Rutgers baseball announces recruiting class ahead of 2024 season
The Rutgers baseball team announced its 2024 recruiting class last week. The Scarlet Knights are welcoming eight new recruits, all of whom hail from Northeastern states, with four from New Jersey.
Owen Carey — Londonderry, New Hampshire
Owen Carey is an outfielder from Londonderry High School who had a batting average of .438 and 23 runs batted in (RBI) as a junior. His play earned him First Team All-State honors, and he won his team's MVP award. He is ranked as New Hampshire's No. 7 overall prospect and No. 1 outfielder, according to Perfect Game.
One thing that makes Carey unique is his multi-sport background, as he is a standout player for the Cyclones Hockey Academy.
Carey ultimately decided to pursue a collegiate career in baseball on the Banks.
"The coaches and environment stuck out more than any other place," Carey said of Rutgers. "I wanted to go somewhere to win and to challenge myself from an academic standpoint."
Yomar Carreras — North Brunswick, New Jersey
Yomar Carreras is an infielder at North Brunswick Township High School and is ranked as the No. 9 prospect in New Jersey by Prep Baseball Report. Carreras hit .411 with 18 RBI and 2 home runs in his junior season and .348 with 18 RBIs as a sophomore.
Carreras praised the Knights' coaching staff.
"I love the coaches and the program they have developed over the years," Carreras said.
Luke Fithian — Stow Creek, New Jersey
Luke Fithian is a right-handed pitcher coming from Cumberland County Technical Education Center. As a junior, Fithian posted a 2.93 earned run average (ERA) with 57 strikeouts and just five walks in 45.1 innings pitched, earning Second Team All-Group 3 honors from NJ Advance Media. Fithian pitched a no-hitter in his sophomore year, striking out 14 of the 16 batters he faced.
He chose Rutgers due to the team's coaching staff and its current talent, as well as the educational value of the school.
Hunter Hoxie — Milford, Connecticut
Hunter Hoxie is a left-handed pitcher from Jonathan Law High School. He is ranked as the No. 3 left-handed pitcher in Connecticut and the No. 11 overall prospect in the state, according to Perfect Game. As a junior, Hoxie posted an impressive 1.30 ERA and struck out 45 batters. He was named First Team All-State and First Team All-League.
Hoxie listed many reasons for joining the Knights.
"I chose Rutgers because of the amazing coaching staff. It's close to home but not too close, great baseball facilities and good academics," Hoxie said.
Landon Mack — Columbus, New Jersey
Landon Mack is a unique player who shines at the plate, in the infield and on the mound. He is ranked as the No. 12 overall prospect in New Jersey and the No. 6 right-handed pitcher by Perfect Game. He pitched a 1.78 ERA with 48 strikeouts in his junior year while also posting a .372 batting average and 14 RBIs.
Mack believes Rutgers is on a positive climb.
"I believe this program will take off," Mack said.
Evan McCoach — Philadelphia
Evan McCoach is ranked as the No. 43 overall prospect in Pennsylvania and the No. 7 outfielder by Perfect Game. In his junior year at Saints Neumann Goretti High School, McCoach had a .299 batting average and posted a 1.018 on-base plus slugging percentage.
"Rutgers provides me the opportunity to compete at a high level in both academics and athletics while feeling at home," McCoach said.
Bruce Parker — Haddonfield, New Jersey
Bruce Parker is another player who chose to represent his home state in college. He is ranked as the No. 27 overall prospect in New Jersey by Prep Baseball Report. In his junior year at Haddonfield Memorial High School, Parker boasted a .342 batting average with 2 home runs and 24 RBIs.
Parker is joining the Knights to reap the benefits of great coaching and academics.
Nolan Peel — Landenberg, Pennsylvania
Nolan Peel is a right-handed pitcher playing for The Tome School in North East, Maryland. He is ranked the No. 4 right-handed pitcher in Maryland by Prep Baseball Report. In his junior year, he was named the league MVP, and in his sophomore and freshman years, he was honored as an All-County athlete.
He picked Rutgers because he felt it aligns best with his goals.
"I feel that Rutgers fits me best for my future plans," said Peel. "Being known as one of the best business schools, I felt that attending here would not only fit my baseball goals but my future to come."
Head coach Steve Owens is excited to welcome the newest group of Knights.
"The future of Rutgers baseball is bright," Owens said.
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