2026 Rankings Update - The Tool Shed
November 29, 2022
A proper introduction to the 2026 class is incomplete without an initial analysis of the best tools from top to bottom. As we are evaluating 14-15 year old players, projecting on their future skill sets is important. It helps us put together a list of preference in our baseball libraries to work from so we can make the correct adjustments in the updates to come, and to closely monitor player progression. Also keep in mind that we have not seen everybody in the class, and for the most part we’ve seen only a few games each of the players below.
Talent will continue to pop up out of nowhere, as that’s a very fun part of scouting in the Peach State. There will be no grading of players in this article or of the 2026 class for the next year at least, due to their ages and lack of experience versus elite HS arms/bats. Below are some introductory rankings containing the current and future tools of Georgia’s 2026 Class. There are separate sections for both position players and pitchers. Many players I love narrowly missed out in certain categories. No matter what, don’t be discouraged and it's okay to disagree, use it as motivation. Enjoy!
‘26 SS Cameron Jackson(@GBSARays) legit switchy w/ advanced actions offensively & defensively. Patient approach, looks to drive up pitch counts. Good lower half momentum w/ hips in stride, repeats launch, gaining ground allows him to make contact in front of plate. Rotates well! pic.twitter.com/PAfTPv07hK
— Justin Goetz (@JGoetzPBR) July 17, 2022
1. Cam Jackson SS, GA Premier. Separators - Defensive Actions, Swing Mechanics, Frame.
2. Trevor Condon OF, Etowah. Separators - Dual Sport, Run, Twitch.
3. Keon Johnson SS, FPD. Separators - Bat Speed, Raw Pwr, Swing Mechanics, Arm.
4. Deion Cole OF, Etowah. Separators - Swing Mechanics, Change of Direction, Accel+Decel.
5. Bubba Coleman SS, Buford. Separators - Bat Speed, Swing Mechanics, Twitch, Footwork.
6. Marcus Ward OF, Kings Ridge. Separators - Run, Swing Mechanics, Frame/Build.
7. Taylor Fuller SS, Holy Innocents. Separators - Bat 2 Ball, Run, Arm Strength.
8. Branson Crawford C/RHP, Gainesville. Separators - Catch & Throw, Arm Strength, Twitch.
9. Ty Tillery RHP, Morgan Co. Separators - Frame, Arm Speed, Delivery.
10. Reece Grodeman SS/RHP, Model. Separators - Swing Mech, Raw Power, Arm Speed.
Hit for Average
What drove 2026 @bubbacoleman6 to commit to @LSUbaseball so early?
— LakePoint Sports (@LakePointSports) April 27, 2022
The @SmarTenseBsbl infielder takes @coryjmccartney inside his decision, and the advice that helps him cope with failure on the field.@prepbaseball | @PBRGeorgia pic.twitter.com/zGFIEWgz0a
1. Bubba Coleman SS, Buford. Separators - Bat 2 Ball, Reaction Time, Timing, No Fear.
2. Deion Cole OF, Etowah. Separators - Pitch Rec, Approach, Plate Discipline, Strength, IQ.
3. Keon Johnson SS, FPD. Separators - Pitch Rec, Reaction Time, Dynamic Path, Bat Spd.
4. Tyler VanSumeren OF, Tift Co. Separators - Bat 2 Ball, Timing, Bat Speed, Swing Path.
5. Taylor Fuller SS, Holy Innocents. Separators - Bat 2 Ball, Approach, Bat Speed, Pitch Rec.
6. Cam Jackson SS, Georgia Premier. Separators - Approach, Swing Path, Repeatability.
7. Trevor Condon OF, Etowah. Separators - Bat 2 Ball, Twitch, Reaction Time, Competitive.
8. Colton Sweat SS, West Forsyth. Separators - Swing Path, Approach, Baseball IQ.
9. Dawson Vaughn 3B, Gainesville. Separators - Swing Path, Approach, Pitch Recognition.
10A. Marcus Ward OF, Kings Ridge. Separators - Bat 2 Ball, Baseball IQ, Twitch.
