Joseph Hughes is a mid-week started for East Carolina University with four quality pitches. In his 2011 season, Hughes had a 0-0 record with a 2.18 ERA in 16 games. Over his 20 innings-pitched, Hughes held batters to a .224 batting average, giving up seven runs and 17 hits.

During his first season with ECU, Hughes appeared in eight games, including four starts earning a 9.16 ERA over 18.2 innings. Hughes allowed 23 runs on 28 hits while collecting thirteen strikeouts. He held opposing batters to a .250 batting average.

Hughes was drafted in the 40th round of the MLB Player Draft by the Washington Nationals after leading his high school team to the championship in 2009 and being named North State 2A Player-of-the-Year in 2008. Hughes also took home team MVP, All-Area, All-Conference and All-State honors his sophomore and senior years. In his senior year, he was ranked the No. 22 prospect in North Carolina by Impact Baseball.