Top 10 Player Profiles: No. 4 Hayden Jones

3/30/18 Spring Scout Blog: #3 ranked player in the state, #55 ranked overall in the 2018 class, had half a dozen pro scouts in to see him make his first start of senior season. Frame looked stronger than last season, impressed behind the plate receiving, blocking and throwing, clearly is one of the top catchers in the country defensively with plus arm strength. Delivered 1.89-2.0 consistently between innings, backpicked and snap threw behind runners accurately all night. Showed athleticism and foot speed to block and recover tough pitches in the turf, held runners in check. Struggled at the plate, timing was a tick off with some length in the swing, just missed on a couple swings that normally drives to the gap for extra bases. Will continue to be a power LH bat at the catcher position. 

6/20/17 East Coast Pro Showcase: 6-foot, 200-pound athletic, stronger looking frame. Mississippi State commit is the No. 4 ranked catcher in all of the PBR states and it was easy to see why. Defensively he showcased as one of the best behind the plate offering good arm strength and a clean transfer before he accurately throws down to second base. A left-handed hitter with strength at the plate. Starts his swing from an open stance before using a fluid lower half weight shift for power and a toe tap for timing then strides back to being even. Finishes his swing with a two-handed follow through. Showed strength in his swing when he hit a homerun over the right field wall and can hit the ball to both sides of the field.

8/4/16 FUTURE GAMES: The 6-foot, 185-pound left-handed hitter was a more well-known commodity heading into the event, and he only solidified his status as one of the top uncommitted 2018 catchers in the country. Jones consistently fired sub 1.9 pop times with easy carry (83 mph) to second base. He also showcased a loose, athletic swing with pop and ran a 7.10 60.

2/28/16: The 6-foot, 185 pound receiver has moved into the top 5 of Indiana's 2018 rankings after his performance at the Winter Preview showcase last month.  One of the top catchers in the state of any class, Jones possesses advanced receiving skills with good footwork.  His arm is quick with a clean transfer.  At the event he produced pop times consistently between 1.88-1.93 and was 83 from the crouch.  Offensively, the left-handed hitter shows an advanced approach.  He hits from a slightly open, athletic stance.  His lower half is explosive and showcased quick bat speed with fluid rhythm. During his BP session he barreled up the baseball, making loud contact while displaying good power.