Taitn Gray is a game-changer in the making. 

With jaw-dropping athleticism, a potent bat, and defensive versatility, the Dallas Center-Grimes native could be skyrocketing up draft boards. A big performance at Sunday's Super 60 showcase could be rocket fuel needed to propel him skyward.

"Taitn might have as much helium as anyone that I've seen from my states going into this event," remarked Prep Baseball Upper Midwest Supervisor Rob Allison. 

Gray's physicality is a standout trait. He stands six-three and nearly 200 pounds -- the prototype of someone looking to attend Tight End U. At 6.78 seconds in the 60-yard dash, he moves exceptionally well for his size, offering an enticing combination of speed and strength. He can jump through the roof as well: His vertical measured 35.5 inches at the 2023 Prep Baseball Iowa Upper Midwest ProCase, the best in an event filled with supreme athletes. 

A ton of boxes are already checked off before he picks up a bat. Once in the box, Gray punishes baseballs from either side of the plate, reaching a max exit velocity of 103.5 MPH and a max distance of 402 feet. He dropped a state-high 14 home runs during the high school season as a junior and an additional year of growth should surely obliterate that mark in the coming year. 

This baseball ceased to exist.@taitngray || #IAFallWS https://t.co/KJygBDu5ZT pic.twitter.com/MOv09F97il

— Prep Baseball Iowa (@PrepBaseballIA) September 1, 2024

"He's a monster," Prep Baseball Nebraska's state director, Pascal Paul, noted. "A lot of versatility, physical. For the pro game, I think he fits almost to a T. They want you to be able to move around, catch, outfield, whatever, and he's got the physicality to go yard on you at any time."

Beyond his offensive prowess, Gray brings defensive flexibility that adds to his overall value. With an outfield velocity of 89 MPH, his arm strength allows him to handle both a corner outfield spot and catching duties. 

"His ability to move around is rarefied air," added Allison. "He has the tools to catch, play the outfield, and still be a threat at the plate. That type of player translates well to the next level."

The knock on Iowa high school players is that their national scouting exposure can often be limited -- Joey Oakie's recent selection by the Cleveland Guardians notwithstanding. But Gray has taken every opportunity to shine. This fall, his time with the Cincinnati Reds Scout Team placed him on high-profile stages, and he performed in front of key decision-makers, cementing his status as a legitimate draft prospect.

"People kind of went into it asking, 'Who's this Taitn Gray kid?'" Allison observed. "Now it's like, 'Oh, this is super interesting.'"

Gray is expected to participate in the upcoming Prep Baseball Spring League, and will undoubtedly attract looks from scouts as one of the region's most exciting talents. Gray could solidify his position as a draft-worthy prospect with continued strong performances, depending on his signability and commitment to Oregon.

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Past Iowa Prospects At The Super 60

60 Times 

Player	Class	Pos	High School	60-Time
Ryan Lillard	2014	SS	Urbandale	6.60
Tommy Specht	2022	OF	Wahlert Catholic	6.61
Josh Fitzgerald	2019	OF	Mason City Newman	6.75
Trey Leonard	2017	OF	Cedar Rapids Washington	6.81
Sam Harris	2023	1B/OF	Urbandale	6.81
Levi Usher	2018	OF	Cedar Rapids Prairie	6.82
Ian Moller	2021	C	Wahlert Catholic	7.06
Luke Farley	2015	OF	Waterloo Columbus Catholic	7.22
Peyton Williams	2019	1B	Johnston	7.39
Grant Judkins	2016	3B	Pella	7.57

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Infield Velocity

Player	Class	Pos	High School	MPH
Ryan Lillard	2014	SS	Urbandale	93
Sam Harris	2023	1B/OF	Urbandale	87
Grant Judkins	2016	3B	Pella	85
Peyton Williams	2019	1B	Johnston	81

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Outfield Velocity

Player	Class	Pos	High School	MPH
Tommy Specht	2022	OF	Wahlert Catholic	98
Sam Harris	2023	1B/OF	Urbandale	93
Levi Usher	2018	OF	Cedar Rapids Prairie	92
Josh Fitzgerald	2019	OF	Mason City Newman	89
Luke Farley	2015	OF	Wateloo Columbus Catholic	86
Trey Leonard	2017	OF	Cedar Rapids Washington	84

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Catcher Velocity

Player	Class	Pos	High School	MPH
Ian Moller	2021	C	Wahlert Catholic	83
Joel Thompson	2017	C	Council Bluffs Lewis Central	82

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Catcher Pop Time

Player	Class	Pos	High School	Pop Time
Ian Moller	2021	C	Wahlert Catholic	1.82
Joel Thompson	2017	C	Council Bluffs Lewis Central	2.00

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Max Exit Velocity

Player	Class	Pos	High School	MPH
Sam Harris	2023	1B/OF	Urbandale	105.8
Ian Moller	2021	C	Wahlert Catholic	101.6
Peyton Williams	2019	1B	Johnston	100
Tommy Specht	2022	OF	Wahlert Catholic	99.7
Trey Leonard	2017	OF	Cedar Rapids Washington	92
Ryan Lillard	2014	SS	Urbandale	92
Joel Thompson	2017	C	Council Bluffs Lewis Central	92
Luke Farley	2015	OF	Waterloo Columbus Catholic	91
Josh Fitzgerald	2019	OF	Mason City Newman	89
Levi Usher	2018	OF	Cedar Rapids Prairie	87
Grant Judkins	2016	3B	Pella	87

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Max Fastball Velocity

Player	Class	Pos	High School	MPH
Tyler Lewis	2018	RHP	WDM Valley	95
Jackson Wentworth	2021	RHP	Waukee	94
Connor Van Scoyoc	2018	RHP	Cedar Rapids Jefferson	92
Jack Dreyer	2017	LHP	Johnston	91
Harrison Cook	2019	RHP	Cedar Rapids Prairie	91
Kole Kampen	2016	LHP	Fort Dodge	90
John Swanda	2017	RHP	Des Moines Roosevelt	90
Clayton Nettleton	2018	RHP	Davenport West	90
Chris Comito	2015	RHP	Norwalk	89