Drafted in the 32nd round of the 2007 Summer Free Agent Draft by the Detroit Tigers and in the 38th round of the 2010 draft by the Detroit Tigers. Played in college at Mississippi State. In 2009, he was third on the Bulldogs in starts with seven, compiling a 2-1 record with one save and a 5.91 ERA, striking out 41 batters in 35 innings. His Bulldogs bio reads: 2008: Appeared in 19 games as a rookie, four in a game-opening role • Posted a 1-2 record with an 8.14 earned run average and 46 strikeouts in 45-1/3 innings pitched • Made his MSU debut with two innings of scoreless relief work in State’s season-opening win at North Florida (Feb. 22) • Took the hill as a starter in his second outing and earned his first career win with 5.0 innings of work against UAB (Feb. 26) • Fanned five batters and matched that season-best with a five-strikeout showing in a start against Arkansas-Little Rock (Mar. 4) • Also drew starts against Ole Miss (Mar. 14) and Middle Tennessee State (May 7) • Took the loss in starts against UALR and UM • Appeared in eight SEC games, one as a starter, with an 0-1 mark, a 12.96 ERA and 17 strikeouts in 16-2/3 innings • Compiled a 6.32 ERA in 15 relief appearances with 32 strikeouts in 31-1/3 innings pitched • Among four true freshmen and two rookie pitchers to play for State in 2008.