2019 Top Underclass Games - Catcher Preview

July 20, 2019
Brandon Hall
North Carolina Director of Scouting

On Tuesday, July 23rd, PBR will host the top players from across NC in the 2019 Top Underclass Games at UNC. In it’s first two years, the Underclass Games have seen 40 players commit to their college destination, with still a majority of the event’s players still in high school. This year’s roster is again loaded with talent from across North Carolina. Players will go through a pro-style workout, showcasing on both the offensive and defensive end. After the workout, players will compete in a modified scrimmage with live pitchers throwing to hitters.

Throughout the day, PBR will be on hand to collect and verify player statistics, add player evaluations through the PBR scouting staff, and add professionally cut video to each player’s PBR Profile. PBR is the most trusted scouting service in the country with schools from across North Carolina, and the country, subscribing for the information.

*College coaches and pro scouts in attendance will receive the scout book and lunch as part of their attendance.

Player Rosters: CLICK HERE for Rosters Assignments and Players Scheduled to Attend

NC Top Underclass Games – Catchers

The state of NC has been blessed with deep catching classes in each of the last two years. As we begin to look at the 2021 and 2022 classes, it is obvious to see this trend should continue. The 2019 Top Underclass Games will feature several of the up and coming backstops to keep an eye on. Below are just a few that will dot rosters on Tuesday July 23^rd at UNC.

Bryan Arendt C / 3B / Holly Springs , NC / 2021

Rankings StateRank: 19 / POS: 3

One of the top athletes in the 2021 class... Pop time as low as 1.90 in a workout... Has run a 6.83 for PBR... Exit velocity up to 90... Chance to set the Event Record with arm strength from behind the dish, having already touched 84 out of the crouch... Will be with Team Carolina at the PBR Future Games.

Luke Johnson C / 2B / Southwest Guilford, NC / 2021

Rankings StateRank: 60 / POS: 9

2.00 pop time in workouts with a positional velo of 75 out of the crouch... Exit velo up to 86... Twitchy quickness present.

Peter Maldonado C / RHP / Heritage, NC / 2021

Rankings StateRank: 66 / POS: 11

Athletic with some feel for the barrel. Has added strength to his frame in the last year... Baseball player with feel for the game... Potential break out potential at the Underclass Games with the growth he has made in the last year.

Brendan Burke C / 1B / Panther Creek, NC / 2021

2.10 pop time in a workout... 88 exit velocity off the bat... Left handed hitter has strength in the barrel working to be flat through contact.

Jax Gerrell C / 3B / Grays Creek, NC / 2021

Rankings StateRank: 74 / POS: 13

2.00 pop time in a workout... 85 exit velocity off the barrel... Solid fundamentally with a chance to play above his tools as he continues to develop.

Brooks Brannon C / OF / Randleman, NC / 2022

Rankings StateRank: 22 / POS: 3

Handled the duties behind the dish as a FR for Randleman on their run to the state tilte series... Solid receiver... Quick release with accuracy... Simple approach as a hitter with a high barrel feel.

Garrett Clapsaddle C / OF / Christ School, NC / 2021

Rankings StateRank: 61 / POS: 10

7.07 sixty for PBR... 2.05 workout pop time... 84 exit velocity that should increase as he has added strength to a slender frame... Handled a good pitching staff at Christ School this past spring.

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Jeb Despard C / 1B / Marvin Ridge, NC / 2021

Rankings StateRank: 24 / POS: 5

One of the more physical players in the 2021 class. Chance to provide loud thump in the order. Big arm from behind the dish.