Photo by: Ben Solomon/Rutgers Athletics
Baseball Welcomes Six on National Signing Day
Nov 13 | Baseball
Scarlet Knights add four from New Jersey, one from New York and one from Delaware
PISCATAWAY, N.J. – Rutgers baseball and head coach Steve Owens announced the signing of six student-athletes in the latest recruiting class. Danny Kerr (Haddon Township, N.J.), Joshua Kuroda-Grauer (Somerset, N.J.), Joe Mazza (Manalapan, N.J.), Danny Rogers (Troy, N.Y.), Matthew Rowe (Metuchen, N.J.) and Jason Shockley (Greenwood, Del.) have all inked National Letters of Intent and will join the Scarlet Knights next fall.
"We are very excited to add these young men into our school and program," Owens said. "They are all very talented players who meet the position specific needs that will be vacated through graduation and potentially the MLB draft. In addition to having high skill levels both on the field and in the classroom, this group really wants to be at Rutgers to help us continue to build our program. They believe in the vision that we have for the future and are committed to the hard work that it will take to achieve that.
"I would also like to thank my coaching and support staff for all of their efforts directed toward the evaluation and recruitment of this class during a very difficult period."
Danny Kerr
RHP | 6-1 | 210 | R/R
Haddon Township, N.J./Bishop Eustace Prep
Why Rutgers? "The prestigious academics, mixed with Big Ten baseball, and the proximity to home made it a no brainer."
Owens Quote: "Danny is a high-energy pitcher with an aggressive mentality. He consistently attacks hitters with three very good pitches and challenges in the zone. He had an incredible summer and we look forward to following his continued development throughout his senior year. His talent and confidence will be a great addition to our staff."
Notes: Set for third year of varsity baseball at Bishop Eustace … made it to the South Jersey finals in the Last Dance tournament … played seven years of travel baseball for Mid Atlantic Show … a four-time Perfect Game All-Tournament Team selection and once most valuable pitcher … also played basketball as a freshman … inducted into the National Honor Society and voted a class senator.
Personal: Son of Jane and Pete Kerr … has two sisters, Katie and Ali.
Joshua Kuroda-Grauer
INF | 6-0 | 177 | R/R
Somerset, N.J./Franklin High School
Why Rutgers? "I chose Rutgers, first of all, because of the amazing educational opportunities that the school will provide me that will set me up for a great career in any path that I choose. Being close to home also provides a sense of comfort and knowing my family will be able to watch me play ball is a special bonus. But what sealed the deal for me was Coach Owens coming to Rutgers. I knew he would bring a winning culture that I would love to be a part of. The competition in the Big Ten as well as representing my home state are why I am proud to be going to Rutgers."
Owens Quote: "Josh is an extremely talented athlete with a high ceiling. He plays all aspects of the game at a high level and stays very relaxed and in control at all times. Recruited as a middle infielder with good speed, range and arm strength, JKG can play outfield equally well and may be utilized in many areas. We are excited that he is staying home and can't wait to get to work with him. His personality and attitude are off the charts."
Notes: Set for fourth year of varsity baseball at Franklin … hit .351/.419/.535 as a sophomore and .364/.400/.618 as a freshman … named First Team All-Skyland Conference in 2018 and 2019 … won team MVP as a sophomore … named a 2020 Preseason Underclass All-American, the No. 18 player in New Jersey and No. 3 shortstop in the state by Perfect Game … also ranked a top-500 player nationally … played travel baseball for Full Count since 2017 … named to the Perfect Game Tournament All-America team in 2019 … also played varsity basketball for Franklin … named First Team All-Skyland Conference as a junior and sophomore … scored 183 points with 180 rebounds, 117 assists and 54 steals as a point guard in 2019-20 … served a captain junior season … helped freshman team to a perfect 21-0 record … a member of the Distinguished Honor Roll all academic years … earned a spot in the National Society of High School Scholars … a NJSIAA Student Advisory council representative … participated in the Ultimate Warriors Club and as a Junior Achievement mentor.
Personal: Son of Sumi Kuroda and Edie Grauer … has an older sister, Zaya … intends to major in sport management.
Joe Mazza
LHP | 6-2 | 190 | R/L
Manalapan, N.J./Manalapan High School
Why Rutgers? "I chose Rutgers because I wanted to play for my home state and get the opportunity to get a great education while playing Division I baseball for a great program in the Big Ten Conference."
