The Five: 5 2019 Signees with Immediate Impact Potential

As the winter holiday season approaches, players at the college level are working through finals and receiving their winter workout books from their staff.  High school players are beginning their throwing programs and getting back into the cages as we all wait for fields to dry from the recent wet weather.  It is also a time we can begin to project to the future.  The 2019 class has begun to sign their letters of intent, making their commitments official.  Who out of the 2019 class will be ready to make an immediate impact when they set foot on campus.

The article below is taking the pro drat out of the equation.  As we learn each and every year, players continue to grow through their senior seasons.  Some take big steps forward and the MLB Draft becomes inevitable while others may remain status quo, making their arrival on campus almost expected.  Our staff will continue to prep for the MLB Draft throughout the spring and some of these players will be definite follows for us and MLB Scouts.

In recent weeks we have covered the college signing period extensively.  You can see all the coverage in these links:

CLICK HERE to see the top signing classes in North Carolina

CLICK HERE to see the DI Private School Classes from NC

CLICK HERE to see the DI Public School Classes from NC

CLICK HERE to see the DII, DIII, and JUCO Classes of note from NC

The Five

Four of the five prospects ready to make an impact at the next level are pitchers.  This is fairly common as there is more opportunity for pitchers early in their career, and several different roles pitchers can make an immediate impact.  When compiling this list we are looking at players that may have a high ceiling, but are within a fall semester of contributing to the team they have committed to.

Chris Villaman (LHP, Ledford HS) is an athletic lefty that has feel for a fastball that has been up to 93.  The secondary stuff is still developing and he has played with some different combinations on his breaking ball, but the athleticism, arm stroke, and arm speed suggest he will make quick gains with his secondary stuff at the next level.  Villaman is ranked No. 1 in North Carolina's 2019 class and is scheduled to attend NC State next fall.