The 2016 Ohio Recruiting Trail
January 1, 2017
By Jordan Chiero and Dylan Hefflinger
PBR Ohio Scouting Director and Ohio Editor in Chief/NW Scout
Below we have the latest commitments from the Buckeye State. Underneath the most recent commitments we have a running list of commitments for the 2017, 2018 and 2019 classes. If you have committed or know someone who has committed please tweet at us or send an email to Jordan Chiero so that we can highlight your accomplishment.
To view the updated 2017 class please click here.
Also please take a look at the 2018 rankings and 2019 rankings.
Interested in attending a PBR Ohio event? Check out our schedule by clicking here.
2016 Recruiting News
Prospects On the Trail
Updates: on the recruiting trail from December 2016
Jase Bowen, SS, Toledo Central Catholic, 2019
Interest From: Michigan, Michigan State, Western Michigan, Duke, Ohio, Toledo
Visited: Michigan, Michigan State
Visits Planned: Duke, Western Michigan, Ohio
Jared Burick, OF/RHP, Tallmadge, 2018
Interest From: Ohio, Toledo, Buffalo, Kent State
Visited: Ohio
Prospects OFF the Trail
Updates: Off the recruiting trail from December 2016
Jack Frank, OF, Strongsville, 2019
Commitment: Michigan State
Background: The top ranked position player in the 2019 class. The top performer at the 2019 Top Prospect Games and the only 2019 position player to represent Team Ohio at the 2016 Top Prospect Games. His tools at the plate and in the outfield are far advanced for his age. At the plate the lefty has electric bat speed and has consistently produced against the top arms in the state and midwest. Has easy gap to gap pop with power potential. In the outfield he takes excellent routes and has shown 87 mph arm strength to home plate. Skill set is ideal for the centerfield position and plays at either corner spot.
Marcus Ernst, INF/RHP, Dublin Coffman, 2018
Commitment: Ohio State
Background: The No. 21st ranked prospect in the 2018 class. Ernst was a 2016 Top Prospect Games top performer and a Future Game invitee. A smooth swinging lefty whose offensive game translates to the next level. Creates a mechanical advantage and large margin of error throughout well timed, and efficient movements. Ball comes off his bat well and has shown the ability to hit high-level pitching. Puts together solid at bats and has obvious feel for the strike zone. Defensive skill set translates best to second base and is athletic enough to play the outfield if need be. On the mound he has a low to mid-80s fastball with clean arm action and solid feel for his secondary stuff. His abilities as a position player are what garnered most attention from college scouts, but it wouldn’t be out of the questions for him to get a look on the mound as well. A three sport athlete at Dublin Coffman that could really take off once he becomes a baseball only athlete.
Rhett Gipe, C, Newton, 2017
Commitment: Northwood (MI)
Background: A 2016 Top Prospect Games participant that has a very solid skill set behind the plate and great frame for the position. He has the skill set and characteristics to stay behind the plate. Shows touch on the ball and has an accurate arm. Top velocity of 80 mph with pop times ranging between 1.86 to 1.92. Athleticism also shows well in the outfield. Reached a top velocity of 86 mph on his throws. At the plate he has room to grow mechanically but has the tools to produce at the next level.