Prep Baseball Report is conducting its annual review of recruiting classes, in which Nathan Rode and Shooter Hunt evaluate the current senior talent committed to programs in each of the Power Five conferences, as well as notable mid-majors—or as we like to call them, Power Majors—and the draft risk each of those classes carry. Numbers in the charts below denote where players are ranked in the 2021 Overall Rankings.

BAYLOR

86	Mason Marriott	RHP	Tomball	TX
321	Casen Neumann	1B	Tomball	TX
495	Cody Howard	RHP	The Woodlands	TX

OVERVIEW: After pulling stellar, deep classes in 2019 and 2020, the Bears’ 2021 group is smaller in quantity, but just as strong in quality. Texas always runs deep with arms and Baylor snagged one of the top ones in Marriott. He doesn’t have as much projection as others, standing at a strong 6-foot-1, 190 pounds, but he has the stuff. He delivers a low-90s fastball from a short arm action and has an above average slider at 78-82 with sharp, late break, reminiscent of many of the power arms coming out of the Lonestar State, to produce a plethora of swings and misses. Neumann is a left-handed power bat that the Bears are likely hoping will develop into a middle-of-the-order run producer over time. Howard comes from one of the country’s top high school programs and has a quick arm that produces a high-80s fastball. C Cortlan Castle (Midway HS, TX) has a strong behind the dish and right-handed power.

DRAFT RISK: Low. Marriott was a fixture on the circuit and consistently pitched well in front of scouts, but being a 6-foot-1, right-hander detracts from his overall value in the draft. The Bears had a strong class show up this fall and have a good chance at another a year from now.

KANSAS

OVERVIEW: The Jayhawks made a loud statement with a potential program-changing 2020 class that got to campus, and while the 2021 group is smaller, it features vital assets and high upside. Allen, twin brother of Keegan (Oklahoma recruit), has quick hands at the plate and controls the barrel well. He can play any position on the dirt, and will have a chance to challenge for time immediately thanks to an accurate barrel and high motor. Jans is a quick-twitch athlete with plus speed and some power potential thanks to quick hands and a compact stroke. His speed has the potential to be a gamechanger in the Big 12, and should it all come together while on campus. He has the tools to be a star. OF Devin Neal (Lawrence HS, KS) is also committed to the Jayhawks as a running back. He puts pressure on the defense with his speed and has the strength to drive the ball out of the yard too.

DRAFT RISK: Low. This whole class has a good chance of making it to campus and, combined with the 2020 class, should give the Jayhawks a nice crop of up-the-middle athletes and foundation to compete in the years ahead.