Ryan Graepel, a sophomore shortstop/third baseman and teammate of fellow Shark Bryant Gaines with the North Carolina Tar Heels, has appeared in 22 games with the Heels, making 7 starts and is hitting .257 (9 for 35) with 2 RBIs and 5 walks.  In his freshman season with UNC, he saw limited playing time appearing in 12 games hitting .231 (3 for 13) including a double and 3 RBIs.  Graepel enjoyed a fine high school career in Greenville, North Carolina where he played for J.H. Rose High School as a shortstop and pitcher.  He’s a 2-time all-conference and all-area selection and helped lead his team to the 2004 North Carolina 4A State championship.  Graepel’s also played in his fair share of All-Star and tournament competitions, appearing in the North Carolina East vs. West Game in 2006, the North Carolina State Games in 2004 and for the American Legion Post 39 in 2005.  In addition to his high school and college experience, Graepel played for the Wilson Tobs of the Coastal Plain League in 2007 appearing in 37 games racking up 22 hits.  Academically, he’s a member of the National Honor Society.

Coming from the Big East Conference is Rutgers sophomore outfielder Jarred Jimenez.  The Monroe, New Jersey native has made 20 starts in 22 games played hitting .231 (15 for 65), including 2 doubles, a triple, and a home run.  He’s driven in 10 so far this season while walking 13 times with an on-base percentage of .412.   In 2007 as a true freshman, Jimenez played in 13 games hitting .300.  At Monroe Township High School, Jimenez was an all-around standout playing football and baseball.  On the diamond, he’s a 2-time First Team All-County selection and a 2-time First Team All-Area pick.  During his senior season, Jimenez hit .461 with 4 home runs and 13 doubles, scoring 40 runs, driving in another 18, and stole 34 bases all with a .622 on-base percentage.  He was the divisional Player of the Year his junior and senior seasons and was Middlesex County Athlete of the Year in 2006.   His junior season was no slouch; Jimenez hit .516 with 12 home runs and 40 RBIs and stole 23 bases in 24 attempts.  His speed on the bases translated perfectly to the gridiron where he was a star running back for Monroe, totaling 1,700 yards with 23 touchdowns.