Spring Preview: Friendswood High School

February 2, 2017

By Toby Bicknell
Texas Scouting Director

School: Friendswood High School
Head Coach: Steve Hecker
Conference: 24-6A
2016 Finish: 17-12/10-4 (T-2nd)
Playoff Run: Bi-District
2017 Ranking: To be updated upon release

players to watch

+ Rylan Kaufman, 2017, LHP (San Jacinto JC commit)
+ Brandon Deskins, 2018, LHP (Tulane commit)
+ Bradley Wilcott, 2018, RHP
+ Jacob Crain, 2017, RHP
+ Justin Waller, 2017, 2B
+ Ryan Vera, 2018, LHP
+ Calvin Whitaker, 2018, C/3B
+ J.T. Manbeck, 2018, RHP (Army West Point)
+ Marcus Huerta, 2019, SS
+ Jake Revere, 2017, C
+ Trace Mertel, 2017, 3B

season preview

Friendswood High School could have one of the best pitching staffs in the Houston area this season. The Mustangs return a stable of arms that is at least six strong, with three potential starters leading the way. Senior left-hander Rylan Kaufman, a San Jacinto commit, stands 6-foot-3, 190-pounds with a projectable frame. In Jupiter this fall, Kaufman was 86-88 mph with clean arm action and a smooth, repeatable delivery. Junior left-hander Brandon Deskins is a Tulane commit that stands 6-feet tall with a 150-pound wiry frame. Deskins is currently ranked #76 in the Texas 2018 Top 100 and was 85-87 mph with whip-like arm action late this fall. Bradley Wilcott, a right-handed uncommitted junior, will add to the mix of the rotation. Look for senior Jacob Crain, along with juniors Ryan Vera and J.T. Manbeck to garner valuable innings and round out a solid pitching staff.

The Mustangs return four starters on defense, led by uncommitted senior Justin Waller. Waller, a second baseman, hit .340 last year, earning him a 2nd Team All District selection. Sophomore shortstop Marcus Huerta returns, as does senior third baseman Trace Mertel. Two catchers are back, including senior Jake Revere and catcher/third baseman Calvin Whitaker. Look for juniors Thad Horman, Seth Barber and Nick Smith to add depth in the line-up at their respective positions. With all of this experience and talent, look for Friendswood to make some noise in a very competitive district.