By Shooter Hunt
National Crosschecker

In a new segment at the state level called, In the Weeds, PBR National Crosschecker, Shooter Hunt, takes a look at uncommitted players regardless of class whose skills and intangibles sometimes get missed in a showcase setting, but whose value to a good team at the next level is immeasurable. Some of the players included in this segment are under the radar, others have been overlooked, and some are late bloomers and fast-rising. Whatever the reason, our boots-on-the-ground scouting staff has identified many uncommitted prospects who can thrive with the right fit at some collegiate level.

 

Brian Kelly, OF, Seton Hall Prep HS, NJ, 2018

Kelly immediately passes the “eye test” when catching a first glimpse of him. Standing 6-foot-2, 180-pounds Kelly fills out a uniform well with a thick lower half, and he wears it impeccably with broad shoulders making him look older than he is. Utilizing a leg kick with a slight arm bar in his load, Kelly has a smooth path to the ball and shows some power to the pull side, and an exit velocity off the tee of 79 mph. He moves around the outfield well with more athleticism than his 60-yard dash time (7.70) indicates, and projects as a corner outfielder who also could play first base at some level. However, his impact to a program will come at the plate where he has a chance to develop into a significant left-handed bat as he gains more experience. Playing at storied high school program, Seton Hall Prep, any recruiter can be sure that Kelly will have (and has) a great understanding of the game, and feel for situational play. When I saw him at PBR New Jersey’s All-State Games, I was thoroughly impressed by the energy that he brought over the two days in near 100 degree heat as he ran out all balls, and was consistently in the right spot at the right time. Plus, he laced a double in the gap. A 3.9 GPA student, Kelly is an academic-minded ballplayer who has a chance to be a solid addition at some level, and his combination of abilities on the field and in the classroom should peak recruiter’s interests.