The Deep South Invite was held on Sunday, October 14 at Auburn University as some of the top underclass players from the states of Alabama and Georgia came together for a big time fall event. Over the next few days we will look at some of the top performers from the state of Georgia. Today, let’s take a quick look at just a few of the standouts that jumped out at the event:

Preston Joye, (2020, SS, Fellowship Christian) 

Showed a compact strong build and good defensive actions. Joye is a heady defender and posses an accurate arm, with a quick release. Offensively the tightly wound Joye shows a balanced approach from both sides, with good feel for the barrel. He creates solid line drive contact, and good carry (the ball stays hit).

Ryan Spikes, (2021, RHP/2B, Alcovy)

Is a powerful young man in everything that he does. It is not yet clear which side of the ball will be his best, and there is a strong chance that is not decided until after college. On the mound Spikes shows a solid delivery with an arm stroke that has length and works clean. He also shows feel for spinning a breaking ball that already shows good shape. At the plate it is easy to see that Spikes is going to grow into nice power.  He has bat-speed and does not work too hard to create it. Ball jumps off the barrel even when he does not get all of it.  Look out for this one down the line. 

Dalton Strickland, (2020, OF, Loganville Christian)

Strickland is no stranger to PBR, and has proven his skills before, but this time out it was easy to see Strickland has spent time training.  He is physically stronger and has added power both on the mound and at the plate.  Strickland is very young for his grad year and the best may be yet to come for this RHP/OF prospect.

Rett Edwards, (2021, RHP, Model)

Edwards continues to impress, but you have to look deep to see where this thing is headed.  He is fearless on the mound and attacks hitters from the same slot, and when the ball arrives at that slot or window it is the first time the hitter is seeing the baseball.  Big deception, big competitor and big breaking ball, all packed into a medium framed build.

Tanner Folds, (2021, LHP, Senoroville)

Folds is a strongly built young LHP that is starting to come into his own on the bump.  He has always projected into a pitcher with a above average breaking ball, but that breaking ball is ahead of schedule.  He pitched this time out and was aggressive to the zone with his fastball/curveball combo. Easily the best outing we have seen from Folds thus far.

Geoffrey Watkins, (2020 RHP, Lassiter)

Power arm alert. Watkins is a lanky 6-foot-6 RHP with plenty of hand-speed. He attacked hitters and was aggressive to the zone with an upper-80's fastball.He also shows two-different looks to his breaking ball, and posses the ability to get strikes in the zone and out of the zone. This is a very interesting arm that needs to be watched closely, because he still has room to grow.

Will Pearson, (2020, RHP, North Oconee)

Pearson is an interesting arm and showed well in the Deep South. He has a nice build and posses big hands and fingers. He comes from a side-arm slot and flashes good hand side life and length to his slider. Side-arm slots are almost always a tougher look, but they are especially effective when you can make the ball go into and away from hitters.  Pearson shows this ability, along with projection to what he already has.

Chandler Hicks, (2020, OF, Alcovy)

Hicks posses an athletic frame and strong tools.  He shows arm strength and carry to his throws and moves well. He has the strong attributes of a good outfielder. Offensively Hicks did it in the game and during the showcase portion of the Deep South.  He showed good bat-speed in BP and a line drive stroke in live game action.

Jake Garner, (2021, RHP, Whitewater)

Garner is still a pup, but he has a long lean frame and his arm works pretty well. You have to look deep, but all the ingredients are here for this one to continue to come. He will have to put in the work, but you can't teach frame and loose actions on the mound. Look forward to seeing more of Garner in the future.

 

There were many other impressive players at the event from the state of Georgia. Over the next few days we will continue to spotlight more players from the event. Follow us on twitter at @PBRGeorgia and check out the content on our webpage (www.prepbaseballreport.com).

 

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