By TJ Hunt
Scouting Director, New Jersey

As the fall is getting into full swing here in New Jersey, we wanted to take a look at some 2018 players that have burst on to the scene or made a rise in the rankings. As major Underclass Events such as Selectfest and Fort Meyers approach, it will be important to watch these players and how they progress heading into the offseason.

+ Brandon Hylton, 1B, Watchung Hills HS, NJ, 2018 (uncommitted)
Hylton has a lanky, athletic build at 6-foot-5 215-pounds. Took first pitch he saw over the right field fence for a home run (88 mph FB). LH hitter with power. Starts in a tall, relaxed stance with hands just below shoulder. Uses a small leg kick/lift to start swing and hand load. Hip torque is fluid and hands are quick through the zone. High follow prospect.

(From PBR Nation Crosschecker) Hylton already has professional scouts buzzing with his 6-foot-5, 215-pound frame, and big power projections in his left handed swing. The athletic Hylton sets up tall with his hands by his ear before a leg kick, which hangs, ignites them back before exploding through the zone. His barrel remains in the zone before creating even more extension with a release of his top hand. With PBR NJ on hand recently, Hylton deposited an 89-mph fastball over the right center field fence. With his combination of athleticism, power, and feel for the zone, expect big things from Hylton as he continues to progress and mature.

+ Cole Patten, RHP, Sparta HS, NJ, 2018 (Seton Hall commit)
Patten has a long, wiry frame. Threw a perfect game in his outing. 83-86 with FB with some run from a high-3/4 angle. Curveball and changeup were both between 73-75 mph. Slow start to windup with a big leg kick to bring him to the top of his balance point. Gets very good extension over his front leg, making his fastball seem even harder than it is. Plus changeup for his age, can throw for strikes to both lefties and righties. Swing-and-miss pitch.

+ Ian Murphy, RHP, Gloucester Catholic HS, NJ, 2018 (St. John's commit)
Murphy has a lanky athletic build at  6-foot-3 180-pounds. Sat 86-88 in first two innings of work, up to 89 from a high-3/4 slot. Showcased a true 12/6 breaking ball at 70-71 mph. Has made a significant jump since the beginning of summer. Drives off back leg more to get some explosiveness down the mound. Long, loose arm action. Will cut his fastball on occasion.

+ Jake Field, 3B, Deptford HS, NJ, 2018 (uncommitted)
Field has a stocky build at 6-foot 180-pounds. Can play every position in the infield well - shows smooth hands and exchange, average arm. Had a triple and double, both a which he showcased sneaky speed on the bases. Level stance to start, bat speed is apparent. Gap to gap power.

+ Quincy Clark, RHP, Seton Hall Prep HS, NJ, 2019 (uncommitted)
Clark has a long, wiry build. Sat 81-83 and touched 84. Breaking ball has tight spin, but changes his arm slot when he throws it at 61 mph. Young for 2019 class. Long, loose arm action, no effort in delivery. High-3/4 slot, ball seems to jump on hitter quickly. Frame needs some filling out, will increase velocity with added strength.

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