Early Signing Period: Bandy and Broyles

November 13, 2015

By: Zac Bottoms
Arkansas Scouting Director

The NCAA early signing period started November 11^th, 2015 and will run through the 18^th. We expect to see several players from all corners of the state make their commitments official. Today we look at OF Thomas Broyles and MIF Luke Bandy as they both committed to Dallas Baptist University.

Luke Bandy, MIF/OF, Providence Academy
Bandy is a 6-foot, 175-pound middle infielder with an athletic frame and build. Bandy showed is athleticism running a 6.61 in the 60. Defensively he played through the baseball with solid actions, his hands are a bit stiff. He had a long exchange but really showed off his strong arm with accuracy. Offensively he attacked the baseball with fast bat speed and a slight uphill swing plane. He maintained good balance through to extension. Bandy is ranked No. 3 in the 2016 class and is the No.1 middle infielder in his class.

Thomas Broyles, OF, Fayetteville HS
Broyles is a 6-foot-1, 185-pound outfielder with an athletic frame and build. He showed off his premium speed running a 6.60 in the 60. Defensively he played through the ball with a smooth exchange and an average arm with accuracy. Offensively starts from an athletic stance, he has a smooth load. During his hand load he arm bars, causing his swing to be rotational, with some length the swing. He attacks the baseball with average bat speed. Overall Broyles is a great athlete with solid defensive skills and an offensive game that finds barrel on a consistent basis. He should develop into a quality collegiate outfielder. Broyles is ranked No. 21 in the 2016 rankings and is the ranked the No. 4 outfielder.

It is not uncommon for the Patriots to come into Arkansas and sign front line talent. In 2014 they signed RHP Eric White from Parkers Chapel High School who also was drafted by the Milwaukee Brewers in 31^st round.