Owens Quote: "Joe is a lefty pitcher with good size, a whippy arm and a smooth delivery. We are excited about his potential to develop into a front-line type of arm with starting potential. As always, we embrace the fact that Joe is a multi-sport guy and excelled on the ice as well."
Notes: Set for fourth year of varsity baseball at Manalapan … helped Braves to the 2019 Group IV sectional championships … played in the New Jersey North-South All-Star Game … played travel baseball since age eight for several teams, including EvoShield Canes North Atlantic, Manalapan Braves, HC Ducks and Langan … also played varsity ice hockey at Manalapan for three years, served as a captain and MVP with 56 points and 30 goals … earned a spot on the Honor Roll as an AP student.
Personal: Son of Aileen and Paul Mazza … has two older brothers, Paul and Matt … Matt plays football at Villanova … intends to major in business.
Danny Rogers
INF | 6-0 | 182 | L/R
Troy, N.Y./Troy High School
Why Rutgers? "I chose Rutgers because of head coach Steve Owens and the great coaching staff behind him. The coaches have a long track record of winning and getting players to the next level. Having access to the Fred Hill Training Complex anytime is great. Another reason was being close enough to home where my family can come to games."
Owens Quote: "Danny falls into a long line of players that I have recruited over many year, a tough-nosed upstate New York kid who gets dirty and plays hard. We feel that he can play both third base and second base for us defensively, and he can really swing the bat well from the left side. In addition to hitting for a high average and bat handling, Danny has above-average power and uses the entire field well. His love of playing and old-school mentality will be a great fit here at Rutgers."
Notes: A four-year varsity starter for Troy … played nine years with the South Troy Dodgers, including three with the 18U elite team … earned a spot on the high honor roll two years.
Personal: Son of Jackie and Keith Rogers … had two brothers, Justin and Jake … interested in majoring in sport management.
Matthew Rowe
RHP | 6-0 | 180 | R/R
Metuchen, N.J./Metuchen
Why Rutgers? "I chose Rutgers because it is a highly-recognized university that provides a quality education. I was looking to be part of a growing, competitive Division I program that would give me the opportunity to make an impact right away. Rutgers is close to home so my family will be able to come to watch me play. My family has a strong connection to Rutgers, as we have had five members of our family graduate from Rutgers and my brother is currently a student at Rutgers."
Owens Quote: "Matt is another local player that we are really excited to have. He is a righty pitcher with a power arm and a good slider that is generated with a low-effort delivery from a good slot. We are confident that he will emerge this high school season as one of the top arms in New Jersey and he should be in play to compete for a starting role early in his collegiate career."
Notes: Set for fourth season of varsity baseball at Metuchen … ranked a top 500 player nationally by Perfect Game … selected to the 2020 Perfect Game Underclassmen All-America First Team Northeast Region, to the Perfect Game Mid-Atlantic World Series All-Tournament Team and to the Mid-Atlantic Elite Fall Championship All-Tournament Team … named 2020 GMC Preseason All-Blue Division … played in the 2019 GMC Underclassmen All-Star Game after earning GMC All-Blue Division … an honorable mention to the 2019 Perfect Game Underclassmen All-Tournament Team … earned top fastball velocity and top outfield velocity at the 2018 Mid-Atlantic Prospect Showcase … played travel baseball for Full Count since 2012 … also played basketball as a freshman.
Personal: Son of Justine and Richard Rowe … has an older brother, Zachary.
Jason Shockley
C | 6-3 | 190 | R/R
Greenwood, Del./Sussex Technical High School
Why Rutgers? "I chose Rutgers because it is not far from home, and I understand the importance of being close. Rutgers also allows me to further my baseball career, as well as my academics, and has many majors that I'm interested in."
Owens Quote: "Jason is one of the top catching prospects in the region this year. He has very good size and emerged into a power hitting threat this past summer. In addition, he has advanced glove skills behind the dish and pro-type arm strength and accuracy. His tools should allow him to develop into a very complete player at the hardest position to play on the field."
Notes: Set for fourth year of varsity baseball at Sussex Technical in Georgetown, Del. … named First Team All-State and Second Team All-Conference by the News Journal in 2019 … played travel baseball for Titus Sports Academy and TKR Reds.
Personal: Son of Tina and Tim Shockley … has an older sister, Lindsay … cousin, Chad Reichhold, plays baseball at the University of Delaware … cousin, Chad Wien, played baseball at Frostburg State.
