The Director's List: Deep South
March 2, 2022
Each year, as March 1 approaches, the calls start coming in from college coaches with the same ask to all of PBR’s scouting directors: who do we NEED to see? Yes, those coaches are rarely ill prepared, and likely come in with a strong sense of which players they are targeting, but nevertheless, they value our staff’s opinion and deep knowledge of individuals, and are always looking to uncover hidden gems. In an effort to streamline that process, and make it even easier for college coaches to identify those “spring follows”, the need for On the Hunt: Follow List became paramount.
After many conversations with the numerous boots-on-the-ground staff, as well as my own looks, notes, and discoveries, this comprehensive list will hopefully serve to give uncommitted players an even greater opportunity to be seen by college coaches. While write ups and stories will continue throughout the spring, we have an open line of communication to discuss players in further detail, and will gladly help any college coaches looking for certain positions/players.
The initial rollout focuses on the 2023 class as it heads into the final summer circuit in hopes of giving many coaches a headstart on building a track record throughout the spring.
One caveat: although the list is broken down into regional pairings, many if not all of the players are willing to go to schools anywhere in the country. In some instances, talent has been overlooked or over scouted locally, and those players might end up flourishing away from home.
LOUISIANA
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Hayden Robinson RHP / SS / Berwick, LA / 2023Rankings StateRank: 23 / POS: 6
Robinson’s smooth operation was on display at the PBR Future Games last summer where he showcased a quick arm and wiry-athletic frame. Listed at 5-foot-11, 165-pounds, the right-hander has continued to trend up in subsequent months as the velocity has ticked up close to 90 mph, and a sharper slider has been developed. Robinson’s innate ability to pound the strike zone stands out, along with his aggressive intent in attacking that zone, as does his upside as the frame continues to fill out.
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+ SS/RHP Alex Dupuy, Natchitoches Central HS, LA
+ SS/RHP Bryce Leonard, Ascension Catholic, LA
+ Util. Luke Benoit, Sulphur HS, LA
+ OF Jaydun Colbert, Southside HS, LA
+ OF Colton Harrison, St. Thomas Moore HS, LA
ALABAMA
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Ryan Strachan 3B / RHP / Sparkman, AL / 2023Rankings StateRank: 17 / POS: 2
Up to 90 mph (2533 rpm), Strachan clearly showcased an ability to backspin the baseball with more premium velocity, and his 6-foot-3, 205-pound durable frame looks like it might produce even more in the future. A two-way player with some pop from the right side, Strachan only threw one inning at the Future Games, so the quick look might have blended in with 500+ of the country’s top uncommitted underclassmen, so finding him featured so highly on the Hop+ score allowed for a closer look (and still more looks in the future).
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+ RHP Chris Billingsley, Bibb County HS, AL
+ OF Pierce Dutton, Spanish Fort HS, AL
+ RHP Jonathan Stevens, Briarwood Christian HS, AL
+ C Brady McAbee, Northridge HS, AL
MISSISSIPPI
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TJ Dunsford 3B / RHP / East Central, MS / 2023Dunsford’s physicality as a potential middle-of-the-order run-producer is what is likely to intrigue college coaches the most. The physical, 6-foot, 205-pounder carries plenty of confidence into the box where he swings a heavy barrel from the right side with plenty of future power potential. Unafraid at the plate, he gets off swings with controlled aggression, and there is some ability to change planes and adjust from pitch to pitch. Overall, Dunsford’s production, moving forward, will help drive his value in the eyes of college coaches.
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+ C Duncan Mathews, Jackson Prep, MS
+ 3B Rett Johnson, East Union HS, MS
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