Prep Baseball Report

Prospect Watch - Carrollton Trojans


Phil Kerber
Georgia Scouting Director

The spring season has begun in Georgia with tryouts recently taking place throughout the state. As part of PBR's coverage, we will be heading out this spring to cover games during the high school season, providing scouting reports, game recaps, Power25 rankings, and more. To prime our audience for that, we will be taking a look at just some of the standout prospects we have seen in our short, yet event filled time in Georgia. Today, we take a look at the Carrollton Trojans. Carrollton have a loaded 2021 class that they will lean heavily upon this spring. The Trojans will go as far as these prospects are able to take them. We profile five of their varsity members ahead of the 2020 spring season.

Carrollton Trojans

Samuel Simpson RHP / 3B / Carrollton, GA / 2021

A South Carolina commit, Simpson will be the front line starter for the Trojans this spring, and for good reason. The right-handed hitter has the ability to run his fastball up into the low-90s while sitting comfortably in the 87-89 range. With an a loose arm and effortless delivery, there is no reason to think that Simpson will not continue to add more and more velocity as he strengthens his 6-foot-1, 160-pound frame. Simpson's feel and composure on the mound are advanced for his age. he utilizes two breaking balls and has an understanding of when and where. When needed, he will flip one over for a strike, and then other times, he can ramp it up and add spin to make it a true swing and miss pitch. Every start this spring will be a must see for this electric pitcher.

Garrett Madliak C / 3B / Carrollton, GA / 2021

A Georgia commit, Garrett "Bear" Madliak will no doubt be at the forefront of the Carrollton offense this spring. A broad, strong 5-foot-10, 170-pounds, Madliak possesses advanced strength especially in his lower half. He uses this strength well in his offensive approach, where he looks to use the left-side of the field to elevate the ball and drive it with force. The swing path works short to and long through the zone, creating leverage and power with easy hand speed. Pitchers should be wary around Madliak this spring, big things lie ahead.

Eli Runyan LHP / OF / Carrollton , GA / 2021

A South Alabama commit, Runyan is a true two-way talent. Whether he ends up as a primary left-handed pitcher or outfielder remains to be seen. On the mound, he works up into the mid-80s with all kinds of life, achieving arm-side run and sink. What really may set him apart is his slider. Runyan gets good power on the pitch and knows when and how to use it, sweeping it over for strikes or burying it for swing and misses. Offensively, listed as switch-hitter, will hit from the left-side more times than not. With quick, athletic hands, he is able to barrel the ball up and effectively use the gaps. Once the ball is in play, Runyan turns the jets on and hunts for the extra bases. A superb athlete, expectations will be high for the switch-hitting southpaw.

 

Parker Willis SS / 2B / Carrollton , GA / 2021

Willis will have an opportunity this spring to man the middle of the infield for the Trojans. A lean athlete at 5-foot-10, 145-pounds, his physical development is nowhere near done, and added strength will play a big role in his progression. Presently a line drive hitter, we have seen Willis use the whole field. He does a good job of shifting his weight through contact, aiding in his ability to generate power, despite his size. Defensively, he is savvy and possesses a high IQ, seemingly always in the right place at the right time. Look for Willis to step up and make big contributions this spring when given the chance.

Colton Cosper LHP / 1B / Carrollton , GA / 2021

Last, but certainly not least, will be the "ace" of the staff, LHP Colton Cosper. Cosper had a monstrous sophomore campaign where he won 10 games and posted a 1.72 ERA. A crafty lefty, his best days are still ahead of him as he fills out his lean, lanky 6-foot-1, 160-pound frame. He approaches the game like you would want any front line starter to, in an emotionless, business-like manner. Using a short arm action, Cosper attacks out of a 3/4 slot, adding deception to his mid-80s fastball. He complements this with a slider that features short lateral movement. A highly competitive player, there is no doubt we will see more of the same this spring from Cosper.

Related Content