HUNTINGTON, W.Va. — Steve Blevins was taken until the 21st round. But after signing with the Minnesota Twins, Blevins is on even terms with everyone else.

The Marshall Thundering Herd junior right-handed pitcher was drafted last week No. 636 overall, but he starts from scratch just like the rest of the draftees and Herd coach Jeff Waggoner is confident the former Lawrence County (Ky.) Bulldog will do well.

“I am very proud of Steve,” said Waggoner. “(Pitching coach) Tim Adkins and I both feel he is ready to play pro ball.

“It’s not about which round a player gets drafted or about how much money he signs for, but whether or not he is ready and we both feel Steve is ready to go.”

Blevins, who transferred to Marshall this past season, led all Marshall pitcher with 78 strikeouts and had team-high 98 innings pitched. He was 9-3 with a 4.41 earned run average and held opponents to a 2.53 batting average.

His nine wins ties the Herd singled-season record for wins with J.R. Watts who turned the trick in 1998.

Blevins had two complete games, both against Conference USA foe Tulane. He had a career-high 12 strikeouts during a regular season game against Tulane and later whiffed eight against the Green Wave in the C-USA tournament.

Marshall junior Nate Lape, senior Tommy Johnson, and recruit Greg Williams were also selected in the draft.