Prep Baseball Report

Updated Tennessee 2021 Player Rankings (September)


Colton Provey
Tennessee Director of Scouting

The spring/summer have proved valuable for many 2021 prospects, with many names coming off the board to some of the top programs around the nation. Throughout the year we have traveled across the region to showcases and games. Today, we expand the rankings from 106 to 180 of the top prospects in the Tennessee class of 2021.  

That being said, we have had the pleasure of seeing a number of solid players this past year. Prospects are popping up left and right, making velocity jumps, improving 60-yard dash times and showing more power with the bat.

Below we will take a look at "The Newcomers”, “The Risers”, "The Sleepers" and some of the top uncommitted prospects by position.

To view the entire list of prospects please click here.

 

TOP NEWCOMERS (TOP 60)

With 78 total newcomers added to the 2020 rankings, we highlight the eight who broke the top 60 in the 2021 TN rankings. 

Vytas Valincius 3B / RHP / Baylor, TN / 2021

Previously ranked number one in Illinois, but transferred to Baylor HS during the summer.  Possess elite power and big-time upside.  The South Carolina commit settles in at #2 in the 2021 class.  

Andrew Kribbs 3B / C / CAK, TN / 2021

Right-handed hitting catcher w/ short compact swing and good bat speed.  Very solid defensively w/ gap-to-gap power at the dish. Committed to Tennessee.  

Daniel Dewey SS / RHP / Rockvale, TN / 2021

Standout arm at the Tennessee Underclass Games in late July.  A shortstop by trait, Dewey made strides on the bump, blossoming as a potential two-way prospect.  Showed good fastball at 86-89 and developing offspeed (CB: 67-69 CH: 74-76). Committed to MTSU shortly after Underclass Games. 

Trey Willis LHP / Loudon, TN / 2021

Willis made quite the impression at PBR Future Games this summer. Tall, projectable southpaw with natural stuff.  Has the ability to rack up strikeouts in bunches (2 IP | 4 K at Future Games). Good fastball at 82-84, but a devasting swing and miss 12/6 curveball at 67-69.  The #2 uncommitted LHP in the 2021 class.  

Andrew Ronne RHP / OF / McMinn County, TN / 2021

Ronne continued to build to resume this summer with eXposure North Prime.  Simple, repeatable motion w/ good rhythm and quick arm.  Consistently provides quality starts.  Committed to ETSU in January.  

Hudson Seigler C / 1B / Farragut, TN / 2021

The backstop prospect had a strong showing at Top Prospect Games in June.  Plays a well-rounded game and can make impact on both offensively and defensively. Posted top pop time on day 2 of TPG (1.97) and Exit Velo at 90 (T3).  Promising prospect who could continue to climb the board.  

Joseph Waters SS / 3B / Franklin, TN / 2021

Left-handed swinging shortstop had good performances at both Top Prospect Games and Tennessee Underclass Games this summer while battling through minor injury.  Soft hands w/ smooth transitions and projectable lefty bat.  Waters is just getting started as he heads into 2020 season. 

Riley George 2B / OF / Webb School of Knoxville, TN / 2021

The utilityman had a busy summer participating in Top Prospect Games and Underclass Games before receiving an invite for PBR Future Games.  With Team Tennessee, George continues to show tremendous value by being an advanced defender at multiple positions (2B/OF/3B) and stringing together quality at bats (3 for 6 | 6 Quality at bats in 7 PA).  Earned Team Tennessee Top Performer against Mid-Atlantic in Game 1.  

The Risers (Committed)

Peyton Smith RHP / 1B / East Robertson, TN / 2021

After a dominating season with East Robertson this past Spring, Smith continued to climb the board with his summer performance. Showed good command of three pitches with fastball climbing into the 90s, sharp breaking ball, and fading changeup. Climbed from 15 to 6 overall (+9). Committed to Vanderbilt in early September.  

James McCracken LHP / OF / Middle Tennessee Christian, TN / 2021

McCracken proved to be one of the top 2-way prospects this summer.  A rare skill set as a left-handed pitcher (Up to 89) and right-handed hitting outfielder, but was outstanding in both roles this summer with 615 Baseball Club.  Knack for barrel, racking up extra base hits in bunches and sweeping slider at 72-75 on the mound.  The Tennessee commit is certainly one to watch.  

Chase Burns RHP / 2B / Station Camp, TN / 2021

Burns sky-rocketed his stock this summer becoming one of the biggest risers in the 2021 class moving from 61 to 12 (+49). At Top Prospect Games in June, Burns was dominant at 86-90 w/ power slider at 77-80.  Burns also showed good feel for changeup (80-84).  The Tennessee commit looks to build off a great summer in 2020.  

Drew Beam RHP / Blackman, TN / 2021

The 6-foot-1, 175-pound right hander was dominant at the TBCA showcase in June.  In his scoreless two inning stint, Beam struck out 3 and allowed one base runner via walk. Beam worked 85-88 w/ a S/M breaking ball at 72-73.  Also showed some feel for changeup at 76-78.  Rose from 57 to 20 (+37).  Committed to Tennessee in late July.  

