Top Stories of 2014: #1 - 2018 RHP Levi Kelly Bursts Onto the Scene

December 26, 2014

By Greg Williams
WV Director of Scouting

Its rare that a high school player displays the size, athleticism and skill set to project as a draft pick as a freshman in high school. RHP Levi Kelly (Nitro HS) is definitely the exception.

Kelly showed the potential to be one of the top recruits in the nation in the Class of 2018. During his time on the mound at the Keystone State Academy College Coaches Camp on December 14, the 6-foot-2, 185-pound righty sat 85-87 while topping at 89 mph. He has a loose arm with tremendous tilt to his fastball. His 4-seamer displayed heavy cut action while his 2-seamer has arm-side run. Kelly also displayed a feel for his changeup at 78-80 and a 75 mph curveball. The breaking ball has 11/5 shape and sharp, late action that gives Kelly two college ready pitches prior to throwing his first pitch in high school.

This spring the talented righty will team with 2015 LHP Kipp Brewer, 2016 RHP Jacob Bradley and 2016 RHP Matt Harrison to give Nitro the most dominant pitching staff in the state on paper. Brewer is ranked No. 7 in the WV Class of 2015 and currently uncommitted. Bradly (No. 5) and Harrison (No. 7) are highly ranked prospects in the WV Class of 2016 that have both committed early to Marshall University.