High Point University junior outfielder Nate Roberts was drafted in the fifth round of the 2010 Major League Baseball First Year Player Draft June 8 by the Minnesota Twins. HPU signee Cody Allen was also drafted, earning a 16th round pick by the Cleveland Indians and signee Patrick Quinn was drafted in the 46th round by the Cincinnati Reds.

The Spring Grove, Ill. native was the 2010 Big South Conference Player of the Year, leading the league with a .416 batting average and setting HPU and Big South records with 88 runs scored and a .573 on-base percentage. Roberts also led the nation in runs scored and OBP. Roberts led the Panthers with 19 home runs, 53 walks and 36 stolen bases. He also drove in 69 and was hit by 25 pitches.

Roberts was previously selected by the Tampa Bay Rays in the 48th round of the 2009 MLB Draft after a year at Parkland Junior College where he led Parkland to the 2009 NJCAA World Series national championship and set the NJCAA World Series record with a .710 batting average.

“We are very excited for Nate and proud of what he has done this season,” said head coach Craig Cozart. “To be drafted in the fifth round by a quality organization like the Minnesota Twins is a credit to his work ethic. It is also a credit to assistant coach Bryan Peters and his ability to develop hitters. Nate worked very hard this season and was rewarded for it today.”

Roberts becomes the sixth Panther drafted in the Division I era. He is the highest selection for HPU since joining Division I in 1999, topping Eammon Portice's 12th round selection by the Boston Red Sox in 2007. Roberts is the highest overall pick for High Point since 1987 when Anthony Morrison was taken in the fifth round by the New York Yankees. The Panthers were still an NAIA member in 1987.

Allen will have junior eligibility in the fall for High Point. The Orlando, Fla. native played his freshman season at the University of Central Florida where he tied a team-high with 21 appearances, collecting a 2-1 record with a 4.58 ERA and one save. He recorded 45 strikeouts in 39 1/3 innings. Allen redshirted his second season at UCF before playing the 2010 season at St. Petersburg Junior College. At St. Petersburg, Allen went 3-4 with a 4.48 ERA and 51 strikeouts in 72-1/3 innings of work.

Quinn has also spent the 2010 season at St. Petersburg, after playing his freshman year at the University of Maine. Quinn went 6-2 at St. Petersburg with a 6.22 ERA and 37 strikeouts in 46-1/3 innings pitched. Quinn will also have junior eligibility in the fall for High Point. As a freshman, he went 6-0 with a 1.42 ERA and 33 strikeouts in seven appearances for Maine.