ICYMI: Incoming UNLV Recruiting Classes

April 26, 2020
Brett Harrison
Nevada Scouting Director

We continued diving into the emerging trend of Nevada prospects choosing in-state programs with first year UNLV Assistant Coach, Cory Vanderhook. Today, we take a look at the current list of future Rebels that may be the catalyst to future top prospects choosing to stay within the Nevada state lines for their collegiate careers. These recruiting classes have been regarded as the best collection of local talent to choose the Scarlet and Gray in recent memory and PBR Nevada Scouting Director, Brett Harrison, gives his take on what each of these prospects will bring to the program in the coming years.

RYLAN CHARLES

OF / 1B / BISHOP MANOGUE CATHOLIC, NV / 2020

Scouting Director Notes

"The reigning Northern Nevada Player of the Year may be the most underrated prospect in this recruiting class. Rylan has a plus hit tool from the left side with power potential, 6.53 speed and has an accurate, above average arm from the outfield. A high level athlete that was a standout at the Northern Nevada Scout Day earlier this year and the Bishop Manogue product should have an opportunity to make an immediate impact for the Rebels next year."

ETHAN O'NEAL

RHP / OF / LIBERTY, NV / 2020

Scouting Director Notes

"Ethan has worked himself into one of the top arms in the state with a fastball touching the low 90's. At 6-foot-4, 175 pounds, you could expect velocity jumps to come as he adds strength and size to his frame. Don't be surprised to see this Liberty product in the Rebels rotation early in his career."

BRADLEY STONE

2B / SS / ARBOR VIEW, NV / 2020

Scouting Director Notes

"Brad will be a valuable asset to the Rebels with his high baseball IQ will as well as his ability to play any spot in the infield. He brings another potent bat from the left side to the UNLV lineup after hitting .407 as junior last year."

HUNTER KATSCHKE

OF / RHP / BASIC ACADEMY, NV / 2021

Scouting Director Notes

"Hunter comes in as the top ranked 2021 to choose the Rebels. This is a Swiss Army knife prospect has a legit hit tool with flashes of gap to gap power that shined through throughout the Fall season. He is also expected to be a big presence on the mound for UNLV with a potential power fastball that has already been up to 91 mph and a sharp curveball that has good shape with bite. This was a big pick up for Scarlet and Gray."

SANTINO PANARO

OF / BISHOP GORMAN, NV / 2021

Scouting Director Notes

"Santino brings a scrappy style of play to the Rebels using his elite level speed to amplify each part of his game. He is a fierce competitor that can spray the ball to all fields or drop down a bunt to keep the defense honest. The Bishop Gorman product will add another level of athleticism to the Rebels defense and you could expect some hits to be taken away from Rebel opponents with Panaro roaming out outfield."

SAMUEL SIMON

OF / RHP / CENTENNIAL, NV / 2021

Scouting Director Notes

"Sam is another two-way prospect that has the potential to make an immediate impact at UNLV. At 6-foot-3, 195 pounds, he brings a significant presence on the mound with a fastball up to 88 mph with seemingly more in the tank. The power on the mound also translates to the plate with big time power potential, evident by his 96 mph Exit Velocity. This is a prospect that could flourish under the UNLV staff."

GAVIN MEZ

C / 1B / BISHOP GORMAN, NV / 2021

Scouting Director Notes

"The #11 prospect in the class and recent UNLV commit brings a smooth left-handed stroke as well as an ability to play multiple positions in the field. His receiving has significantly improved behind the plate, allowing him to handle velo and plus secondary stuff. Mez adds to a stout arsenal of quality bats committed to play for the Rebels."

CHASE GALLEGOS

C / 3B / LIBERTY, NV / 2021

Scouting Director Notes

"Gallegos follows his Liberty teammate, Ethan O'Neal, to play for his hometown team. This is a high ceiling prospect that is a field general behind the dish and could also pick it as a corner infielder. He was off to a hot start for the Patriots, hitting .462 in the 5 games played this year and you could expect a similar performance from him next year."