10B. Jeb Craven OF/RHP, Wayne Co. Separators - Twitch, Bat 2 Ball, Swing Mech+Path.
10C. Matthew Kerrigan LHP/OF, Valwood Prep. Separators - Bat 2 Ball, Approach, Timing.
Raw Power
Our #1 2026 Keon Johnson (@FPDVikingSports) out at @PBRGeorgia Mercer!
— Justin Goetz (@JGoetzPBR) November 21, 2022
Definition of advanced.
✅ Body Control
✅ Perfect Sequence
✅ Hip Pace/Clearance, attacking stride
✅ Separation Timing, Torque @ landing
✅ Manipulates Path
✅ Bat Spd+Strength@ShooterHunt @prepbaseball pic.twitter.com/eNpR5C5fX3
1. Keon Johnson SS, FPD.Separators - Bat Speed, Torque, Twitch, Aggressiveness.
2. Reece Grodeman SS, Model. Separators - Leverage, Bat Speed, Lofty Path, Projection.
3. Trey Robbins LHP/1B, Whitewater. Separators - Physical Strength, Bat Strength, Frame.
4. Deion Cole OF, Etowah. Separators - Swing Path, Bat Strength, Build, Lower Half Mech.
5. Taylor Fuller SS, Holy Innocents. Separators - Bat Speed, Separation Timing, Twitch.
6. Jonathan Granby OF, Fellowship Christian. Separators - Swing Path, Bat Strength, Frame.
7. Bubba Coleman SS, Buford. Separators - Timing, Bat Speed, Manipulates Path.
8. Hudson Reed 3B, Morgan Co. Separators - Bat Strength, Frame, Aggressiveness.
9. Duncan Lavelle 3B, South Forsyth. Separators - Physical Strength, Bat Speed, Twitch.
10A. Taylor Casson OF, Westlake. Separators - Projection, Lofty Path, Leverage.
10B. Matthew Sharman RHP/SS, Etowah. Separators - Frame, Lofty Path, Leverage.
10C. Matthew Kerrigan LHP/OF, Valwood Prep. Separators - Bat Speed, Swing Path, Proj.
Run
?????? ??????: ???@SmarTenseBsbl's @TrevorCondon8 (@EtowahBaseball) lost his lid while cruising to an inside-the-park home run.@prepbaseball | @PBRGeorgia pic.twitter.com/j9IMN94x51
— LakePoint Sports (@LakePointSports) April 23, 2022
1. Trevor Condon OF, Etowah. 6.83 (1.7 10 yd), 20.5 mph.
2. Marcus Ward OF, Kings Ridge. 6.92 (1.7 10 yd), 19.9 mph.
3. Jordan Walker OF, Hillgrove. 6.94 (1.68 10 yd), 19.9 mph.
4. Taylor Fuller SS, Holy Innocents. 4.14 Home to 1st.
5. Deion Cole OF, Etowah. 6.91 (1.65 10 yd).
6. Knox Bingham 3B, Wesleyan. 6.94 (1.67 10 yd) 19.9 mph.
7. Malachi Washington OF, Parkview. 7.18 (1.76 10 yd) 19.4 mph.
8. Cam Jackson SS, Georgia Premier. 4.16 Home to 1st (LHH), 4.25 (RHH).
9A. Bubba Coleman SS, Buford. 7.04 60 yd.
9B. Matthew Kerrigan OF, Valwood. 7.10 (1.69 10 yd) 19.4 mph
10A. Ayden Lockett OF, Buford. 7.05 60 Yd.
10B. Hudson Forrest SS, Mt. Vernon. 7.04 (1.76 10 yd), 19.8 mph.
