By Nathan Rode
National Supervisor

Last week, we broke down the Overall Rankings and PBR Draft 100 by commitments—looking at how many prospects were committed to Division I schools, what conferences were represented and whether the players would be staying in state or moving out. Just yesterday, we took a deeper look by highlighting the schools with the most recruits in the PBR Draft 100. Lastly, we’ll focus on the 2017 Overall Rankings and the programs that pulled in the most top prospects from Prep Baseball Report’s coverage area.

There 110 different schools represented in the Overall Rankings and Florida tops them all with 17 recruits. Listed in parenthesis next to the total number of recruits is the number each program has in the top 100 of the Overall Rankings. Like with the PBR Draft 100, this certainly represents a strong class, but they have to make it to campus to have impact. The schools listed will be anxiously awaiting the conclusion of the 2017 MLB Draft in June and subsequent signing deadline.

FLORIDA
Recruits: 17 (10 in Top 100)
The Gators have been dominant in recent years with loaded recruiting classes and deep postseason runs. This year is no different and Florida leads all programs with 17 recruits in the Overall Rankings. At the top of the class is SS Brady McConnell (Merritt Island HS, FL), who is one of the country’s top position players and could be a top 10 pick come June. While he isn’t likely to make it to campus, there are several others with at least a slight chance of opting for college before starting their pro careers. RHP/OF Sam Carlson (Burnsville HS, FL) gives Kevin O’Sullivan a recruit from the Upper Midwest for the second straight year. While Carlson has the athleticism to play the field, he has more upside on the mound and has made progress there lately. RHP Jack Leftwich (TNXL Academy, FL) made a jump in the last year, adding 10-15 pounds of muscle, which helped his fastball tick up. RHP Garrett Hunter Ruth (Buchholz HS, FL) was previously committed to South Carolina, but switched to the Gators. He can struggle to throw strikes at times, but has a low-90s fastball and flashes a sharp breaking ball with depth. LHP Jordan Butler (Alonso HS, FL) has some funk in his delivery and simply carves up opposing hitters. The Gators have tremendous depth in the class with four of Florida’s top six catchers and eight pitchers—all of whom can pitch in the mid to high 80s or better now. OF Justin Farmer (Riverview HS, FL) is raw with upside and athleticism. SS Shane Shifflett (Venice HS, FL) is a good defender and can move between three infield spots easily. SS Jose Ciccarello (Alonso HS, FL) also has good actions at shortstop.
Recruiting Coordinator: Craig Bell
3. Brady McConnell, SS, Merritt Island HS, FL
14. Sam Carlson, RHP/OF, Burnsville HS, MN
16. Jack Leftwich, RHP, TNXL Academy, FL
32. Garrett Hunter Ruth, RHP, Buchholz HS, FL
36. Jordan Butler, LHP, Alonso HS, FL
61. Sam McMillan, C, Suwannee HS, FL
81. Cal Greenfield, C, Jensen Beach HS, FL
88. Connor Churchill, RHP, East Lake HS, FL
90. Justin Farmer, OF, Riverview HS, FL
98. Brady Smith, C, TNXL Academy, FL
114. Colton Gordon-Zimring, LHP, Lakewood Ranch HS, FL
124. Jose Ciccarello, SS, Alonso HS, FL
138. Zach Jackson, C, Haines City HS, FL
150. Shane Shifflett, SS, Venice HS, FL
160. Hunter McMullen, RHP, Forest HS, FL
212. Cole Maye, LHP, Hough HS, NC
268. Tommy Mace, RHP, Sunlake HS, FL