2019 Rankings Update
January 19, 2017
Follow @PBRVirginiaDC
Facebook + Periscope
By Jerry Shank
Maryland / Virginia Scouting Director
For the beginning of the year, we are doing an update to the Virginia 2018 and 2019 rankings. With both classes we have updated the rankings to coincide with the overall rankings with new inclusions as well. In March there will be a complete update to the Virginia rankings for these classes as well as an update to the 2017 class and our initial 2020 Virginia rankings release.
The 2020 class will be one to keep an eye on, especially after the Freshmen Free Showcase coming up on January 29 at the Virginia Sports Complex. Spots are still available (CLICK HERE for more info).
Last week we updated our class of 2018 rankings. Today we look into the 2019 rankings, and next week look at a few of the players that will see themselves in the 2020 rankings.
Remaining at the top spot is LHP Carson Jones of The Steward School. Jones has a long loose arm action and should continue to climb as he fills out his frame. The left-hander has long limbs, and is still maturing physically, so there will almost assuredly be more velocity on the way.
Moving up to the No. 2 spot is corner infielder Liam Deegan of Godwin HS. Deegan is an emerging power threat at the plate and made his pledge to UVA this fall. The No. 3 spot goes to RHP Matthew Kleinfelter of Lancaster HS. Kleinfelter is another potential power arm with a durable frame and recently made his pledge to James Madison.
New additions to the Top 10 include Jimmy Starnes of St. Christophers, Emmanuel Johnson of Liberty Christian, and Cortland Lawson of Paul VI. Starnes is a potential two way athlete that was up to 87 on the mound this fall. Lawson also shows two way potential showing present arm strength.
Johnson is an athletic outfielder with raw ability. He has plenty of tools and there is much to like when watching the young man play. He should be a very interesting prospect to keep an eye on from this class as he continues to develop.
Here is a sneak peek into the top ten:
RANK | NAME | STATE | SCHOOL | CLASS | POS | COMMITMENT |
1 | Carson Jones | VA | Steward School | 2019 | LHP | Virginia |
2 | Liam Deegan | VA | Godwin | 2019 | 3B | Virginia |
3 | Matthew Kleinfelter | VA | Lancaster | 2019 | RHP | James Madison |
4 | Zach Agnos | VA | Battlefield | 2019 | SS | |
5 | Antonio Velasquez | VA | Western Branch | 2019 | RHP | Old Dominion |
6 | Zackary Beach | VA | Atlee | 2019 | 3B | Coastal Carolina |
7 | Jimmy Starnes | VA | St. Christophers | 2019 | SS | |
8 | Emmanuel Johnson | VA | Liberty Christian | 2019 | OF | |
9 | Cortland Lawson | VA | Paul VI Catholic | 2019 | SS | |
10 | Geo Rivera | VA | Lafayette | 2019 | RHP |