GOSHEN, Ind. - Despite not being hired until late August, first-year Goshen College head baseball coach Eric Screeton has already received his first commitment for 2012 and it is a big one.

Screeton got his inaugural recruiting class off to a big start, announcing the signing of All Indiana catcher Jose Andrade on Thursday.

"We are very excited about Jose joining our Goshen baseball family," Screeton explained.  "He is a smart player with serious power and possesses leadership skills that will make a difference on and off the field here at Goshen College."

Andrade was a 1st Team All Indiana (4A) pick after leading his Crown Point High School team with a .472 batting average.  With 10 doubles, three home runs, and 38 runs batted in, Andrade helped the Bulldogs to a 27-5 record and a top five state ranking.

Also a first baseman, the 5-foot-11, 240-pounder plays summer ball for American Legion Post 20.

"The coaching staff believes if Jose continues to work hard on his abilities, he can become a scary middle of the order hitter opposing teams do not want to face," Screeton added.

The son of Jose Sr. and Patricia, the younger Andrade plans on majoring in nursing.