June 25, 2013
Courtesy: San Jose State Athletics
California Community College Baseball Coaches Association (CCCBCA) All-Americans Jace Puckett and Tyler Olivet have signed a National Letter-of-Intent to play for the San Jose State baseball team beginning with the 2014 season.
Puckett was Feather River College's left-handed ace in 2013 when they went all the way to the California State Final Four. Olivet led Coast Conference champion Cabrillo College in multiple hitting categories as a starting outfielder.
"These signees will really help improve our program's depth in both hitting and pitching," said Spartans' head coach Dave Nakama. "Both of them are bringing experience from very successful programs."
STARTING PITCHING SUCCESS
Puckett had a 10-3 record with a 1.35 ERA in 15 starts in 2013 as a sophomore for the Golden Eagles. He led the Golden Valley Conference in wins and ERA. His 71 strikeouts were also tops in the league.
The Reno, Nev., native was a winning pitcher at both the Regional and Super Regional level en route to his team's Final Four berth. Along with his All-American honors, he was a 2013 All-Golden Valley League first-team selection.
Puckett was a two-time All-Northern 4A Pitcher of the Year as a junior and senior at Galena High School in Reno, Nev. He played all four years at the varsity level for the Grizzlies.
"We're excited about adding this left-hander," Nakama said. "He will add good depth for the pitching on our team."
PRODUCTIVE AT THE PLATE
Olivet's .386 batting average, and 11 doubles as a freshman in 2013 led Coast Conference champion Cabrillo College. He also led the team and was fifth in the conference with a .500 on-base percentage. He was a first-team All-Coast Conference selection as an outfielder.
The San Jose, Calif., native was a four-year letterwinner at Los Gatos (Calif.) High School. He hit over .400 during both his junior and senior years and was a first-team All-Central Coast Section selection and All-Mercury News selection both seasons.
Olivet was enrolled at Santa Clara University and redshirted the 2012 season before transferring to Cabrillo College in 2013.
"Tyler will add a lot of versatility to the team," said Nakama. "He has the ability to play multiple positions and will give us flexibility in the future."