South Alabama Select: Quick Hits

South Alabama Select: Quick Hits

The South Alabama Select was held at the University of South Alabama on Sunday, October 28 for the 2019- 2022 classes. There were some very talented players on hand which made for a very competitive day. Just some of the standouts were:

Michael Hopkinson (2021, SS/3B, Faith Academy) Smooth actions on the IF and really showed a solid offensive approach with a solid gap to gap approach during BP and really worked at bats during the game.

Jayden Sloan (2019, 2B/SS, Brewbaker Technology Magnet) It’s obvious this guy just loves to play the game. Solidly built middle infielder (projects as a 2B) that makes every play in the dirt and has some pop at the plate. Plenty of speed and is very instinctive. The second time we have seen him and he is just a player.

Nathaniel Trey Rutledge (2019, SS, Shades Valley) big time athlete that can play a multitude of positions (MIF/OF) with serious bat speed and quick hands at the plate. Hit balls all over the place in BP and game play. Also had the web gem of the day on a diving play in CF.

Peyton Cowart (2020, C/3B, Faith Academy) Catcher with solid receiving skills and has plenty of arm strength behind the dish. Did a great job on balls in the dirt. His offensive approach was advanced as he continually showed plus juice to the RC gap. Had a 3B in game play.

Austin Embrey (2020, C/3B, Russell County) The second time we have seen him in two weeks and he impressed even more. A truly elite defender behind the plate with serious catch and throw skills (1.78-1.88 pop times). Was more offensive at this event and created some juice with a solid lower half. Colleges looking for that elite level catcher- this is your guy.

Tyler Bell (2020, RHP/C, Baker) A physical player that was good in all aspects of the event showing a solid gap to gap approach with plenty of pop and plenty of skills as a catcher behind the plate. He finished the day up to 87 on the mound. Will bring a lot to wherever he goes after high school.

Hunter Redding (2019, RHP/2B, Mobile Christian School) The second time we have seen him and he was lights out during the game with a FB up to 84 with serious ASR and a late breaking CB in the low 70’s that he showed the ability to bury in the zone. Loved that he got the ball and was on the rubber ready for the next pitch (worked very fast). Knows how to pitch!

Zack Henderson (2020, RHP/3B, Russell County) A physical kid with a plus arm and quick transfer in the IF. Creates good separation at the plate with plus bat speed created juice off the barrel. Showed an 83 mph FB on the mound with sink. Really battles!

Bryant Andrews (2020, 3B/OF, Faith Academy) Another physical high ceiling player. Plenty of arm strength across the diamond from 3B and does a good job incorporating his lower half at the plate created big time pull side pop. Has some serious juice at the plate.

Drew Druckemniller (2021, RHP/OF, Faith Academy) Second time we have seen him in two weeks and he was impressive once again. FB was up to 85 mph with ASR and he showed a curveball with good form and tight spin at 73-75 mph. Seems to be a bulldog on the mound.

Jackson Lee (2020, RHP/1B, Bayside) An interesting 2020 arm to follow. Big kid (6’3 230 lbs.) that attacks hitters from a submarine arm slot and really throws everything with movement. Up to 79 on the mound but don’t let that velocity fool you. The movement is real!!!! ASR on the FB and the CB at 69-70 is very late and has tight side to side movement.

Jacob Cravey (2020, RHP/1B, Andalusia) The big 6’6 RHP was up to 86 mph with the FB and created down plane with the pitch. Showed 3 additional pitches (CB at 61-65, CH at 73-74 and a slider at 72 mph). Very projectible RHP with some bright days ahead. Also showed big time pull juice during BP but on the mound is where he projects.

Cameron Snypes (2021, 1B/OF, UMS- Wright) Another impressive day at his second event. Has plenty of defensive skills at 1B and the OF but he excels at the plate. Continued to barrel balls in BP and in game play. Really stays through the zone and creates backspin off of the bat.