The Director's List: FL-GA-TN
March 3, 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.
FLORIDA
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Jake Richardson OF / Melbourne, FL / 2023Richardson’s elite athleticism is sure to draw plenty of interest from college coaches, and he put together a strong showing at the PBR Florida Preseason All-State. High-waisted at 5-foot-10, 175-pounds, there is some bounce to his defensive play, and he posted a 6.69 60-yard dash time on a slower track on a cold day. Adding to his impressive toolset, Richardson also unleashed throws up to 86 mph from the outfield before belting balls with upwards of 95 mph exit velocities. The right-handed hitter utilizes a somewhat segmented load that includes a larger leg hang before the hands coil with the bat wrapping into a power-position. From there, he quickly sends the barrel flat through the zone, catching the ball out front at his best while also demonstrating a willingness to work to the opposite field. Given his speed and ability to drive the ball with minimal effort, Richardson is clearly an outfielder that college coaches will want to circle as a player to follow in the summer.
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+ RHP John Abraham, Jesuit HS, FL
+ SS Alex Brazer, Riverview HS, FL
+ OF Rhyder Poppell, Florida State University School, FL
TENNESSEE
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Cannon Rice RHP / Rossview , TN / 2023Rankings StateRank: 40 / POS: 12
There is some late violence to Rice’s delivery that could prove uncomfortable for hitters at the next level, which holds plenty of value when evaluating his upside. Equipped with a quick, whippy arm, the 5-foot-11, 185-pound right-hander was up to 90 mph in a preseason bullpen for PBR Tennessee, and should see steady gains in the velocity department moving forward. Adding to his allure, Rice confidently spins a sharper slider for strikes (79-82) and kills spin on what might develop into a power changeup (81-83). Beyond all of the raw tools, Rice is not scared to attack the zone, and his confident mound presence will likely help assist college coaches in valuing his future potential.
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+ LHP Tanner Lane, Goodpasture HS, TN
+ RHP Jacob Conquest, Greenbrier HS, TN
+ RHP/SS Braxton Orr, CPA, TN
+ RHP Andrew Moore, CAK, TN
+ CIF Aaron Moffitt, Livingston Academy, TN
+ C Houston Clark, Beech HS, TN
+ RHP Zachary Hernandez, Lincoln County HS, TN
+ RHP Trent Miller, Greenbrier HS, TN
+ SS Pete Daniel, Ensworth HS, TN
GEORGIA
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Colin Houck SS / RHP / Parkview, GA / 2023Houck is hardly a secret on the national stage, and also holds plenty of offers as a quarterback at one of Georgia’s premier programs, Parkview High School. An elite athlete with a 6-foot-2, 185-pound frame that continues to become more physical, Houck has excelled early on in the spring with the power potential that was once dreamed of starting to come to fruition. Balanced in his approach with some present ability to turn the barrel, the thought of Houck blossoming into a middle-of-the-order bat at the next level seems strong. A steady defender with confident hands, Houck likely sticks on the left side at the next level, and if he can stick at shortstop, that value jumps exponentially.
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+ RHP/3B Ethan Sutton, Allatoona HS, GA
+ OF Kaleb Cost, Sandy Creek HS, GA
+ LHP Brayden May, Whitefield Academy, GA
+ RHP Bo Rhudy, Gordon Lee HS, GA
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