Glove
‘26 CF/LHP Maverick Chitwood(@HAB_Baseball) is advanced in CF. Very quick 1st step, extremely fluid hips, good drop step on balls over his head, smooth crossover step to his left & right, proper reads & routes off the bat. Mav takes CF reps and BP w/ Varsity as an 8th grader. pic.twitter.com/0FqjWRLokY
— PBR Georgia (@PBRGeorgia) April 8, 2022
1. Cam Jackson SS, Georgia Premier. Separators - Footwork, Range, Exchange, Arm.
2. Taylor Fuller SS, Holy Innocents. Separators - Instincts, Range, Balance, Arm.
3. Branson Crawford C, Gainesville. Separators - Exchange, Blocking, Receiving, Arm.
4. Deion Cole OF, Etowah. Separators - Instincts, Routes, Hip Fluidity, Recovery Speed.
5. Maverick Chitwood OF, Habersham Cent. Separators - Instincts, Range, Routes, Ease.
6. Trevor Condon OF, Etowah. Separators - Run, Energy, Instincts, Arm.
7. Malachi Washington OF, Parkview. Separators - Tracking Ability, Instincts, Arm.
8. Carson Ray SS, Woodward. Separators - Footwork, Balance, Exchange.
9. Brock Rein SS, Trinity Christian. Separators - Range, Hands, Arm.
10A. Tyler VanSumeren OF, Tift Co. Separators - Instincts, Tracking Ability, Baseball IQ.
10B. Luke Nitkowski SS, Creekview. Separators - Instincts, Footwork, Exchange, Arm.
10C. Kenny Foudy C, North Hall. Separators - Baseball IQ, Transfer, Effort, Blocking.
Arm (position players)
1. Keon Johnson SS, FPD. 91 mph. Separators - Arm Strength, Arm Speed, Projection.
2. Matthew Sharman RHP/SS, Etowah. 89 mph. Separators - Arm Speed, Arm Action, Proj.
3. Reece Grodeman SS, Model. 87 mph. Separators - Arm Speed, Projection, Arm Action.
4. Cam Jackson SS, Georgia Premier. 83 mph. Separators - Projection, Arm Action, Arm Spd.
5. Taylor Fuller SS, Holy Innocents. 85 mph. Separators - Arm Speed, Arm Strength, Proj.
6. Branson Crawford C/RHP, Gainesville. 84 mph. Separators - Arm Spd+Strength, Accuracy.
7. Bubba Coleman SS, Buford. 86 mph. Separators - Arm Strength, Projection.
8. Malachi Washington OF Parkview. 84 mph. Separators - Projection, Arm Action, Arm Strg.
9. Trevor Condon OF, Etowah. Separators - Twitch, Arm Speed, Strength Projection.
10A. Colton Sweat SS, West Forsyth. Separators - Arm Strength+Accuracy.
10B. Deion Cole OF, Etowah. Separators - Arm Action, Arm Accuracy, Arm Speed.
Swing Mechanics
‘26 ⭐️ OF Deion Cole(@SmarTenseBsbl)
— Justin Goetz (@JGoetzPBR) October 15, 2022
Eating good off steady diet of CB’s & proving advanced ability to adjust. Sees spin underway then “hangs” leg kick at the top, allowing hands+stride to slow down in separation & get on time w/o pausing. LIFT OFFF!! @ShooterHunt @PBRGeorgia pic.twitter.com/K9fL6fEnA7
