Florida Atlantic University Athletics
Baseball Recruiting Class Praised by Baseball America
10/20/2016 12:00:00 AM | Baseball
BOCA RATON, Fla. - The Florida Atlantic University baseball incoming class for the 2017 season was recently recognized by Baseball America as part of their fall look at collegiate recruiting.
The Owls' crop of players consists of 13 freshmen and five junior college transfers and was lauded by the publication as one of 16 "under-the-radar" recruiting groups. These schools "brought in strong classes relative to a normal recruiting class at their school or in their conference."
Here is what BA said specifically about the Owls:
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With the additions of junior college transfers third baseman Brad Mathiowetz and lefthander Jake Miednik, the Owls snagged a pair of players who should be able to help right away as they look to defend their Conference USA title. Miednik was named junior college pitcher of the year last season after going 13-1, 3.62 with 127 strikeouts in 79.2 innings for Walters State (Tenn.) CC. Miednik is undersized (5-foot-10, 175 pounds) and isn't overpowering, but has a strong understanding of his craft. His fastball sits in the upper 80s and he throws three pitches for strikes. Mathiowetz was named Minnesota's Mr. Baseball in 2014 and was drafted by the Twins that year. After a strong freshman season at Des Moines Area CC, he missed last season due to injury. He profiles at third base well thanks to his athleticism and powerful bat. Shortstop Gary Mattis may not be the Owls' immediate replacement for All-American C.J. Chatham, but he has the tools to take over the position at some point in his career. Prep arms Dylan O'Connell and Nick Prather have upside to develop into weekend starters in time for FAU.
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"There is a lot of work that goes into recruiting classes and I would like to thank Coach (Jason) Jackson and Coach (Greg) Mamula for all their hard work in putting this class together," said Head Coach John McCormack. "It is a dynamic class that fills our needs both currently and for the future. We were able to add some valuable starting pitching and a seasoned bullpen guy along with some exciting young arms. Offensively, we added two older players and a number of dynamic young position players. It will be exciting to see these guys perform."
The newcomers have combined with 20 returnees from last season's Conference USA regular season champions over the last couple of weeks and will continue their fall schedule until mid-November.
