By Chris Fuller
Kentucky Scouting Director

Over the next few weeks, we will take a look at players who will be participating in the PBR Kentucky Top Prospect Games at Western Kentucky University June 16-17. The event affords players the opportunity to showcase their abilities in pre-game infield/outfield, batting practice, and game play. More than 40 players who attended last year’s Top Prospect Games event have committed to play at the college level with many more yet to come. This year’s event will feature the top uncommitted Class of 2016 and 2017 players from across Kentucky.

When we last saw Class of 2016 3B Trevor Howard, he was breaking the career home run record at Southwestern HS in the Super Prep Tournament in Louisville in April. Howard got somewhat extended on his front foot on an off-speed pitch but kept his hands back and drove the ball just to the right of 370-foot, 20-foot high batters eye.  At 6-foot-3, 215-pounds, he generates tremendous bat speed, and it translates to his power numbers on the field. He makes extremely loud contact, and the ball jumps off his bat to all fields. He is as legitimate a power hitter as I have seen in my 2 ½ + years as Director of Scouting in Kentucky. Need proof of his ability to generate bat speed? Howard broke the PBR Kentucky record in recording a 102 mph exit velocity at the Preseason All-State Showcase in February.

Defensively, Howard shows the hands and arm strength to play the hot corner at the next level. His hands are soft, and his 86 mph arm across the infield is plenty for the position. His 6-foot-3 frame allows him to play the other corner as well.

Howard, currently ranked No. 9 in Kentucky’s 2016 class, is receiving considerable Division I interest and will put his power on display at the Top Prospect Games at WKU June 16-17.