ERIE — Colin McKee’s collegiate baseball career isn’t over.

At least, not officially.

The Butler High School graduate recently graduated from Mercyhurst University with a 3.71 grade point average as a pre-med biology major. He has a year left of baseball eligibility as a pitcher with the Lakers.

“He could opt for medical school, go for his masters, he definitely has options academically,” Mercyhurst coach Joe Spano said. “Colin takes his academics every bit as seriously as he takes his baseball.

“My gut feeling? He will not be back. I’m planning things for next season figuring he will not be back. I think he’s that good.”

Spano is not alone in that opinion.

McKee was recently named first team All-American by the American Baseball Coaches Association. He was tabbed as a first team Academic All-American before that.

The 6-foot-4, 220-pound right-hander has also been named PSAC West Pitcher of the Year, Atlantic Region Co-Pitcher of the Year and is a finalist for the Brett Tomko Award as the NCAA Division II Pitcher of the Year.

“Being named an All-American means a lot to me because the coaches vote on that team,” McKee said. “Being recognized and respected by the opposition in that way ... That’s pretty cool.”

In 15 starts this season, McKee put together an 11-2 record, 1.82 earned run average and a .167 batting average against. He had 141 strikeouts and just 34 walks in 94 innings pitched.

Mercyhurst finished 43-14 this season — a school record for wins — and lost to top-ranked Millersville three times in the postseason.

“I played for a good team that played great defense behind me,” McKee said. “That helped grow my confidence.”

And increase attention from major league scouts. Baseball’s amateur draft begins Thursday.

“The question isn’t whether Colin is good enough to be drafted,” Spano said. “He could have been drafted even last year. It’s all about signability.

“How many right-handers get picked in front of him affects his slotting and what kind of offer he’ll get from a team. This kid has options right now. He could choose to go in any direction.

“All he wants is a fair offer. He’s not looking for anything extraordinary,” Spano added.

But he is looking for a baseball career.

“Baseball is the No. 1 priority right now,” McKee admitted. “I can go back and get the additional schooling and work on my medical career later on.”

McKee’s fastball hits 95 miles per hour in the bullpen and averages 90-93 on the mound as a starter. He throws a back-door slider, changeup and sinker as well.

“Four quality pitches,” Spano said. “And he’s not even close to peaking yet. He still has room to fill out that frame and get stronger. His work ethic, his knowledge of the game, the way he adjusts to hitters as they adjust to him, the scouts see all of that.

“This guy can go all the way to the major leagues. I see no reason why he can’t.”

McKee continues to harness his game. He says he has a number in his head — in terms of the round and dollar figure — in which he would sign on the dotted line.

“I’m excited about where I’m at and I’m confident something positive will happen there,” he said of the draft.

“You can always build velocity and I’m looking to get better command with my fastball. I’m still trying to develop my changeup. That’s what I’m prioritizing right now.

“I’m hoping to get better every day,” he added.

Spano said McKee is the total package as a pitcher, mentally, physically and in terms of personality.

“The draft has become a very honest process,” the coach said. “Before a team takes him, that team will call him, let him know what they’re willing to offer and whether he’ll go for it.

“It’s all about where Colin’s value as a right-handed pitcher stacks up in this year’s draft. But I can’t imagine any organization not wanting him.”