1. Deion Cole OF, Etowah. Separators - Quiet Head, Fluidity, Sequence, Sep. Timing.
2. Keon Johnson SS, FPD. Separators - Sequence, Fluidity, Torque, Swing Path.
3. Tyler VanSumeren OF, Tift Co. Separators - Quiet Head, Hip Pace, Fluidity, Swing Path.
4. Reece Grodeman SS, Model. Separators - Sequence, Fluidity, Torque, Swing Path.
5. Marcus Ward OF, Kings Ridge. Separators - Fluidity, Sequence, Balance, Swing Path.
6. Bubba Coleman SS, Buford. Separators - Fluidity, Sequence, Ease, Swing Path.
7. Cam Jackson SS, Georgia Premier. Separators - Ease, Fluidity, Balance, Swing Path.
7. Taylor Fuller SS, Holy Innocents. Separators - Fluidity, Sep. Timing+Torque, Swing Path.
8. Dawson Vaughn 3B, Gainesville. Separators - Sequence, Repeatability, Ease.
8. Trevor Condon OF, Etowah. Separators - Compactness, Efficiency, Twitch, Swing Path.
9. Matthew Sharman RHP/SS, Etowah. Separators - Momentum, Fluidity, Torque.
10A. Joseph Mittiga C/RHP, American. Separators - Fluidity, Ease, Sep. Timing, Swing Path.
10B. Jeb Craven OF/RHP, Wayne Co. Separators - Fluidity, Torque, Launch Position, Path.
10C. Jonathan Granby OF, Fellowship Christian. Separators - Sequence, Diagonal Rotation.
10D. Diego DeJesus MIF, Parkview. Separators - Rhythm, Balance, Fluidity, Timing.
Projection (Position Players)
‘26 SS Reece Grodeman(@RomeWolves) built like sky scraper & uses his long levers to catch this middle in pitch well in front of the plate. Good feel for clearing hips before landing & creating good stretch w/ chest in load. Gradual bend in lwr hlf to put him on plane! #PBRJFG22 pic.twitter.com/TU3hfP8Yy1
— PBR Georgia (@PBRGeorgia) July 28, 2022
1. Keon Johnson SS, FPD. Separators - Age for Class, Height, Frame.
2. Reece Grodeman SS, Model. Separators - Age for Class, Height, Frame, Athleticism.
3. Cam Jackson SS, Georgia Premier. Separators - Age for Class, Frame, Athleticism.
4. Trey Robbins LHP/1B, Whitewater. Separators - Height, Frame, Twitch.
5. Taylor Fuller SS, Holy Innocents. Separators - Frame, Twitch, Athleticism.
6. Taylor Casson OF, Westlake. Separators - Age for Class, Height, Frame
7. Bubba Coleman SS, Buford. Separators - Twitch, Frame, Athleticism.
8. Malachi Washington OF, Parkview. Separators - Age for Class, Build, Athleticism.
9. Ayden Lockett OF, Buford. Separators - Age for Class, Frame.
10A. Deion Cole OF, Etowah. Separators - Intangibles, Frame, Athleticism.
10B. Dawson Vaughn 3B, Gainesville. Separators - Intangibles, Frame.
Fastball
‘26 RHP Ty Tillery(@TheCanesBB) broad shoulders long levers w/ quick twitch fibers. Clean, med paced delivery lengthy full circle AA low 3/4 slot. Rare hip/shoulder separation & gd extension aided by stride. FB 84-85 T88 run+sink, bore up in zone. SL 73-74 sweep. Will throw 100 pic.twitter.com/NuUqnaP6gY
— PBR Georgia (@PBRGeorgia) May 28, 2022
1A. Ty Tillery RHP, Morgan Co. Separators - T88, Arm Speed, Pitch Life, Delivery.
1B. Matthew Sharman RHP, Etowah. Separators - T89, Arm Speed, Arm Action, Projection.
2. Jordan Johnson RHP, Loganville. Separators - T90, Delivery, Arm Action, Frame.
3. Trey Robbins LHP/1B, Whitewater. Separators - T88, Frame, Pitch Life, Extension.
4. Keon Johnson SS, FPD. Separators - T91, Arm Strength, Frame, Intent.
5. Blake Bryant RHP, Citizens Chr. Separators - T86, Pitch Life, Arm Action, Projection.
6. Spencer Evans LHP, Calhoun. Separators - T86, Arm Speed, Angle, Twitch.
7. Connor Langdon LHP, Westfield. Separators - T87, Deception, Command, Angle, Proj.
8. RJ Cope LHP, Georgia Premier. Separators - T87, Ease of Op, Command, Plane, Proj.
9. Reece Grodeman SS, Model. Separators - T87, Arm Speed, Projection.
10A. Colin White LHP, Dominion. Separators - T87, Projection, Arm Speed.
