April 12, 2007

Kendall Rogers
Rivals.com College Baseball Editor

He was born in Birmingham, Ala., and spent most of his life in Coppell, Texas, which sits just inside the Dallas Metroplex.

Somehow, right-handed pitcher Corey Kluber ended up at Stetson University and has become one of the nation's most consistent pitchers in his junior season.

You could call the relationship between Kluber and Stetson a date with destiny.

The story starts during Kluber's junior year of high school.

"When I went down to Florida for a showcase my junior year, the recruiting coordinator at the time liked my game and the fact that I was from Texas," Kluber told Rivals.com. "Halfway through my senior year I had some arm issues. But in the end, Stetson stuck with me and now I'm in this position."

Stetson coach Pete Dunn recalls recruiting Kluber.

"After watching him perform in the showcases, we were very impressed," Dunn said. "If it wasn't for a few injuries during his senior season, he might've been a legitimate pro risk. But as it stands, he came here and we're happy to have him."

Upon arrival to the Sunshine State, Kluber quickly became comfortable with the surroundings.

"It didn't take too long to get used to living in Florida, because we moved a lot when I was a kid," he said. "My family also used to go to Florida a lot, so the only thing I had to get used to was being on my own."

Among other things, Kluber also had to deal with life as a freshman in a solid program.

In his first season with the Hatters, the right-hander had his fair share of woes and recorded just one start. He also tallied 19 relief appearances.

"My freshman year was a struggle, as I had issues throwing strikes," Kluber said. "It finally clicked in my head that I had to have a good fastball to be a successful college pitcher. Once I realized that, I was in business."

After the 2005 season, Kluber worked intently to develop a four-pitch repertoire. That accomplishment eventually led to a successful 2006 campaign, which ended with Kluber serving as Stetson's ace at season's end.

How Kluber finished the 2006 season gave Dunn, Kluber and the Hatters confidence entering this season.

"At the end of last year (2006), I thought Corey had the ability to be a consistent front-line starter", Dunn said. "So far this season, he has been a dominant Friday guy and has created more stability within the team."

In nine starts this season, Kluber is a perfect 7-0 with a 1.80 ERA in 60 innings. He has also struck out 59 and walked 18, while opponents are hitting him at a .163 clip.

In addition, the junior right-hander has thrown a complete game.

"He keeps the velocity of his fastball up there and has an outstanding breaking ball, along with a curveball and slider," Dunn said. "He walks very few guys and is a competitor. He has also shown great command."

Kluber believes the keys to his development are adding more pitches and his personal expectations.

"I give much credit to the coaches for helping me develop more pitches," he said. "Something else that carries me is my attitude. I have high expectations of myself and I've let that help me move toward the top."

With the Hatters sitting at 27-9 and ranked No. 19 in the nation, Kluber can help the program do something it has never done before ? reach the College World Series.

"Coach Dunn always talks about going places we haven't been before," Kluber said. "I'd love nothing more than to help this program reach the Super Regionals and the College World Series. That's the least I could for Stetson University."