Follow Rutgers Athletics on Facebook and Twitter (@RUAthletics) for all of the latest news and updates. For specific updates regarding baseball, follow the program on Twitter (@RutgersBaseball), Instagram (@rutgersbaseball) and Facebook (/BaseballRU). For additional updates, please download the Scarlet Knights App via the app store or play store.
"We are very excited to add these young men into our school and program," Owens said. "They are all very talented players who meet the position specific needs that will be vacated through graduation and potentially the MLB draft. In addition to having high skill levels both on the field and in the classroom, this group really wants to be at Rutgers to help us continue to build our program. They believe in the vision that we have for the future and are committed to the hard work that it will take to achieve that.
"I would also like to thank my coaching and support staff for all of their efforts directed toward the evaluation and recruitment of this class during a very difficult period."
Danny KerrRHP | 6-1 | 210 | R/R
Haddon Township, N.J./Bishop Eustace Prep
Why Rutgers? "The prestigious academics, mixed with Big Ten baseball, and the proximity to home made it a no brainer."
Owens Quote: "Danny is a high-energy pitcher with an aggressive mentality. He consistently attacks hitters with three very good pitches and challenges in the zone. He had an incredible summer and we look forward to following his continued development throughout his senior year. His talent and confidence will be a great addition to our staff."
Notes: Set for third year of varsity baseball at Bishop Eustace … made it to the South Jersey finals in the Last Dance tournament … played seven years of travel baseball for Mid Atlantic Show … a four-time Perfect Game All-Tournament Team selection and once most valuable pitcher … also played basketball as a freshman … inducted into the National Honor Society and voted a class senator.
Personal: Son of Jane and Pete Kerr … has two sisters, Katie and Ali.
Joshua Kuroda-Grauer
INF | 6-0 | 177 | R/R
Somerset, N.J./Franklin High School
Why Rutgers? "I chose Rutgers, first of all, because of the amazing educational opportunities that the school will provide me that will set me up for a great career in any path that I choose. Being close to home also provides a sense of comfort and knowing my family will be able to watch me play ball is a special bonus. But what sealed the deal for me was Coach Owens coming to Rutgers. I knew he would bring a winning culture that I would love to be a part of. The competition in the Big Ten as well as representing my home state are why I am proud to be going to Rutgers."
Owens Quote: "Josh is an extremely talented athlete with a high ceiling. He plays all aspects of the game at a high level and stays very relaxed and in control at all times. Recruited as a middle infielder with good speed, range and arm strength, JKG can play outfield equally well and may be utilized in many areas. We are excited that he is staying home and can't wait to get to work with him. His personality and attitude are off the charts."
Notes: Set for fourth year of varsity baseball at Franklin … hit .351/.419/.535 as a sophomore and .364/.400/.618 as a freshman … named First Team All-Skyland Conference in 2018 and 2019 … won team MVP as a sophomore … named a 2020 Preseason Underclass All-American, the No. 18 player in New Jersey and No. 3 shortstop in the state by Perfect Game … also ranked a top-500 player nationally … played travel baseball for Full Count since 2017 … named to the Perfect Game Tournament All-America team in 2019 … also played varsity basketball for Franklin … named First Team All-Skyland Conference as a junior and sophomore … scored 183 points with 180 rebounds, 117 assists and 54 steals as a point guard in 2019-20 … served a captain junior season … helped freshman team to a perfect 21-0 record … a member of the Distinguished Honor Roll all academic years … earned a spot in the National Society of High School Scholars … a NJSIAA Student Advisory council representative … participated in the Ultimate Warriors Club and as a Junior Achievement mentor.
Personal: Son of Sumi Kuroda and Edie Grauer … has an older sister, Zaya … intends to major in sport management.
Joe MazzaLHP | 6-2 | 190 | R/L
Manalapan, N.J./Manalapan High School
Why Rutgers? "I chose Rutgers because I wanted to play for my home state and get the opportunity to get a great education while playing Division I baseball for a great program in the Big Ten Conference."
Owens Quote: "Joe is a lefty pitcher with good size, a whippy arm and a smooth delivery. We are excited about his potential to develop into a front-line type of arm with starting potential. As always, we embrace the fact that Joe is a multi-sport guy and excelled on the ice as well."