10B. Jeb Craven RHP, Wayne Co. Separators - T85, Arm Action, Pitch Life, Command.
10C. Matthew Kerrigan LHP/OF, Valwood Prep. Separators - T83, Deception, Slot, Plane.
Breaking Ball
‘26 RHP/SS Seth Dixon (@GARoadrunners; @NoFoBaseball) buckling batters knees with with 2450 rpm breaking ball. Short, compact arm swing. Feel for FB/CB.
— PBR Georgia (@PBRGeorgia) September 9, 2022
FB: 79-82, run
CB: 66-68@ShooterHunt | #PBRFallOpen pic.twitter.com/32hnknpUNB
1. Connor Langdon LHP, Westfield. CB Separators - Shape, Consistency, Command.
2. Ty Tillery RHP, Morgan Co. SL Separators - Velocity, Sharpness, Late Depth, Intent.
3. Seth Dixon RHP, North Forsyth. CB Separators - Spin Rate, Tight Rotation, 2 Plane Depth.
4A. Trey Robbins LHP/1B, Whitewater. SL Separators - Velocity, Tilt, Snap.
4B. Spencer Evans LHP, Calhoun. CB Separators - Shape, Sweep, Tight Rotation.
4C. Nicolas Taylor LHP, Peachtree Ridge. Separators - Rotation, Sweep, Depth, Command
5A. Jude Matthews LHP, Lakeside. CB Separators - Spin Rate, Deception, Sharpness,Sweep.
5B. Maverick Chitwood LHP, Hab Cent. Separators - Shape, Command, Depth
5C. Matthew Kerrigan LHP/OF, Valwood Prep. CB Separators - Deception, Shape, Depth.
Changeup
#uncommitted ‘26 LHP Connor Langdon sitting 83-86 T87.4mph. Short extension+similar metric profile between FB & CH provide nasty combo for him tunnel wise. CH sitting in the mid 70’s. Snapped off one SL at 71 (1800). ⬅️ Developing feel. One 2 follow! @ShooterHunt @PBR_Uncommitted pic.twitter.com/g6PfwvLdxl
— PBR Georgia (@PBRGeorgia) July 30, 2022
1. Connor Langdon LHP, Westfield. Separators - Deception, Fade, Depth, Command
2. Jordan Johnson RHP, Loganville. Separators - Deception, Intent, Fade.
3. Keon Johnson RHP, FPD. Separators - Intent, Fade, Depth, Control.
4. Reece Grodeman RHP, Model. Separators - Fade, Intent, Late Depth.
5A. Maverick Chitwood LHP, Hab Cent. Separators - Deception, Fade, Command.
5B. Spencer Evans LHP, Calhoun. Separators - Heavy, Tunnels FB, Intent.
Delivery
#uncommitted ‘26 RHP Matthew Sharman (@Official_ECB)
— PBR Georgia (@PBRGeorgia) May 31, 2022
- Big frame. Mixing his delivery in all counts to throw off timing of opposing hitters. Aggressive with the FB and attacking. Competitive on the bump. #SGG22 @ShooterHunt
FB: 80-83 T85 ; run
CB : 66-68
CH : 73 pic.twitter.com/q8T1axZccY
1. Ty Tillery RHP, Morgan Co. Separators - Sequence, Hip/Shoulder Sep., Stride, Extension.
2A. Matthew Sharman RHP, Etowah. Separators - Ease of Op, Arm Action, Lower Half Mech.
2B. Matthew Kerrigan LHP, Valwood. Separators - Deception, Simplicity, Balance, Ease of Op.
3. Blake Bryant RHP, Citizens. Separators - Ease of Op, Arm Action, Fluidity, Direction.
4. Jordan Johnson RHP, Loganville. Separators - Compactness, Connection, Lower Hlf Mech.
5A. Connor Langdon LHP, Westfield. Separators - Deception, Ease of Op, Timing.
