The Georgia High School Association has announced that opening day of the 2021 season will commence on Feb. 15. Programs were allowed to begin practicing in an official capacity on Jan. 18, meaning it's time for the PBR Georgia staff to break down the high school baseball scene in the state in the countdown to the first pitch thrown in 2021.Over the next several weeks, leading up to opening day, we will be publishing our team previews ahead of the 2021 spring season, touching on programs spanning multiple state classifications, counting down the official PBR Georgia Preseason Power 25 Rankings.

Team: Grayson
Preseason Rank: 24 
2020 Record: 9-5
Region: 4-7A
GHSA Classification: 7A
Head Coach: Jed Hixon
Returning Starters: 6
Returning Pitchers: 4

X-FACTOR
Pitching staff. The Rams return the majority of their pitching staff, which will play a huge role in the success of the 2021 season. The staff will be anchored by RHP Tyler Gray, LHP Bodie Eilertson, and East Tennessee State commit RHP/SS De'Yon Cannon.

Gray returns after posting a 0.76 ERA in 18.1 IP, striking out 22 and walking only three batters. The massive, 6-foot-5, 200-pound right-hander pounds the zone with a low to mid 80s fastball. He will be looked upon to build on his very successful 2020 campaign. Eliertson will also be relied on to have a larger role in the staff. A pitch-ability left-hander, Eilertson can live in the mid 80s with his fastball and has feel for a breaking ball and changeup.

Cannon burst onto the scene last spring as a sophomore for the Rams as a two-way player. His greatest contribution was on the mound though. He saw 14.2 innings on the mound, racking up 16 strikeouts and walking six, while compiling a 1.43 ERA and a 2-1 record. Cannon sits in the mid 80s with more on the way.

OUTLOOK
As we detailed in the X-Factor, the pitching staff of the Rams will be their strength. They have the starting depth to compete every game and their bullpen saw valuable experience last season.

Offensively, this team will go as far as their senior class can take them. Lipscomb commit OF Justin Bogard (2021) and Samford commit C Henry Hunter (2021) will provide much of the firepower in the lineup. Bogard is a highly athletic, projectable top of the order bat at 6-foot-3, 180-pounds. A left-handed hitter, he can drive the ball and flat out fly around the bases.

Hunter had a huge summer, culminating in his commitment to Samford. If he can carry the momentum into the spring, watch out. A highly capable defender, he will handle the strong pitching staff of the Rams with no problem. Also a left-handed hitter, he swings a powerful bat.

INF Blane Holliday (2021), Eilertson and Cannon will also be big contributors to the offensive side of things as well. Keep on an eye on OF Kameron Byrd (2022) too. Byrd is a toolsy athlete who could be poised to make a big impact this year.

Grayson will be battle tested by the time playoffs roll around, competing in one of the toughest regions in the state with the likes of Parkview and Brookwood.

Make sure to follow @PBRGeorgia on Twitter for the most-up-to-date coverage throughout the 2021 season.

Find more information on the 2021 Rams below:

+ Full Schedule
+ Team Website
+ Team Twitter

Preseason Power 25 Countdown