Massachusetts 2028 talent Rory Funke is a two-sport star in the making

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

Rory Funke is gifted, and gifted enough a hard decision may come when choosing between two beloved sports. The Class of 2028 prospect out of Massachusetts’s The Fessenden School is an ace on the diamond and a playmaker in the pocket on the gridiron. With current family ties to the next level, Funke is guaranteed to be a highly recruited prospect in the years to come.

Throughout the 2023 season, Funke (6-2, 175) got to suit up against competition at his level with occasional games against junior varsity squads.

“The season, it was really good,” Funke said. “I went undefeated with my school. We clicked this year. Our coach was good at getting the team to bond together. In tight games we worked together. One game came down to the last minute, I felt that our heart was bigger than theirs and that got us the win. Our run and pass game were solid, and our offensive line was awesome. We had a few kids from Puerto Rico, they learned fast; they were huge for us this year.”

The style of offense executed was detailed.

“We did a lot of reads and triple options,” Funke stated. “We’d spread them out getting me in space and let our athletes get in space. I had been with my coach for the last three years; he helped me read defenses. He has helped me know the field better than my opponent.”

Offseason workouts are in full force.

“I am working on putting on more weight; I am expecting to play varsity next season,” Funke shared. “I am working on being clam in the pocket and going through my progressions, getting to third and fourth reads.”

Part of the offseason has been picking up a new season in pads playing for a Football University (FBU) championship.

“We got down to the Elite 8,” Funke said. “In our first game, it was rainy and cold; we lost in the final minute to Maryland who got second place. It was a tough battle. It was windy too. Our offensive line was awesome. We did a bunch of RPO and triple options; we moved the ball well. It tested me.

“In our second game against Florida, it was beautiful. We won and put up 40 points. In the last game, against Utah, we threw a ton in that game. We lost in the last 40 seconds; that was heartbreaking. We played great. Our defense was awesome. It was a good experience all around. It was good to see how we stack up against top competition from across the country; I think we were right there with every team.”

On the diamond, Perfect Game USA has Funke rated as the top player in Massachusetts, top 40 in the country as an outfielder.

“I am a pitcher and I play centerfield,” Funke shared. “I love pitching, all eyes are on you. It is good to have that pressure when competing. Everything is awesome at pitcher. Playing centerfield, I love tracking down fly balls. I love being athletic back there making big plays.”

The 2028 prospect already has an arsenal of pitches on the mound.

“I throw basically everything,” Funke stated. “I rely heavily on my fastball. When that is on, then everything is on. I am big on my slider and my two-seam moves a lot. It is good to have a variety of pitches. Like with football, if you have a good run game, it opens up the passing game and vice versa.”

One of Rory’s older brothers, Jack (6-7, 306), is a current offensive tackle for Boston College. Those ties are helping Rory along the recruiting trail.

“Boston College has shown some interest,” Funke said. “I have been to Rutgers; I met the coaches there. A little while ago, I visited Georgia Tech and saw the campus there. My brother Dominic (6-3, 220), he was a sophomore this year (St. Sebastian’s), when he goes on visits, I will tag with him like to Notre Dame. I have been all around the country with him.”

Rory got to take in an Eagles’ game at Chestnut Hill.

“It was good,” Funke shared. “I got to talk to the coaches. I have a good relationship with their QB coach, coach (Steve) Shimko. Boston College is a cool place. Both of my parents went there, and my older brother is an offensive lineman there. They just got a big win against SMU (23-14).”

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