Florida ProCase Preview: 3B Cole Russo
May 20, 2020
The PBR ProCase has been a staple of the Prep Baseball Report's pro coverage over the last 17 years. The event has become one of the more high-powered pro showcases in the state and has seen multiple high draft picks in year’s past. There have been four players drafted in the top five rounds of the MLB Draft to have attended the Florida ProCase in previous years. The biggest of them all was Mason Denaburg, who was taken in the 1st round of the 2018 draft by the Washington Nationals. Another ProCase alum was Freddy Tarnok. He was selected by the Atlanta Braves in the 3rd round of the 2017 draft. Sam McMillan attended the first Florida ProCase in 2016. He was selected in the 5th round of the 2017 draft by the Detroit Tigers. And just last year, Tyler Callihan was selected in the 3rd round of the 2019 draft by the Cincinnati Reds.
The 2020 Florida ProCase will take place Friday, May 29th at Jackie Robinson Ballpark in Daytona, Florida. The event will feature a pro-style workout followed by simulated gameplay that we will be broadcasting live on Twitter. Starting today, we will be spotlighting each of the players that will be in attendance at the 2020 Florida ProCase.
If you still wish to attend the 2020 Florida ProCase you can request your invite and register HERE.
First up is 2021 3B Cole Russo (Jesuit). Cole was a member of Team Florida at the 2019 PBR Future Games and committed to UCF shortly after the event. He was a key part to Jesuit’s 9-0 start in 2020. Cole ranks No. 29 in the PBR Florida Class of 2021 rankings.
3B Cole Russo
UPCOMING EVENTS
| SHOWCASE | STATE | DATE | LOCATION |
| High-Speed Video Add-On | FL | 05/21 | |
| PBR Florida Showcase Pass | FL | 05/17 | |
| Southeast Summer Kick-Off | FL | 05/26 | Panama City Beach Complex |
| JR Southeast Summer Kick-Off | FL | 05/27 | Panama City Beach Complex |
| Florida ProCase 2020 | FL | 05/29 | Jackie Robinson Ballpark |
| Florida Summer Kick-Off | FL | 05/30 | Jackie Robinson Ballpark |
| Upperclass Games - Stetson | FL | 06/09 | Melching Stadium - Stetson |
| Underclass Games - UCF | FL | 06/10 | John Euliano Park - UCF |
| Upperclass Games - USF | FL | 06/23 | USF Stadium |
| Underclass Games Tampa - USF | FL | 06/24 | USF Stadium |
| PBR Florida American Classic | FL | 07/02 | Alex Rodriguez Park - University of Miami |
| Underclass Games - Jacksonville | FL | 07/08 | John Sessions Stadium - Jacksonville University |
| Underclass Games Miami - FIU | FL | 07/14 | Florida International University |
| All-State Games 2020 | FL | 07/18 | IMG Academy |
| Southeast Unsigned Senior Games | FL | 07/27 | LakePoint Sports |
| 2020 PBR Future Games (Florida Invite) | FL | 07/29 | LakePoint Sports |
| PBR Junior Future Games | NATIONAL | 07/29 | LakePoint Sports |
| Improve My Profile with Game Video (Florida) | FL | 02/26 |
Scouting Report
The Jesuit 3B showed advanced barrel ability and plus bat speed in his big frame all week. He really impressed in BP from the left side with a short, but violent stroke. Has great leverage and lag in the swing, and the ball jumps off the barrel. Quickness in the bat is elite. Uses simple, quiet approach and sprays the ball to all fields with carry. On defense, he showcased active feet with above average hands. The arm was 77-81 across the infield. Defense is solid enough that he’ll stick at 3B with his above average hit tool and power potential. Registered an exit velocity of 93.
Uncommitted. Currently stands at 6-foot-1, 205 pounds with a solid, stocky frame. Stood out offensively where he starts from a wide base from the left side with a small leg kick for his load, looking to drive the ball into the gaps and make hard contact. Takes a smart at-bat and fouls off the tough pitches, staying in the count. During the game Russo took a ball on the outside corner the other way, driving a ball through the SS/3B hole for a single. Has some juice to the pull side as well.