By Chris Fuller
Kentucky Scouting Director

Luke Rouse, a 5-foot-10, 160-pound, left-handed hitting OF from Tates Creek HS, recently committed to continue his education and baseball career at the University of Evansville.  Rouse showed well at the Pre-Season All State Showcase at Champions Baseball Academy in Lexington in February when he ran a 7.07 60-yard dash, showed an 82 mph arm from the outfield, and showcased a solid swing from the left-side of the plate.  We received reports of Rouse making significant gains in his speed and arm strength towards the end of the summer as well.

Rouse, ranked No.22 in Kentucky's 2014 class, hit .302 with 6 doubles, 2 triples, 20 RBI's, and 12 stolen bases last season for Tates Creek.  He joins fellow KBC teammate Nick Eggemeyer in committing to the Purple Aces.

We recently caught up with Rouse to discuss his decision.

PBR: Why did you choose Evansville?

 

Rouse: It just seemed like the perfect fit for me and my skills that I possess. Plus I really connected with the coaching staff on my visit.

PBR: What other schools were you considering?

 

Rouse:  WKU, Tennessee Tech, Wright St, Richmond

 

PBR:  Where did the coaching staff first see you compete?

Rouse: Here in Lexington and in the Tournament of Champions in Cincinnati 

PBR: What role does Coach Carroll expect you to play during your first year on campus?

Rouse: He expects me to come in there and work hard and compete for a starting outfield spot my freshman year.

 

PBR:  Who has had the biggest impact on you as a baseball player?

 

Rouse: Kenny Jackson, my brother, and all of my cousins that played college baseball

 

PBR: Who do you play for in the summer and what was your most exciting experience playing summer ball?

 

Rouse: Kentucky Baseball Club. Most exciting moment had to be winning the National Championship my 16 year old summer on the Louisville Bats field. We came back in the 7^th with 2 outs to put us up one run.

PBR: Tates Creek was our favorite to win the State Tournament last year but suffered an opening round loss to Collins.  What are your goals for your senior season?

 

Rouse: Make it right back to Whitaker Bank and come away with a state championship ring!

PBR: Who is the toughest pitcher you have faced in Kentucky?

 

Rouse: Anderson Miller or Evan Fraelix