By Justin Burgess
Florida Area Scout

The release of the Class of 2018 rankings in Florida shows that the talent in the state is as strong as ever and should remain so for a while. Highlighted with lefty arms that are approaching the upper 80s, athletes who can run and play stellar defense, and some serious power bats, this class does not come up short in covering the five tools.

This group is also represented by all areas of Florida with a healthy mix coming from the north, south, and central portions of the state. To top it all off, five of the top 10 freshmen are already committed to SEC and ACC schools, proving that even the college coaches are noticing this talented group.

Our No. 1 player in the class of 2018 is Doug Nikhazy (West Orange HS, FL). Nikhazy is a left-handed pitcher who is committed to Ole Miss and played for Team USA last summer. He already sits in the 84-86 mph range with his fastball and has sharp curve with good depth. Nikhazy can also handle the bat, as he also is a DH in a powerful West Orange lineup.

Right behind Nikhazy is Christian Robinson (Viera HS, FL), who is a strong, athletic outfielder and is committed to Florida. At 6-foot-3, 195 pounds, Robinson possesses five-tool potential and is really fun to watch. His speed and power combination should keep him around the top of the class for the next few years and possibly competing with Nikhazy for the No. 1 spot.

Third in our rankings is a polished shortstop from Jacksonville whose left-handed bat may be the strongest in the class at this point. Alec Sanchez (Providence HS, FL) is committed to Florida State and has proven over and over again why he is one of the best players in the state. He has faced some of the best arms in the state and shown that he is fearless by facing guys who are two or three years older than him and producing with advanced power for his age, evidenced by him doubling off of the No. 1 2016 in the state, Austin Bergner, earlier this year.

The rest of the top 10 includesLHP Jonathan Gates (Nature Coast Tech HS, FL), RHP/C Mason Denaburg (Merritt Island HS, FL), 1B/LHP Chase Sanguinetti (Tampa Prep, FL), OF Kendrick Calilao (The First Academy, FL), C Charles Welch (Northside Christian HS, FL), and middle infielders Kristofer Armstrong (Benjamin School, FL) and Xavier Edwards (Trinity Christian Academy, FL).

A look at the Top 10:

Rank	Name	State	School	Class	Pos	Commitment
1	Doug Nikhazy	FL	West Orange	2018	LHP	Mississippi
2	Christian Robinson	FL	Viera	2018	OF	Florida
3	Alec Sanchez	FL	Providence	2018	SS	Florida State
4	Jonathan Gates	FL	Nature Coast Tech	2018	LHP
5	Mason Denaburg	FL	Merrit Island	2018	C
6	Chase Sanguinetti	FL	Tampa Prep	2018	1B	Florida State
7	Kendrick Calilao	FL	The First Academy	2018	OF
8	Charles Welch	FL	Northside Christian	2018	C	South Carolina
9	Kristofer Armstrong	FL	Benjamin	2018	RHP
10	Xavier Edwards	FL	Trinity Christian Academy	2018	SS

 
CLICK HERE to view the complete Top 25 Florida 2018 Rankings