North Carolina Draft Preview

The 2019 MLB Draft will take place June 3-5. To get you ready, Prep Baseball Report is releasing state previews with notes on high school draft prospects in its comprehensive coverage area. For more information on the prospects included in the High School Draft 100, click on the links to the players’ profiles to view comments, news and videos.

HIGH SCHOOL DRAFT 100 PROSPECTS
Blake Walston, LHP, New Hanover HS, NC (North Carolina State)

OTHERS TO WATCH: RHP Matt Willadsen (Holly Springs HS, NC) came out of the basketball gym this spring having increased his arm strength while maintaining feel for four pitches. At 6-foot-3, 165 pounds, he has an ideal frame for adding strength. He is stable over the rubber with a loose arm swing and he easily repeats his delivery. The fastball was 88-91 mph for most of the spring, touching 92. He is committed to North Carolina State. RHP Isaiah Bennett (Pine Forest HS, NC) missed the season after needing Tommy John surgery last summer. His progression through the rehabilitation process has been very positive and he threw some bullpens for scouts late. His commitment to North Carolina is strong, but he remains very intriguing with his projection and having flashed 92 prior to the injury. LHP Chris Villaman (Ledford HS, NC) had an up and down spring, as his velocity was solid for much of the spring, but the slider he flashed at the North Carolina ProCase was not quite game ready and inconsistent. Development of secondary offerings remains a question for the 6-foot-2, 205-pound North Carolina State recruit. RHP Brett Banks (Garner Magnet HS, NC) possesses an athletic and strong frame at 6-foot-3, 193 pounds. The fastball jumps out of his hand with a quick arm at 89-91 and he flashes an above average slider in bullpen sessions, but is still learning to pitch with it. He pitched with some pressure early in the spring and worked through some command issues, but seemed to get dialed in as the spring progressed. 1B Nick Neal (Randleman HS, NC) gained national attention at the PBR Future Games in August, then reclassified back to the 2019 class. The 6-foot-6, 290-pounder is a good athlete with quickness, even at his size. Known for prodigious power, he pit that on display this spring, though he did show more swing-and-miss tendencies as well. He is committed to Walters State CC. OF/1B Andre White Jr. (Vance HS, NC) is a potential hidden nugget that some scouts may have uncovered this spring. After moving to North Carolina in the fall, he set a state record with a .684 batting average this spring. He stands at 6-foot-2, 230 pounds with athleticism, especially in the box where he is balanced with strength and quickness. He recently committed to North Carolina Central.

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