School: Virginia Tech; Class: Junior
Position: CF; B/T: L/R
Height: 6-0; Weight: 185
Previously Drafted: N/A
High School: State College High School
| Hit | Power | SB | Patience | Glove | Overall |
| 45 | 50 | 40 | 45 | 50 | 45 |
Background: Virginia Tech has undergone a transformation under Head Coach John Szefc. The ACC-based school produced just one first round pick (Joe Saunders, famously referred to a “Joe Millionaire”), a second round selection (Chad Pinder, 2013), and a pair of third round picks (Austin Wates, 2010 and Mark Zagunis, 2014) between 1997 and 2017. Since Szefc took over in 2018, the school’s churned out Gavin Cross (1st round, ninth overall, 2022), Tanner Schobel (2nd round, 2022), and Ian Seymour (2nd round, 2020).
Outfielder Jack Hurley figures to add his name to the list as well.
A four-year letter winner at State College High School, home to former big league hurler Stan Belinda, Hurley put together a solid, yet unspectacular debut season with the Hokies in 2021: he batted .251/.354/.411 with 10 doubles, six homeruns, and a quartet of stolen bases.
After struggling through the Valley Baseball League that summer, Hurley returned to Virginia Tech a changed ballplayer in 2022 as he mashed .375/.452/.664 with 23 doubles, one triple, 14 homeruns, and 10 stolen bases (in 12 attempts). He split the ensuing summer playing – briefly – for the National Team, as well as for the Bourne Braves in the Cape Cod League.
This season, the 6-foot, 185-pound corner outfielder batted .320/.414/.714 with 15 doubles, two triples, 17 homeruns, and four stolen bases in only 45 games.
Scouting Report: Consider the following:
- Since 2011, there have been 14 instances in which an ACC hitter batted at least .310/.410/.700 in a season (min. 200 PA). Three of those hitters posted a single digit walk rate with a K-rate between 18% and 23%: Tommy White, Andrew Rash, and Jack Hurley.
Not overly big or physically imposing, Hurley features a big leg kick from the left-side of the box – a new addition in 2023. Previously, Hurley should use a more subtle kick that started backward before moving towards the pitcher. The Hokie slugger is tracking more like a fourth outfielder in the professional ranks. Average bat speed and power. He doesn’t possess strong plate discipline and will battle contact issues in the professional ranks.
Ceiling: 1.0- to 1.5-win player
Risk: Moderate
Grade: Second / Third Round
