Preseason Power25 Countdown: No 25 George Jenkins High School

January 7, 2019
Doug Freeman
Florida Scouting Director

Leading up to the start of the high school season, we will count down the Top 25 preseason teams every day as part of our comprehensive season coverage:

INF Brenden Vern

Team: George Jenkins
Preseason Rank: 25
2018 Record: 26-4
FHSAA Class: 8A
Head Coach: Alex Angulo
Playoff Run: Lost in State Semifinal
Returning Starters: 6

TOP PLAYERS
Name, Position, Class (College Commitment)
Daniel Batcher, LHP, 2019 (West Virginia)
Jacob Herbert, C, 2019 (State College of Florida)
Cooper Haskell, RHP, 2019 (Embry Riddle)
Taylor Buffington, OF, 2019
Brenden Vern, INF, 2020

X-FACTOR
Newcomers. Michael Ross & Brenden Vern -- 2 players up from JV last year who should make an immediate impact. While Batcher will carry the load on the hill and Herbert at the plate, and there is 10 total seniors, the newcomers could make the biggest difference.

KEY PLAYERS LOST
Brandon Howlett (Boston Red Sox)
Brady Allen (South Carolina)
Brandt Sundean (Florida Gulf Coast)
Matthew Warren (Florida Southern)

OUTLOOK
Jenkins will look to replace two draft picks from last year's squad in Howlett & Allen. Jenkins does still have First Team All State selection Daniel Batcher back for his senior year, as well as four year starter Jacob Herbert. Embry Riddle commit Cooper Haskell will be looked to to add big time innings on the mound as well. Herbert will be the anchor in the lineup. Jenkins will look to replace the power lost with the graduations of Howlett, Allen and Sundean with speed. Taylor Buffington has above average speed and will offer premier speed on the bases and premier defense in center field. Jenkins will look to two guys coming from the JV ranks, Brenden Vern and Michael Ross, to bring an immediate impact. Vern will be a middle of the lineup bat while Ross will provide quality innings on the mound. Coming off of a state run in 2018, Jenkins will still field a lot of talent and should remain a very competitive squad and come in at No 25 in our Preseason Power25. Make sure to follow @pbrflorida on Twitter for the most up-to-date coverage throughout the season.