Tools of the Trade: 2024 Footspeed
October 11, 2023
A breeding ground for upper-echelon northeast talent, New York's class of 2024 set the bar high, making noise in all corners of the state. Though the amount of college-ready arms have been intriguing (25 of the first 40 ranked), we've seen a similar balance of talent with quality position players throughout. When undergoing the evaluation process, our staff uses the five tools (hit, power, glove, arm, and run) as a barometer for comparing players against one another. Obviously, each will need to be refined properly and accompanied by in-game success in order for them to have full effect. Today we break down one of the top tools within an exciting class of prospects.
FOOTSPEED
The best teams in any sport have multiple players who put pressure on the defense. Whether it's straight-line speed such as the 60-yard dash, or in-game aggression like going first-to-third, the ability to take that extra base can jumpstart any offense. Think about trying to control Corbin Carroll, Bobby Witt Jr., or Ronald Acuna Jr. with nobody out. You'll see the pitcher increase tempo to the plate, the catcher anticipating a throw, and the batter most likely getting a FB. These are typically advanced defenders as well, utilizing first-step quickness and raw athleticism in space. Here's a look at some of the more gifted runners in NY's '24 class.
TOP RUNNERS
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Sam Miller OF / Fairport, NY / 2024Equipped with long, graceful strides in a high ceiling 6-foot-2, 175-pound frame, Miller took the showcase and tournament scene by storm this summer, down to a 6.47 60-yard dash. Possesses some of the more flashy raw metrics statewide that can create tons of pressure on a defense.
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Vito LaRosa OF / OF / Northport , NY / 2024
Rankings StateRank: 100 / POS: 15
A track star with simple acceleration and the ability to become a future ballhawk in centerfield, LaRosa got out of the gates quickly at the Long Island Top Prospect Games (1.59 10YD split), blazing towards a 6.52 60-yard dash. There's room to fill yet in a 6-foot-4, 182-pound frame, which should only point to continued improvements.
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Markus Brehm SS / C / Wayland-Cohocton, NY / 2024
Rankings StateRank: 102 / POS: 15
One of the more twitchy pound-for-pound athletes in the empire state, Brehm has gradually watched his 60-yard dash lower over the years, now into the 6.57 range. The Section V Class B2 Player of the Year stole a program record 43 bases as a Junior last spring.
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Jack Hennessey SS / 2B / Maine-Endwell, NY / 2024
Rankings StateRank: 50 / POS: 7
Also a quality football player who's been a big part of two state championships (2021, 2022), Hennessey carries the same tenacity to the baseball diamond, playing fearlessly up the middle. The WR/SS posted run times near the top of the class at 6.60 at the 2022 PBR Future Games in Georgia.
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Bradley Betances OF / RHP / James Monroe, NY / 2024
Rankings StateRank: 177 / POS: 30
Another burner who commands top speed with efficient straight-line form, Betances projects to handle an eventual leadoff role at 5-foot-11, 165-pounds. He's an electrifying all-around talent with a 6.54 60-yard dash and upside-to-go. Was one of the standouts from 5-Tool Scout Day.
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Matthew Bolton OF / Division Avenue, NY / 2024
Rankings StateRank: 236 / POS: 38
Fresh off of a sharp day at the 2023 Mike Leiderman Cup where he clipped a 6.70 60-yard dash time, Bolton showed lightning quick burst at a stretchy 6-foot, 175-pounds and appears to be physically advanced. The tablesetter generated similar success from the LH box with consistent hand-speed.
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Isaiah Shivers OF / SS / Midwood, NY / 2024
Rankings StateRank: 7 / POS: 2
The advanced defender opens up some fluid hips and tracks down almost anything in the air with sub 6.80 footspeed at 5-foot-9, 150-pounds. We've seen him play even faster in-game than reported run times, while the hit tool has come on in the recent months (L/R).
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BONUS
+ ‘24 OF Ben Fishel (Tappan Zee; Columbia) - There aren’t too many 5-foot-11, 170-pounders who make their presence felt like Fishel, running a 6.68 60-yard dash at this year’s 2023 Northeast Procase. Also on the list of “top defenders in the class,” it’ll be hard to imagine him playing anywhere but CF with all the traits you look for up the middle.
PREVIOUS TOOLS COVERED
Class of 2024 Power >>> 9.13.23
Class of 2024 Hitters >>> 9.20.23
Class of 2024 Defenders >>> 9.28.23
UPCOMING EVENTS
| SHOWCASE | STATE | DATE | LOCATION |
| 2023 Last Chance Open: East | NY | 10/22 | Heritage Finanical Park - Wappingers Falls, NY |
| 2023 NY Unsigned Senior Showcase | NY | 10/22 | Heritage Financial Park - Wappingers Falls, NY |
| 2023 Northeast JUCO Sophomore/Transfer Showcase | NY | 10/22 | Heritage Financial Park - Wappingers Falls, NY |
| 2023 Last Chance Open: Downstate | NY | 10/28 | East Coast Sports and Fitness - Yorktown Heights |