By Branford Clay, Louisiana Tech Associate Director Strategic Communications
RUSTON — Louisiana Tech baseball Head Coach Lane Burroughs announced the hire of Jake Wells as the Bulldogs assistant coach on Tuesday.
Wells, who spent five years at ULL as an assistant coach, will be the Diamond Dogs new hitting coach and recruiting coordinator.
The Devine, Texas, native is no stranger to Ruston, in which Wells was a part of the 2015-16 coaching staff at Louisiana Tech.
While entering his twelfth year of coaching, Wells has also made coaching stops at the University of Alabama, Campbell University, and Mississippi State.
In addition to Wells, he brings experience in having coached 28 draft picks, eight of which made MLB debuts since 2010, coached five All-Americans, assisted on four NCAA Tournament teams, and assisted on one College World Series Runner-Up team (Mississippi State – 2013).
Quotes from Coaches on Jake Wells:
Justin Haire – Head Baseball Coach Ohio State University
“Jake is an amazing human being and man of faith…first and foremost. But, beyond that, he is an exceptional coach, recruiter, and innovator in the college game. I am unbelievably excited for him and his family, and I know they will do amazing things in Ruston!”
Christian Ostrander – Head Baseball Coach Southern Miss
“Jake is one of the hardest working coaches I have had the privilege to share a dugout with. His knowledge and passion for the game are evident in how he coaches his players. There is no doubt he will do great things to continue the success at Louisiana Tech.”
Butch Thompson – Head Baseball Coach Auburn
“Jake brings a sincere level of experience as a head coach and a recruiter across every level of college baseball. When I first recruited his players, they absolutely loved him. While having an opportunity to be on the same staff, he worked his heart out every day for our program. His biggest gift may lie in the recruiting arena. The natural desire and skills to identify, connect, and acquire talent make him valuable. Jake has a beautiful family and sincerely adds to the incredible level of success Lane has established in Ruston.”
Coach Burroughs on Jake Wells:
“We could not be more excited about Jake Wells rejoining our program. He is an amazing coach and recruiter, but more importantly, he is a man above reproach with extremely high character and possesses that unique ability to teach, develop, and connect with all his players. Coach Wells has a fire and passion for the game that is evident the first time you visit with him. He has recruited and developed some of the biggest names in baseball. He is extremely intelligent and one of the hardest-working guys you will find in our profession. It has always been obvious that Jake was in it for the right reasons, helping his guys grow and develop as players but, more importantly, as human beings. Our fans, alumni, and season ticket holders will see an immediate impact on the way Jake teaches offensive baseball and the way the Bulldogs will play. We ask all of our supporters to welcome Jake, Melissa, Beckett, and Elijah back to Ruston and the Love Shack. We are extremely excited for the future of Bulldog Baseball.”