FL 2017 Draft Spotlight: C Zach Jackson
May 16, 2017
By Doug Freeman
Florida Scouting Director
Florida recruit. The strong bodied left handed hitting catcher has shown a high end toolset, but the offense has been inconsistent at times. This spring, Jackson has shown a more patient, gap-to-gap approach as opposed to consistently trying to drive balls to the pull side. He has a balanced setup and when he works to the middle of the field, the barrel stays in the zone a long time and he shows a feel for the barrel with a present hit and power tools with more power potential with a strong lower half. Defensively, he has a strong, stocky frame while also being flexible in his setup which should keep him healthy behind the plate. He can be weak in his wrists at times, but his hands work and he tends to be in the right position receiving. He shows solid footwork, with a clean and quick transfer with an above average arm resulting in pop times ranging from 1.85-2.0 with low accurate throws. The tool both defensively and offensively are there as well as the approach and still some projectability especially offensively.
Scouting Report
10/16/16- Florida recruit. The 6-foot-3, 215 pound catcher has a physical lower half. The left handed hitter showed some pull side power, but the swing got long at times in the games. Defensively, he shows average actions behind the plate with a slightly above average arm. There are a lot of tools and when he stays gap to gap with a short direct path he is a very dangerous hitter.
6/5/16- Florida recruit, Jackson is a 6-foot-3 215-pound catcher who has shown good actions behind the plate with a low flexible setup and quiet strong hands. Jackson was consistently around a 2.0-2.02 with a quick transfer, but could shave some time with more consistent footwork. At the plate the left handed hitter stands tall and relaxed. Jackson has good rhythm, quicks hands, a slightly uphill path that creates pop to both sides of the field. Consistently found the barrel on fastballs and when he has on time with good separation showed the ability to stay back and drive offspeed pitches as well.
4/5/16 - Florida recruit. 6-foot-3, 215 pound catcher with a tall athletic body with a muscular strong durable lower half. Definitely looks the part for that position. Reminds a bit of Eddie Taubensee. Good receiver with soft quick hands and signs of framing instincts. Good catch and throw mechanics with good footwork. Plus arm strength with a loose easy arm that is downhill to 2B. Strong and accurate arm. Loose quick bat with strength and bat speed from the left side. Good bat path. Barrel gets on plane and stays in the zone. Has home run loft in swing with plus power. Offensive catcher. Is a physical presence. Carries himself with confidence. Has the tools at this position to be a high 2017 draft.
6/14/15- UCF commit. 6-foot-2 210 pounds with an athletic, lean, strong, physical, and projectable body. 1.93 pop time that he stayed back on to give a realistic look. Quick transfer and smooth, clean actions behind the plate. Arm action is a little long but still average ML arm strength. Open at the plate with good rhythm. Gets a nice separation for his load and has a good swing plane.
4/15/15 - UCF commit. 6-foot-2 210 pounds with a physical, athletic, strong, and projectable body. Lefty hitter who is relaxed at the plate. Good rhythm with a nice separation and a strong hand load that gets him into an explosive position. Smooth swing with good bat speed. Did not see him catch.