By Doug Freeman and Mike Maerz

Follow @PBRFlorida

With the release of the Updated Florida Class of 2019 Rankings, today we look at five players who have seen their stock recently rise with strong starts to the spring season. Below are reports on each of the prospects along with the jump they made in the Rankings update:

Moving up from No. 9 to No. 7: Rece Hinds, SS/3B, Niceville HS, FL
Uncommitted. Currently ranked No. 7 in the Florida 2019 Class, No. 15 Overall. The high-waisted, athletic, 6-foot-3, 195-pounder shows quick feet and actions with range and the ability to charge the ball. He has displayed a plus arm topping out at 94 mph across the infield from shortstop, but when he was 89-91 on his throws he is more accurate to the bag. At the plate, he is balanced with a slightly open stance, quick hands, and above average bat speed. Consistently makes hard, loud contact with gap-to-gap power. At times he can cut himself off and be out in front, but when he is on time and in rhythm, the ball explodes off his bat. Hinds will continue to be one of the top follows for his class and has really only begun to scratch the surface of his big potential.

Moving up from No. 23 to No. 13: Joshua Rivera, 3B/SS, Avon Park HS, FL
Rice recruit. Currently ranked No. 13 in the Florida 2019 Class, No. 41 Overall. The 6-foot, 165-pound looks to be bigger and stronger with a good frame. The right handed hitting infielder has a  short, compact swing, set up is balanced, and everything works together.  The ball jumps off the bat to all parts of the field. Projects to make a big jump in power as he fills out. He also shows very sounds defensive actions and projects to be an above average defensive third baseman. The tools currently play at a high level and show that he can project to be a potential draft pick as well.

Moving up from No. 73 to No. 31: Nathan Hickey, 3B/C, Providence HS, FL
Florida recruit. Currently ranked No. 31 in the Florida 2019 Class, No. 129 Overall. The athletic left handed hitter who stands at 5-foot-11, 185 pounds has shown the ability to be an above average defender at third base. He has above average range with soft hands and plenty of arm. At the plate he shows a feel for the barrel with a short level swing. He has an advanced gap-to-gap approach, with a present hit tool and potential for pull side power. Overall, he is athletic and projectable and can play multiple positions. The bat works and will continue to carry him going forward.  

Moving up from No. 75 to No. 32: Jake Garland, RHP, Jupiter HS, FL
Miami recruit. Currently ranked No. 32 in the Florida 2019 Class, No. 130 Overall. The 6-foot-2, 200-pounder has a strong frame with long legs and a strong lower half. He has shown the ability to get quality extension working down the mound well. From a 3/4 slot, he produces a heavy fastball with late life which ranges from 86-87 mph that has late action down in the zone. He also has a tight slider with quality shape and a late biting action at 70-73 mph. He has the frame and arm action that projects to continue to improve with minimal effort to develop into a frontline starter.

Moving up from No. 64 to No. 36: Josh Kinker, LHP, Venice HS, FL
Uncommitted. Currently ranked No. 36 in the Florida 2019 Class, No. 156 Overall. The 6-foot-1, 165 pounder has a lean and athletic build with a medium arm swing and displays a fastball that sat at 83-85 mph, topping at 86. Clean and easy arm action, works out of the stretch.  Also has a back-leg slider with tilt that he throws for strikes at 67-68 mph. As he continues to add to his frame, the velocity should continue to jump.

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