Jake Brown’s commitment to LSU is still just as strong as the day he signed with the defending College World Series champion Tigers.

Brown turned down the opportunity to go pro after being drafted by the Texas Rangers in the 16th round, 471st overall, in the MLB amateur draft on July 10.

“I thought that the opportunity for me to grow as a player and as a prospect was better if I came to school and got to learn from the coaches as well as other players, and one day win a national championship,” Brown said. “I think the staff at LSU can improve me at every aspect of the game. I’ll be more mentally prepared more than anything going into the draft next time because pitching against teams in the SEC is tough and can prepare me for what I’m going to see in pro ball.

“I think coming to LSU is betting on myself to improve and I think that will 100% happen.”

Prior to the draft, Brown has said in an interview with the American Press that any team’s offer would have to be impressive to get him away from Baton Rouge.

“The feeling was definitely stronger for LSU, that’s why it would have took so much to pull me away.”

Brown, a 6-2, 180-pound southpaw rated the No. 1 player in the state in his class, led the Sulphur Tors to the Non-select Division I semifinals in May and a 34-5 record.

As a senior, he went 10-2 with a 1.71 earned run average and his second consecutive 100-strikeout season (118) with 27 walks.