Colin
Houck

Mississippi State Commit. 6-foot-2, 195 pounds. Few players in the country have dealt with the type of pressure Houck has in the past year, as there’s been a magnifying glass on him from all 30 MLB teams since last summer. He’s passed every test with straight A’s since then, dominating both East Coast Pro and Area Codes despite coming straight off the football field from 7 on 7’s and long practices just to do it. Everyone knows about his near top of scale raw power and ability to hit for average vs top quality arms, but it's sometimes forgotten how wildly successful he’s been every step of the way while playing another physically grueling sport at the same time. This spring has been the first time his entire life he’s begun to focus on baseball only, and it's already paying huge dividends. Despite every team game planning for him and pitching around him, he hit 75 points higher (.487) than he did in his JR year. The rest of the numbers were just as impressive - .589 OBP, 8 HR, 16 SB, 56 R, 58 H, and 50 RBI in 40 games played. Video game numbers. His incredibly efficient swing mechanics and quiet actions allow him to find barrels on an entirely different level than most of the country, and his effortless bat speed allows him to barrel even the most dominant of FB’s like it's a walk in the park. Houck was only a few feet from the Parkview fan base going absolutely hysterical in this series, as he flew out to the wall in dead center with the bases loaded down 3. Although Game 1 wasn’t his best effort, he had an absolutely LEGENDARY Game 2. He not only crushed 2 balls and skied another, he made one of the best catches we’ve seen in a HS game. The ball was slicing to the line in shallow LF, and Colin made a superman-like grab that shocked the crowd. Although he didn’t end his career with another state championship, this is a top half of Rd 1 lock in July who has proven himself throughout the process.
 

Mississippi State Commit. 6-foot-2, 190 pounds. This is one of the safest bets in the draft long term, which is very uncommon to see with a HS player. But when you hit the best arms in the country consistently at every big event, you build a trustworthy track record with MLB teams. What’s even more impressive is that he dominated big events while still preparing to play football last summer, and wasn’t even getting the reps most other draft prospects in the country were. While other hitters were getting games and AB’s every single day, Houck was masterfully juggling his extensive responsibilities as a QB with going to the biggest baseball events in the country. From running an entire offense in 7 on 7’s one day, to barreling 94 mph the next. The most exciting part about Houck is how advanced the bat already is despite never being a full time baseball player in his life. This is a player with picture perfect swing mechanics that begin with an ideal lower half sink & perfect hip pace, then end with one of the most efficient swing paths in the country. Other than the special fast twitch fibers, what stands out most about Colin is how simplified and quiet he is at the plate. There’s not one flaw in the swing that would prevent him from being successful vs pro arms, and the only hitters you’ll find with this type of body control at the plate are either in or near MLB. He matches plane with ease, and eats big velo for breakfast. The approach and plate discipline are advanced, and help him work into advantageous counts on the regular. Against Brookwood he really showed he can be a SS long term, making every type of play from slow roller to rockets in the hole and up the middle. His body balance in uncomfortable positions and ability to change arm slots and maintain carry+accuracy on throws just shows what type of baller he is. My player comp+swing comp combo? Former MLB All-Star IF Mark Loretta

Mississippi State Commit. 6-foot-3, 200-pounds. It was, without a doubt, the summer of Colin Houck. From the PBR ProCase to the National Program Invitational, to East Coast Pro to Area Code Games, Houck delivered every step of the way and then some. It all culminated with his commitment to Mississippi State in August. There is an ease to the way that he plays the game, and with minimal effort to the way he creates bat speed, he is able to remain balanced while still creating high exit velocities. There is balance and controlled aggression to his swing with eye-opening ability to lift the baseball, and it is easy to envision big future power production. Houck brings some “it factor” to the diamond, and between his crisp defensive actions and big power potential, he might be the biggest helium candidate from the summer.

Houck’s moxie and makeup are sure to excite scouts, especially when considering his future power potential. A dual-sport prospect who doubles as a high-level D1 quarterback prospect, Houck holds all the attributes that college coaches and professional scouts crave, including immeasurable intangibles. The left side infielder kicked off the week at the NPI procase, turning in a 6.66 60-yard dash time before making the park look small with effortless power. Hardly breaking a sweat, and appearing to only just be getting loose, Houck turned the barrel with authority sending high majestic shots out of the park and deep to both gaps with exit velocities up to 104 mph with wood. There is balance and controlled aggression to his swing with eye-opening ability to lift the baseball, and it is easy to envision big future power production. In live at-bats, he wore a fastball off the rib cage like a champ, hardly flinching, and exhibiting the toughness that is expected from a two-sport star. He went 4-for-9 on the week with a pair of extra base hits, and left the NPI as one of the premier helium candidates in the class.

Uncommitted. 6-foot-2, 185-pound right-handed hitting shortstop, one of the top shortstops in the country, physical athletic build, projectable. Advanced bat across the board. Calm and collected in the box, good pitch recognition and feel for the zone. Can battle off pitches until he gets something he can handle. Whippy barrel and hand speed, can elevate and drive with huge amounts of force, registered a 105 mph exit velocity on a two run home run against Cherokee. Defensively, as solid as they come up the middle, natural instincts, more than enough arm strength.

Houck continued to show well as one of the top uncommitted players in the 2023 class. The quarterback prospect has a pristine, 6-foot-2, 185-pound frame that includes lean defined strength throughout. He is balanced at the plate from the right side with minimal movement while delivering strength through the zone (98 mph exit velocity) that includes intriguing power potential. The 6.9-runner has crisp actions at shortstop where he is sure-handed, and looks the part of a leader on the infield. His in-game at-bats were impressive and continued to exhibit upward progression, and his future as a left side of the infield prospect was reaffirmed with this Future Games performance.

One of the top uncommitted ‘23s in the state. Strong frame at 6-foot-2, 185 pounds. Moves well around the field. Compact swing at the plate with pull-side strength. Utilizes back leg in deep load. Hands are quick and smooth through the zone. Advanced action in the field and has the ability to play any infield position. 2020 Future Games participant that only continues to get better. High-level football recruit.

A familiar face around LakePoint this summer and fall, Houck appeared to really turn a corner this weekend facing competition mostly a year his elder. At 6-foot-1, 170-pounds he is physically advanced for his age and is still growing, displays athleticism throughout his entire game. Offensively, he sets up shoulder width apart with his weight displaced on his back leg, hands load back smoothly with a slight drop.  A gap-to-gap hitter, he has shown time and time again advanced bat speed and natural loft in his swing, allowing for him to elevate and drive the ball with force. Defensively he more than aptly holds down shortstop with smooth hands and quick release, plenty of arm strength to stick on the left-side. Given his present abilities and the physical maturation to come, the future is exciting for Houck.

6-foot-1, 170-pound right-handed hitting middle infielder, projectable athlete, emerging strength in frame. Offensively, balanced setup, loads weight onto back-side, hnds load back with some barrel wrap, short leg kick timing trigger, good balance through contact. Gap-to-gap type hitter, present bat speed, flashed the ability to drive the ball with force. With continued growth and reps, will consistently drive the ball and develop real pull-side pop.