Marcus
Smith

Physical: Impressive blend of strength / athleticism in a solid 5-foot-10, 180-pound frame. University of Cincinnati commit / 6.71 runner in the 60-yard dash. 

Offensively: RHH. Balanced and controlled, even setup as the hands started with rhythmic circular motion above the shoulder. Utilized a lift and replace stride with not too much extra going on in the swing in order to initiate a short and efficient, flat barrel path into the hitting zone. Generated plenty of lift matching plane early and often with high level swing patterns, was able to create natural backspin to the pull-side showcasing natural gap to gap prowess during batting practice. Dealt damage when he got the hands out towards the front of the plate and rode them through towards extension, physical lower half led the swing with impressive ground power / rotational acceleration (29.7 G’s of force created per Blast Motion). Had no issues turning on the inner half with a 26.50 mph peak hand speed, recorded a top bat-exit velocity of 96 mph according to Trackman Baseball. Profiles as a no doubt impact bat in a collegiate lineup with a multitude of different offensive tools. 

Defensively: The primary shortstop featured a low center of gravity with smooth actions while approaching the baseball off of his left side. Made the play on the run with ease and ranged in either direction with comfortability to finish the play regardless of the runner. Picked out the hop he wanted and got downhill through the fielding window, soft glove hand with above average funneling technique, advanced catch and throw skills across the diamond out of a high ¾ slot. INF - 81 mph

Physical: High level athleticism in a well put together, 5-foot-10, 180-pound frame. 6.96 60-yard dash runner. University of Cincinnati commit.    

Offensively: RHH. Wide, balanced stance with the hands starting loose at the ear upon setup. Utilized a repeatable lift and replace stride to initiate a lightning quick, slightly uphill barrel path into the hitting zone. The ball jumped off of a short, precise swing at the front of the plate with advanced hand speed and a feel for the pull side during batting practice. Above average usage of the hands created the ability to stay on the offspeed pitch and shoot it the other way in game action. Recorded a top of 98 mph bat-exit velocity per Trackman Baseball and a max distance of 373 feet. Notched an impressive 26.50 mph peak hand speed according to Blast Baseball, further evidencing the freakish athleticism he possesses in the box. 

Defensively: The primary shortstop displayed well above average feel for the glove while beating the ball with consistency to the spot with advanced lateral movements and a sub 4.15 pace in the middle. Understood when to play aggressively and come through the ball or when to stay back and get a better hop which allowed for smooth actions through the fielding window. Recorded an accurate, high ¾ arm with carry across the diamond and should stick on the left side moving forward. Made the play on the run with ease throwing from multiple arm angles. SS - 88 mph … The outfielder showcased a quick first step to either direction and range in space as he covered plenty of ground during defensive evaluations. Was able to get around balls in the gap and play hard through balls hit on the ground while fielding off of the left side of his body. Utilized flawless transitions allowing a whippy high ¾ arm-strength to play with advanced strength from his position. OF - 86 mph

Smith oozes athleticism from his 5-foot-10 170 pound frame. Consistently a sub 7.0 runner (6.89) with foot speed that plays in game action. Offensively- Spread, event setup in the box with quiet pre-pitch actions. Explodes on contact while sitting deep over his backside; line drives that can find the gap with some present pop that will continue to develop. Had tough at-bats early on but during the final day for NJ singled off a 91 MPH FB through the middle and deposited an opposite field HR. Defensively - Flashed above average hands up the middle with range; accurate arm. Overall athleticism could allow for outfield play over the long term as well. 

An athletic 5-foot-10, 168 pounds build. Ran a 6.65 in the 60 yard dash. Offensively- sets up in the box in a wide stance with loose hands. Direct path to the ball. Displayed plus bat speed. Projects for more power as he continues to develop at the college level. Hard consistent contact during the hitting portion. Top exit velocity was 92 MPH. Defensively- displayed active footwork and actions during the infield portion. Get in a good position when attacking the baseball. Smooth and quick funnel action. Quick release with low effort on throws across the infield. Top throwing velocity was 82 MPH. The 2021 SS is a must follow going forward.

Proportional, athletic frame with strong, lean build. 5-foot-10, 168-pounds. Offensively – Sets up in wide, balanced stance with upright posture and slight knee bend. Hands show loose, relaxed movement to sync up with lower half as he gets into leg lift and stride. Highly athletic swing with advanced bat speed. Allows hips to open up first and generate significant torque in core. Stays compact, keeps hands inside of the ball. Barrel snaps thru the zone with a smooth, level path. High finish after contact with lift. Projects to add more power in future with additional strength. Defensively – Light on his feet with noticeable bounce in his step. Flashes balanced, controlled defensive actions with agility when moving laterally. Keeps upper body stacked over glove hand when funneling. Quick exchange into short, compact arm action with high ¾ release. Projects to stick in the INF at the next level. Overall, high level prospect with impressive combination of skill and physical tools.

The 2021 middle infield prospect really impressed at our February 21st event at the House of Sports event; ran a 7.00 60 yard dash showing off fast-twitch and athleticism. Offensively -  at the place we used a semi crouched stance that's wide, hands relaxed above his back shoulder, barrel is parallel to the ground. On the pitch weight shifts to his backside, smooth load short and compact, direct to the ball with a slight uphill consistent path, 87 mph exit velocity and it's low effort. Defensively- very active lower half, glides to the ball, extremely loose quick hands out in front, fast funnel, transfer to his hand is quick to a high 3/4 release, the arm strength is just average right now but expect that to really climb as he gets more physically mature, just a really good looking middle infield prospect with all the right tools already in place.