Alabama Preseason All State: Quick Hits

Preseason All State Quick Hits:

The Preseason All State was held at the new turf at the Top Gun indoor facility in Leeds on Sunday, January 20. While the temperature outside was bitterly cold, the talent inside certainly warmed things up. There was some very impressive talent that showcased their abilities in front of the college coaches and professional scouts in attendance. Below are just some of the standouts from the event:

Drew Nix (2019, 3B/RHP, Hartselle) 6’1 234 lbs- a two way player at the event that showed some juice at the plate (91 mph exit velo off of a tee) and showed solid glove work during drills. Was even more impressive on the mound with an electric FB up to 86 and a tight breaking ball with depth.

Daniel Swatek (2019, 3B/RHP, Hoover) 6’0 200 lbs- another two way standout that was impressive at the event. Solidly built with legit core strength, the ball really jumps off of the barrel. On the mound, he showed clean mechanics with a FB up to 85 and easily located his off speed stuff.

John Michael Riley (2019, RHP/OF, Bob Jones) 5’11 188 lbs- an athletic two way guy coming off an All State season in football as a WR. His exit velocity off of a tee was the highest at the event (97 mph) and was fluid during defensive work. His work on the mound was what really turned heads as his FB seemed to explode out of his hand and was up to 87 mph with nice shape to his breaking ball.

Grayson Bray (2019, RHP/OF, Hartselle) 5’11 190 lbs- the Montevallo signee was everything as advertised as he went through the event as a two way guy. Make no mistake about it, his future is on the mound in college as he sat 85-86 mph and topped at 87 mph with his fastball. His secondary stuff is also considered “plus” with a well shaped breaking ball with tight rotation.

Luke Davis (2019, RHP, Glenwood) 6’4 200 lbs- the Samford signee was impressive on the mound and really showed command of all pitches during his short stint. With a fastball up to 84 mph on the day, his changeup showed nice tumble and he commanded both sides of the plate with both of his breaking balls (curveball and slider).

Reese Morrison (2020, RHP/SS, Cleburne County) 6’1 192 lbs- an electric arm who sat 85-86 mph and topped at 87 mph with the fastball. His 2 seam really showed serious ASR and mixed in a nice changeup and slider as well. Clean, natural mechanics. Already has some nice offers and those should increase in the near future.

Dylan Johnston (2020, C, Athens) 6’2 185 lbs- impressive junior catcher that is very athletic. Showed nice feel behind the plate and the ability to extend the plate for pitchers with solid, natural actions. Pop times ranged from 1.92- 2.06 on the day. Solid set up offensively showing gap to gap juice.

Trey Mooney (2021, RHP/3B, Oxford) 6’2 198 lbs- solid athletic frame and has nice actions defensively and showed some solid barrel during his BP but his future is on the mound. Nice, clean mechanics as it looks easy for him. His fastball sat 84-85 mph and topped at 86 mph with nice ASR, while showcasing a power slider. Can really command the zone.

Stone Lawless (2023, C/3B, Huntsville) 6’2 185 lbs- one of the youngest players at the event but really showed well for himself. Shows natural instincts and a solid defensive approach at 3B and C with some upper level juice in the bat for a player his age. Pop times were in the low 2.0’s with a clean transfer. A name to watch in the future.