited about playing with my Elite Baseball teammates to battle for the National Championship and play with my high school teammates to do my part to compete for a State Championship.”