Carter Cox and August Backman, rising baseball stars from Venice High School, have committed to the University of Florida, continuing the school's legacy in college baseball. Cox, fresh off a stellar senior season with a 13-0 record and 1.03 ERA, decommitted from Florida Atlantic to join Backman, who committed earlier in March. Their excitement is palpable as they anticipate playing together at UF, which both describe as their dream school.

By the Numbers
  • Carter Cox recorded a 13-0 record with a 1.03 earned run average and 125 strikeouts in 79.2 innings this season.
  • August Backman posted a batting average of over .400 with three home runs and 30 RBIs last season.
Yes, But

Despite their commitments, both players face the potential of increased interest from other schools, especially with Backman's impressive performance becoming more widely recognized.

State of Play
  • Both players are set to join UF’s baseball program in late June for a six-week incoming freshmen program.
  • Four Venice players will be playing in the SEC, with Graham Houston at LSU and RJ Shields at Mississippi State also committed to SEC schools.
What's Next

Cox and Backman will focus on their final high school season while preparing for collegiate play in one of the strongest conferences in college baseball.

Bottom Line

The commitment of Cox and Backman to UF highlights not just personal achievements, but also reinforces Venice High School’s reputation as a breeding ground for elite baseball talent. Expect more local players to follow in their footsteps as they aspire to reach the SEC level.