Austin Wooten LHP / OF / Stewarts Creek, TN / 2021

As a member of Team Tennessee at PBR Future Games, Wooten started game 1 against Mid-Atlantic.  The left hander kept hitters off balanced w/ mainly fastball/curveball combo.  Fastball worked 82-85 and 1/7 breaking ball was 71-73 w/ good depth.  Flashed changeup with good fade from RHH. Wooten climbed 29 spots moving from 75 to 46.  Committed to Army in early September.  

 

The Risers (Uncommitted)

Jared Vetetoe C / OF / Davidson Academy, TN / 2021

A projectable athlete with versatile skill set, Vetetoe posted a great summer in 2019.  A hybrid LHH catcher/outfielder showed great speed tool, bat speed, and arm strength. Hit a towering homerun at Top Prospect Games in June, then followed up with strong performance at PBR Future Games (2 for 5 | 3 SB | 3 R | 2 RBIs).  Also pitched a scoreless inning, topping at 87.  The #2 uncommitted prospect rose from 23 to 13 (+10).  

Michael Dallas SS / RHP / Briarcrest Christian, TN / 2021

Another PBR Future Games standout established himself as the top uncommitted shortstop in the 2021 class.  Great hit tool and good pop paired w/ strong arm and sure-handed defense.  Posted Top INF Velo and Exit Velo for Team Tennessee in August. Also had two outings on the mound, topping at 88.  Dallas proves to be an impact player, rising from 24 to 14 (+10).   

Pierre Seals OF / 3B / Houston, TN / 2021

Seals stood out this summer at Wow Factor Scout Day before receiving an invite to PBR Future Games.  The #1 uncommitted outfielder showed great physicality and advanced approach at the plate.  With Team Tennessee, Seals logged a hit in all three games (3 for 6 | 5 Quality at bats in 7 PA) and impressed during the showcase w/ his easy gap-to-gap power and strong arm from the OF.  A must-see prospect heading into 2020 rose from 26 to 16 (+10).    

Luke Ellis LHP / OF / St Benedict at Auburndale, TN / 2021

The #1 uncommitted left-hander in the 2021 class continues to make strides on the mound.  His fastball climbed to 87 this summer plus feel for 72-74 mph slider and 80-81 mph changeup.  The southpaw jumped from 36 to 21 (+15).  

Colton Regen RHP / OF / Mount Juliet , TN / 2021

Regen had solid outing at the TBCA showcase in June before receiving an invite to PBR Future Games. For Team Tennessee, Regen shined while tossing two scoreless innings (4 K | 0 H | 1 BB). The outing against Missouri earned him Team Tennessee Top Performer of the Day.  Fastball worked 85-88 and good command of 70-72 mini-hammer. Rose from 53 to 25 (+28).

Andrew Yu C / 2B / Ensworth, TN / 2021

The biggest riser in the 2021 class (79 à27, +52) excelled at PBR Future Games.  Yu posted a top 5 pop time for the event (1.88-1.97) to go w/ advanced receiving and offensive upside (2 for 4 | 3 R).  The most polished true catcher in the class w/ good knowledge of the game.  Certainly a player to watch in 2020.  

Gates Shoemaker C / OF / The Baylor School, TN / 2021

Skilled lefty bat who sneaks his way into the top 50 (62 à49, +13). Showed the ability to hit for average and power throughout the summer and continues to make strides behind the dish.  The Baylor product is a left-handed stick to follow in 2020. 

Spencer Williams SS / 2B / Heritage, TN / 2021

The switch-hitting shortstop had a strong Top Prospect Games in June earning him the nod for Team Tennessee at PBR Future Games. Offensively, shows more pop from the left side, but has a knack for producing runs from both sides of the dish. Williams climbs from 82 to 58 (+24). 

 

Uncommitted Sleepers (60-120)

Ben Ivey SS / 2B / Christ Presbyterian Academy, TN / 2021

The Top Prospect Games participant breaks into the 2021 rankings after a good summer.  The 5-foot-9, 150-pound prospect showed to be a rangy, advanced defender at all three infield positions and a table setter at the top of the lineup.  

William Zebick RHP / 3B / Tullahoma, TN / 2021

The Tullahoma product had a solid Top Prospect Games in June, but continued to improve as the summer wore on. Fastball was consistent 81-84 this summer to go w/ 65-66 12/6 curveball and 68-70 changeup.  Zebick’s developed a 10/4 slider at 74-76, which looks to be his best secondary pitch.  Very intriguing prospect if he makes another jump.  

Ethan Harden OF / LHP / Battle Ground Academy, TN / 2021

A right-handed hitting, left-handed throwing two-way prospect showcased well at both Top Prospect Games and Underclass Games.  On the mound, Harden was consistently 80-82, top 84 w/ good feel for 1/7 curveball at 71-74.  At the plate, possess good bat speed and gap-to-gap pop from right side. A sleeper heading into 2020.  

