SECAUCUS, N.J. — The Toronto Blue Jays selected right-hander T.J. Zeuch with the 21st overall pick in the Major League Baseball draft on Thursday night.

An imposing presence on the mound at six foot seven and 217 pounds, Zeuch throws in the mid-90s. The 20-year-old native of Mason, Ohio spent the last three seasons with the University of Pittsburgh.

"I'm feeling very excited," Zeuch said on a conference call. "My first initial feeling after seeing my name was a bit of relief. I've been working at this since I was five years old, throwing a baseball for the first time. I fell in love with the game then and I knew this is what I wanted to do.

"Getting an opportunity to play professionally is a dream come true."

Zeuch led the Panthers with a 3.10 earned-run average this past season. He had a 6-1 record over 10 starts with 74 strikeouts and 19 walks.

"Extremely excited to be a part of the @BlueJays!!! Can't wait to bring home another World Series," Zeuch said on Twitter.

Toronto won the East Division title last year but fell to Kansas City in the American League Championship Series. It was the Blue Jays' first playoff appearance since they won a second straight World Series title in 1993.

Amateur scouting director Brian Parker feels Zeuch has plenty of upside.

"He had a good spring, he missed a couple weeks with a groin injury, he came back and we saw him a lot the rest of the way," Parker said at an availability in Toronto. "We saw him last summer, (he) pitches well, he's a guy we like. He needs to work on a few things as all pitchers do, but it's a 20-year-old projectable college pitcher."

Zeuch is seventh on the school's all-time list with 205 strikeouts over 212 2/3 innings.

"Today we are all very proud of T.J. being drafted in the first round by the Blue Jays," Panthers head coach Joe Jordano said in a release. "He certainly earned this lofty position and has worked very hard for this day to become a reality. There is no question, T.J. looks at this day as a new start, a new beginning on his journey to the big leagues.

"I cannot be happier for him and look forward to watching his progress with great admiration."

The Blue Jays selected University of Mississippi outfielder J.B. Woodman with the 57th overall pick. Toronto also selected high school shortstop Bo Bichette at No. 66.

The draft continues through Saturday.