Drew
Burress

Georgia Tech Commit.  It’s extremely tough to find a player with the perfect mix of tools and intangibles, but this is exactly what you’re getting with Drew. Whether he will sign or choose to take his talents to The Flats doesn’t matter, this is simply one of the lowest risk players in the class. As I’ve said before, instincts and baseball IQ are his biggest separators. They allow him to get incredible jumps in CF, wreak havoc on the basepaths, and read pitchers like a book. His elite IQ is like peanut butter and his instincts are like jelly, giving him a distinct advantage over everyone on the field. The impressive pitch recognition and plate discipline allow him to take the ideal amount of risk at the plate. I liken it to a cornerback who is dependable in coverage but knows just when to risk it for the pick. He’s going to hunt FB’s and will swing & miss at times, but the risks he takes typically produce at a satisfying clip in the form of XBH’s. Burress has no problem taking walks and using his speed to produce runs, which is why the whiff rates aren’t a concern to me. When he gets aggressive at the plate it isn’t just some meathead pull side approach, he will be aggressive on the outer half FB’s if the pitcher shows that tendency. I can understand why there are Clint Frazier comps being thrown around, but feel Burress separates himself there with a natural inside out swing that Frazier didn’t have at the same stage, A/AVG or better defense in CF, and much more arm strength. Drew won’t be drafted where Clint was in HS, but I feel extremely confident putting my money on him being a Rd 1-2 guy in college. He can be a big plus at a premium defensive position with an A/AVG glove and excellent arm strength+accuracy that has potential to lead the league in assists. You’ll get consistent power+speed production of 15-25 HR/SB and high OBP, making the peaks & valleys with the average obsolete. If a team decides to meet his number this July I feel it will be a good decision, as they are getting a carbon copy of Ramon Laureano who will bring the energy and toughness every day.

Georgia Tech Commit. 5 foot 9, 180 pounds. The 2022 PBR Georgia Player of the Year is going to have to prove it over and over again, but between the recent successes of older players with similar profiles, and a considerable track record of performing in games, Drew Burress is ready to carry the torch for “undersized is the new 6-4." The 5-foot-9, 180-pound right-handed hitter is rarely cheated, but always on time. Using a loose and compact swing, he regularly impacts the ball. He can whip the barrel through the zone with little effort and has an aggressive approach at the plate, maintaining excellent balance and using the whole field. Eliciting eye-opening power numbers this past spring, Burress continued his tear at the plate into the summer. it is impossible to ignore his elite bat-to-ball skill, and Burress is sure to gain the favor of scouts thanks to the exuberance and high baseball IQ that he brings to the diamond.

Georgia Tech commit. 5-foot-9, 180-pound right-handed hitting outfielder, strong, sturdy build, physical lower half, athletic. Wide, relaxed setup in the box, confident. Consistently gains extension through the zone with his swing, balls jumps off the bat, power to all fields. Smooth actons, whippy bat speed, good hand-eye, able to get his swing off against advanced pitching. Collected three hits, three runs batted in, and two runs scored in five at-bats against Madison Central (MS)

Burress is listed only at 5-foot-9, but he has present compact strength and tools that shine much bigger than his height. The right-handed hitter has advanced barrel control, and his ability to get on-plane early and get the barrel out while remaining compact to the frame is highly advanced for the class. Burress posted exit velocities up to 100 mph and unleashed throws from the outfield at 96 mph, all while exuding an aura of confidence that allows those big tools to play up even more. He worked loudly from gap to gap with impressive bat speed, and while his frame might be shorter, the power he packs into each swing is both controlled and mighty.

One of the top hitters in the 2023 class, had a big first game at the tournament. 5-foot-8, 175-pound right-handed hitting third baseman and outfielder, strong, athletic build. Has confidence in the box beyond his age, open setup, hands start high dropping and extending back on load, strides to a balanced position. Has power to all fields, whips the barrel through contact, strong wrists/hands allow for him to easily drive the ball. Has an advanced feel and foundation for hitting, has a high ceiling and will only get better and better with time. In his first two at-bats of the Georgia Dugout Club Tournament roped a two-strike line drive double to right field. Followed that up by turning on one for a solo HR over the left field fence, 96 exit velocity.    

Plus bat with surprising pop; does not get cheated at the plate. Has advanced athleticism that profiles well in the OF. Solid all-around player that will be an exciting follow.