Notes: Set for fourth year of varsity baseball at Manalapan … helped Braves to the 2019 Group IV sectional championships … played in the New Jersey North-South All-Star Game … played travel baseball since age eight for several teams, including EvoShield Canes North Atlantic, Manalapan Braves, HC Ducks and Langan … also played varsity ice hockey at Manalapan for three years, served as a captain and MVP with 56 points and 30 goals … earned a spot on the Honor Roll as an AP student.
Personal: Son of Aileen and Paul Mazza … has two older brothers, Paul and Matt … Matt plays football at Villanova … intends to major in business.
Danny RogersINF | 6-0 | 182 | L/R
Troy, N.Y./Troy High School
Why Rutgers? "I chose Rutgers because of head coach Steve Owens and the great coaching staff behind him. The coaches have a long track record of winning and getting players to the next level. Having access to the Fred Hill Training Complex anytime is great. Another reason was being close enough to home where my family can come to games."
Owens Quote: "Danny falls into a long line of players that I have recruited over many year, a tough-nosed upstate New York kid who gets dirty and plays hard. We feel that he can play both third base and second base for us defensively, and he can really swing the bat well from the left side. In addition to hitting for a high average and bat handling, Danny has above-average power and uses the entire field well. His love of playing and old-school mentality will be a great fit here at Rutgers."
Notes: A four-year varsity starter for Troy … played nine years with the South Troy Dodgers, including three with the 18U elite team … earned a spot on the high honor roll two years.
Personal: Son of Jackie and Keith Rogers … had two brothers, Justin and Jake … interested in majoring in sport management.
Matthew RoweRHP | 6-0 | 180 | R/R
Metuchen, N.J./Metuchen
Why Rutgers? "I chose Rutgers because it is a highly-recognized university that provides a quality education. I was looking to be part of a growing, competitive Division I program that would give me the opportunity to make an impact right away. Rutgers is close to home so my family will be able to come to watch me play. My family has a strong connection to Rutgers, as we have had five members of our family graduate from Rutgers and my brother is currently a student at Rutgers."
Owens Quote: "Matt is another local player that we are really excited to have. He is a righty pitcher with a power arm and a good slider that is generated with a low-effort delivery from a good slot. We are confident that he will emerge this high school season as one of the top arms in New Jersey and he should be in play to compete for a starting role early in his collegiate career."
Notes: Set for fourth season of varsity baseball at Metuchen … ranked a top 500 player nationally by Perfect Game … selected to the 2020 Perfect Game Underclassmen All-America First Team Northeast Region, to the Perfect Game Mid-Atlantic World Series All-Tournament Team and to the Mid-Atlantic Elite Fall Championship All-Tournament Team … named 2020 GMC Preseason All-Blue Division … played in the 2019 GMC Underclassmen All-Star Game after earning GMC All-Blue Division … an honorable mention to the 2019 Perfect Game Underclassmen All-Tournament Team … earned top fastball velocity and top outfield velocity at the 2018 Mid-Atlantic Prospect Showcase … played travel baseball for Full Count since 2012 … also played basketball as a freshman.
Personal: Son of Justine and Richard Rowe … has an older brother, Zachary.
Jason ShockleyC | 6-3 | 190 | R/R
Greenwood, Del./Sussex Technical High School
Why Rutgers? "I chose Rutgers because it is not far from home, and I understand the importance of being close. Rutgers also allows me to further my baseball career, as well as my academics, and has many majors that I'm interested in."
Owens Quote: "Jason is one of the top catching prospects in the region this year. He has very good size and emerged into a power hitting threat this past summer. In addition, he has advanced glove skills behind the dish and pro-type arm strength and accuracy. His tools should allow him to develop into a very complete player at the hardest position to play on the field."
Notes: Set for fourth year of varsity baseball at Sussex Technical in Georgetown, Del. … named First Team All-State and Second Team All-Conference by the News Journal in 2019 … played travel baseball for Titus Sports Academy and TKR Reds.
Personal: Son of Tina and Tim Shockley … has an older sister, Lindsay … cousin, Chad Reichhold, plays baseball at the University of Delaware … cousin, Chad Wien, played baseball at Frostburg State.
Follow Rutgers Athletics on Facebook and Twitter (@RUAthletics) for all of the latest news and updates. For specific updates regarding baseball, follow the program on Twitter (@RutgersBaseball), Instagram (@rutgersbaseball) and Facebook (/BaseballRU). For additional updates, please download the Scarlet Knights App via the app store or play store.
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