Daniel Sherman C / 3B / Franklin, TN / 2021

Arguably the MVP of the Tennessee Underclass Games, Sherman impressed going 3 for 4 w/ hard contact each at bat and posting a top 4 event pop time (1.99-2.04).  Sherman is not a showcase all-star, but is a gamer w/ good offensive production. A solid grab at the next level.  

Avery Collins C / Greeneville, TN / 2021

A switch-hitting catcher from East Tennessee had a good TBCA showcase in June.  Collins went 3 for 4 during the event w/ a triple and two singles.  Solid catcher who will look to crack the top 100 in 2020.  

Cody Wheeley 1B / RHP / David Crockett, TN / 2021

The left-handed hitting first baseman logged 19 extra base hits this spring (10 2B | 4 3B | 5 HR) for David Crockett HS.  Good gap-to-gap power w/ high average launch angle. If he continues to make strides offensively, Wheeley has the ability to get extra base hits in bunches.  

 

Under the Radar | Uncommitted Gamers (120+)

Joshua Moss RHP / 1B / Goodpasture Christian , TN / 2021

The 6-foot-5, 170-pound Moss is a tall, long limb right hander who throws from a sidearm/Low 3/4 slot.  At Underclass Games, Moss sat 76-79, topping at 81 w/ some arm side sink complimented w/ good feel for sweeping curveball (67-69) and fading changeup (69-71). If Moss can iron out some kinks, he is a tough match up for opposing hitters.  

Corbin Sweatt RHP / 1B / Pope John Paul II, TN / 2021

Similar to Moss, Sweat is towering on the mound (6-6, 197 lbs) and throws from a funky 3/4 slot.  At Underclass Games, fastball worked 76-79, w/ curveball at 70-71 and changeup at 71-73. Reports have him in the low-80s, but he often struggles with his command.  With that being said, Sweatt proved to be an escape artist pitching out of trouble in various occasions.  Sweatt can be a force if he’s able to fine-tune his craft.  

John Tomlinson LHP / LHP / Lebanon, TN / 2021

The 6-foot-1, 140-pound Tomlinson is a wiry, high-waisted southpaw, who showed good pitchability at Top Prospect Games.  One the bump, he has a quiet, repeatable delivery w/ good arm speed from a low 3/4 slot. Fastball was 74-76 to go w/ a sweeping curveball (64-65) and changeup (72-73).  Potential velocity jump if he limits drop-n-drive w/ lower half, however, showed promise w/ command and tunneling 3-pitch mix.  

Blake Hale C / 3B / Webb School of Knoxville, TN / 2021

The 5-foot-6, 165-pound catcher flashed some promising tools at Top Prospect Games in June.  Hale’s arm strength stood out behind the dish logging the best C Velo at TPG (83 mph). Plus a solid exit velo at 81, indicating some pop potential, but Hale looks to become more physical this offseason to help his offensive/defensive production. Hale is a solid catch and throw backstop w/ potential.  

 

TOP UNCOMMITTED PROSPECTS BY POSITION

RHP: Jay Dill | James Sells | Caleb Warta | Colton Regen | Zach McWilliams | Jalen Wirtz |

LHP: Luke Ellis | Trey Willis | Logan Rushing | Garrett Sims | Matthew Wrinkle |

OF: Pierre Seals | Brendan Jones | Kyle Magrans | Nathan Barksdale | Carson Chavies |

MINF: Michael Dallas | Kaelan Culpepper | Shane Cox Jr | Cameron Lee | Joseph Waters |

CINF: Tyler Harrington | Bryson Trammell | Ty Bailey | Logen Sutton | Sawyer Watts |

Catchers: Jared Vetetoe | Andrew Yu | Blake Barton | Jackson Cauthron | Hudson Seigler |

Sleepers: Chris Campanella (RHP) | Cade Reynolds (1B) | Richmond Roberts (1B) | Ben Ivey (SS/2B) | William Zebick (RHP) | Jackson Marbet (CINF/RHP) | Gavin Baxter (SS) | Caden Rector (OF) | Cory Francis (LHP) | Adam Quincy (LHP) |

 

Top 10

RANK   NAME STATE SCHOOL CLASS POS COMMITMENT
1 Daniel Corona TN The Baylor School 2021 SS Wake Forest
2 Vytas Valincius TN Baylor 2021 3B South Carolina
3 Ryan Ginther TN Station Camp 2021 LHP Vanderbilt
4 Cade Granzow TN Brentwood 2021 RHP Auburn
5 Nick Kurtz TN The Baylor School 2021 LHP Wake Forest
6 Peyton Smith TN East Robertson 2021 RHP Vanderbilt
7 Cooper Kinney TN The Baylor School 2021 3B South Carolina
8 Tayler Montiel TN Brentwood Academy 2021 LHP Mississippi State
9 James McCracken TN Middle Tennessee Christian 2021 LHP Tennessee
10 Elijah Galyon TN Seymour 2021 SS Kentucky

 

To view the entire list of prospects please click here.