5B. Jeb Craven RHP, Wayne Co. Separators - Arm Action, Simplicity, Sequence, Balance.
5C. Maverick Chitwood LHP, Hab Cent. Separators - Athleticism, Simplicity, Direction
Arm Action
‘26 RHP Blake Bryant (@seb_baseball)
— Justin Goetz (@JGoetzPBR) October 8, 2022
+ ease of op & athleticism in delivery for age. Very repeatable for height (when upper hlf patient over rubber in stride). Loose+quick med cir AA L3/4. Good direction. Projection ?
FB 82-84 T85 ride+run
SLV 69-70@ShooterHunt @PBRGeorgia pic.twitter.com/SKsuOqaHq5
1. Matthew Sharman RHP, Etowah. Separators - Looseness, Backside Connection, Arm Spd.
2. Blake Bryant RHP, Citizens. Separators - Fluidity, Backside Conn, Efficiency, Momentum.
3. Jordan Johnson RHP, Loganville. Separators - Backside Connection, Quickness, Efficiency.
4A. Jeb Craven RHP, Wayne Co. Separators - Efficiency, Backside Connection, Fluidity.
4B. RJ Cope LHP, GA Premier. Separators - Patience, Looseness, Ease.
5A. Ty Tillery RHP, Morgan Co. Separators - Momentum, Torque, Arm Speed.
5B. Trey Robbins LHP/1B, Whitewater. Separators - Looseness, Length, Arm Speed.
Command (All Pitches)
‘26 LHP RJ Cope(@GBSARays) 6’6 240 mechanically sound, low effort deliv. Moves well for size. Good rhythm of hands & lift knee create EZ momentum for his mid depth, big circle AA. FB 84-86 gradual tail, 6’4 release height creates plane. SL 76-77 gyro (-4 IVB). CH 78 @ShooterHunt pic.twitter.com/OciqrrBFHv
— Justin Goetz (@JGoetzPBR) July 13, 2022
1. Connor Langdon LHP, Westfield. Separators - Delivery, Release Point, Feel.
2. Matthew Sharman RHP, Etowah. Separators - Arm Action, Direction, Timing.
3. RJ Cope LHP, GA Premier. Separators - Patience, Ease of Op, Feel.
4. Blake Bryant RHP, Citizens. Separators - Arm Action, Direction, Confidence.
5. Matthew Kerrigan LHP, Valwood. Separators - Delivery, Direction, Arm Action.
Projection (Pitchers)
‘26 LHP Spencer Evans(@ScorpsMidSouth)JFG
— Justin Goetz (@JGoetzPBR) October 16, 2022
Ath. crossfire deliv, tough angle. Clean mid depth AA (3/4) QUICK arm. Adding gradual uphill tilt w/ front should+front elbow as hands break will clean up timing.?competitor
FB 81-83 T85 heavy
CB 68-70 ?soon@ShooterHunt @PBRGeorgia pic.twitter.com/G3kvKbqTOi
1. Blake Bryant RHP, Citizens. Separators - Height, Frame, Athleticism.
2. Matthew Sharman RHP, Etowah. Separators - Height, Frame.
3. Ty Tillery RHP, Morgan Co. Separators - Height, Frame, Twitch.
4. RJ Cope LHP, GA Premier. Separators - Height, XL Frame.
5. Trey Robbins LHP/1B, Whitewater. Separators - Height, Frame.
6. Spencer Evans LHP, Calhoun. Separators - Twitch, Athleticism.
7. Jordan Johnson RHP, Loganville. Separators - Frame, Delivery.
8. Connor Langdon LHP, Westfield. Separators - Height, Frame.
9. Reece Grodeman RHP, Model. Separators - Age for Class, Height, Frame.
10. Colin White LHP, Dominion. Separators - Height, Frame.
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