Updated Class of 2027 Alabama Rankings

We've closed the book another successful high school spring and before we flip the page to the summer, our staff has updated and expanded the Class of 2027 Player Rankings. Our staff has been out in full-force covering games throughout the spring with nearly 200 games attended and over 100 teams seen during the high school season. Many prospects have boosted their stock over the course of the last few months and some new names have popped onto the recruiting scene.

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As always, the evaluation process is a fluid and ongoing process with multiple viewings in order to get the best feel for players abilities. It’s important to note that as players continue their development some show marked improvement at a much more rapid pace. That doesn’t indicate that other players got worse or went backwards, it’s just how player development works. As the year unfolds, players make improvements and new prospects pop up on the radar expanding the Prep Baseball rankings universe.  In addition to the evaluations of players, our scouts, both those in Alabama and nationally, have also had multiple discussions with each other to review our individual lists and then make adjustments based on what we've each seen. 

Below, you will find reports and video on the top-10, some notable risers and debuters inside the top-30, and more. To view the Class of 2027 Rankings, CLICK HERE.

The Top-10 in the Class of 2027

+ No. 1: RHP Jamarkius Smith (Reeltown, 2027)

From 2/29/24: " ... has firmly cemented himself as one of the top prep arms in the country in the young freshman class after a dominant showing on the circuit last summer. A Team Alabama alumni from last summer's PBR Junior Future Games, the right-hander seemingly stole the show in his nightcap and caught the attention of many college recruiters during his start against Team Florida, where he pumped 88-92 mph throughout his four innings of work while mixing in a devastating slider. Debuting as the top-ranked freshman in the 2027 class in Alabama a few months ago, our staff was able to see Smith in an extended viewing facing off against a higher classification program in a starting role. While he didn't have his best stuff or command on a cooler evening, the 6-foot-2, 150-pound multi-sport athlete still flashed electricity throughout the outing, touching 91 mph early on while sitting 87-90 mph throughout the first couple of innings with wavering command and settled 85-87 mph in his fourth inning of work. Generating tons of arm-side run and life, Smith utilizes a true 3/4 arm slot that possesses tons of whip and arm speed. Smith may be widely known for his electric fastball, but what separates him apart from others at the top of his class is his slider, which is arguably one of the best secondary pitches in the country in his class. Ranging 73-77 mph throughout, the offering possesses tons of late bite and horizontal shape, and was able to be landed in the strike zone when needing a called strike, while also being able to be thrown off the plate for chase. The pitch will only continue to get better as he starts throwing the slider with the same intent as the fastball, but it's already a current plus offering for a player of his age. He also turned over a couple of changeups in the upper-70's, and looks to still be developing the feel for it. The upside is immense for Smith, and certainly is going to be a name to monitor closely over the next few years. He finished going 3.1 IP, 3 H, 4 R, 4 BB, & 9 K's on 72 pitches, 38 for strikes."

+ No. 2: RHP Andrew Bennett (Mobile Christian, 2027)

From 6/9/22: " ... was thoroughly impressive in his first PBR event showing some electric stuff stuff on the mound as a rising eighth-grader. Bennett stands a long and lanky 6-foot-1, 175-pounds with long limbs and will obviously carry much more strength as he grows and matures. In this look, the right-hander worked around the 85-86 mph range with his fastball and touched 87.4 mph on one of his first few pitches with spin near 2300 rpm. Bennett's ability to spin a sharp breaking ball at 74-75 mph with typical downward bite was equally as impressive, and posted spin up to 2600 rpm. Both spin metrics are both near the average for MLB pitchers. His long and slim frame paired with a fairly low-effort delivery definitely suggests for much more in the tank over the next five years."

+ No. 3: SS Rocco Maniscalco (Oxford, 2027)

From 5/3/24: " ... is one of the few underclassmen featured in a loaded lineup, but as a freshman he's still found a way to make a large impact on both sides of the ball competing against players much older than him and against some of the state's top competition. Listed at 6-foot-0, 180-pounds, the No. 6-ranked prospect in the 2027 class in Alabama has a chance to be a real special hitter down the road. A switch-hitter with ability from both sides, the physical hitter got off some big-time swings during the double-header when his team needed it facing pitcher sitting in the upper-80s. He possesses big upside at the plate with sizable power potential, but what stands out most right now is the maturity beyond his years. He carries himself like an upperclassmen and appears to have a chance to be one of the next big-time prospects coming out of the Oxford pipeline. Defensively, he's one of the top defenders in his class manning the hot corner, but can also move to the shortstop position and has played some catcher in the past. Definitely one to keep close tabs on in the coming years."

+ No. 4: SS JB Upton (Auburn, 2027)

From 3/9/24: " ... is another highly-ranked prospect featured inside the Tigers' order, but while Waldrop is in his final season at the prep level, Upton is just beginning his and is already making a sizable impact hidden at the bottom of the order. A standout from our AL/MS Border Battle this past fall and the No. 5 prospect in the 2027 class in AL, the freshman certainly possesses plenty of athletic ability and an advanced skill set, but what has stood out to our staff early is the professional approach and the maturity beyond his years. Not scared of playing in the highest level of competition the state of Alabama has to offer and on arguably one of the top programs statewide, it's clear the shortstop's best days are ahead of him. Getting in on the action during yesterday's offensive onslaught, Upton took numerous quality at-bat's and put together some quality swings with a single to show for in the box score. Listed at 6-foot-0, 180-pounds, Upton is a twitchy athlete with some present strength to build; possesses some ultra-quick hands for a player of his age. Can hit from both sides of the plate as a natural switch-hitter. Barrel works on an upward path through the zone with some ability to hit to all fields. Really athletic profile and is going to be a name to circle and follow for the next few years in the state of Alabama."

+ No. 5: OF Judson Harris (Gulf Shores, 2027)

From 1/7/24: "Uncommitted. 5-foot-11, 150-pounds. Athletic frame with lean strength and more coming. Currently regarded as the No. 3 prospect in the recently released 2026 rankings and AL and is top-100 nationally. If anyone was to rival Barrett from the most impressive day during the workout, it was certainly Harris, who put up some gaudy numbers across the board for a freshman. An elite multi-sport athlete who also served as the starting quarterback for Gulf Shores this fall, and helped lead them to a perfect 15-0 record and captured a Class 5A State Championship. Also plays basketball and runs track. Hits from an athletic right-handed stance and uses a controlled stride; possesses elite hand (25.1 mph avg.) and bat (78.3 mph) speed, per Blast Motion, and helps him deliver firm contact to all fields. Posted a top EV of 100.2 mph, which was second-best from the event. Line drive hitter currently with a chance to hit for higher volumes of power output in the future. Also impressive in other stations during the workout, where he recorded an OF velo of 90 mph and clocked a 7.00 60 YD. Athleticism translates to the mound, where he worked up to 85 mph and showed feel for spin. Uber-talented young freshman to follow closely over the next few years in AL."