Signing Classes Recap: University of Arkansas
November 8, 2017
We kick off out coverage of the early signing period with the University of Arkansas. Arkansas has committed a large class, to help reload after what is expected to be a big spring in 2018.
Check out Arkansas Preseason Preview from our partner D1Baseball.com here.
In State Commits
Connor Noland RHP / 3B / Greenwood, AR / 2018
Noland is a 6-foot-2 180-pound right-hander with an athletic frame and build. He showed an advanced feel for the strike zone locating 4 pitches for strike. His fastball worked 86-89 mph with late life through the strike zone. He located a slider with 10/4 shape and a late break thrown 78-81 mph. His curveball was thrown 71-73 mph with 11.5 shape and early break. He flashed a changeup thrown 74-75 mph with arm side run, the two times he threw it. Noland pitches from an H ¾ arm slot, with quick arm speed, a short arm action, good balance and regular effort, with a simple tilt and topple delivery. He repeats his smooth rhyme, his shoulders stay level as he stays in line with home plate. He finishes upright and square to home plate. Overall Noland has a quick arm and an advanced feel to pitch with 4 pitches. Noland is a bonus for Coach Van Horn in his staff as, he will be on a football scholarship, as Noland is a 4 Star Quarterback and has dual committed to be a Razorback |
Connor McCullough RHP / SS / Maumelle, AR / 2018McCullough is a 6-foot-1 170-pound right-hander with an athletic frame and a thin build. He uses a short quick arm action from a H ¾ slot. His drop and drive delivery is repeated consistently with regular effort. He commanded the strike zone with a fastball which worked 87-90 with slight sink. He complimented his fastball with a curveball thrown 78-79 with late break and 11/5 action. Overall McCullough is a solid athlete with a quick arm and a feel for two advanced pitches. |
Kam'Ron Mays-Hunt RHP / SS / Bentonville, AR / 2018Mays-Hunt is a 6-foot-1 170-pound right-handed pitcher / outfielder with an athletic frame and physical build. He showed advanced tools during the pro-style work out running a 6.59 in the 60. He threw the baseball 93 mph from the outfield and 92 mph across the infield. He showed raw bat speed producing exit velocities up to 91 mph. Defensively he plays through the baseball with fluid footwork, and throws with short arm action from a ¾ arm slot. Offensively he starts from a tall stance with a minimum load stride combination. He attacks the baseball with a downward plane swing. As a pitcher he shows a quick arm from a ¾ arm slot. His delivery is simple with a distinct balance point and little effort. He commands the fastball consistently in the strike zone working 88-91 mph with late life through the zone. He also throws a sharp slider with 10/4 shape and late break thrown 77-80 mph. Overall Mays-Hunt is an advanced athlete with a rawness to his game as a position player, on the mound he has a feel to pitch, and projects to throw harder. |
Wade Beasley RHP / RHP / Horatio, AR / 2018Beasley is a 6-foot-2 200-pound right-hander with a large frame and an average build. He showed advanced arm strength throwing his fastball 90-93 mph with slight sink. He pitches from a H ¾ arm slot with a quick arm with some strength to the arm action. He repeats his delivery consistently using rushed rhythm with late hand separation. He threw a curveball as his secondary 76-77 mph with 11/5 shape and early break. Overall Beasley is a large player with raw strength, he will continue to be a top prospect as his arm strength is advanced. |
Tyler Johnson 1B / RHP / Bentonville, AR / 2018Rankings StateRank: 10 / POS: 1
Johnson is a 6-foot-2 200-pound 1st basemen/ outfielder, with a large frame and an athletic build. He attacks the baseball with fast bat speed and an advanced feel for the barrel. He starts from a tall stance, he uses a simple load stride combination, he uses a slight uphill swing which flashes pull power. He uses his lower half partially. Defensively he plays through the baseball with fluid footwork. He uses a short arm action and throws the baseball with accuracy. Overall Johnson is an advanced left-handed hitter with above average athleticism. |
Out of State Commits
93 |
CT |
Wilton |
2018 |
OF |
||
121 |
TX |
New Diana |
2018 |
RHP |
||
128 |
IL |
Mundelein |
2018 |
LHP |
||
136 |
MO |
Rockhurst |
2018 |
OF |
||
138 |
MO |
Park Hill |
2018 |
LHP |
||
155 |
IL |
Mount Olive |
2018 |
LHP |
||
295 |
MO |
Blue Springs South |
2018 |
C |
|
|
388 |
OK |
Owasso |
2018 |
SS |
|
C |
IMG Academy |
Searcy, AR |
|
RHP |
White Oak HS |
White Oak TX |
|
LHP |
Florence HS |
Florence, AL |
|
RHP |
Ravenwood HS |
Nashville, TN |
|
RHP |
College Station HS |
College Station, TX |
|
SS/RHP |
Trinity Christian |
Orange Park, FL |
|
SS |
Timber Creek HS |
Fort Worth, TX |
|
Patrick Wicklander |
LHP |
Valley Christian HS |
San Jose, CA |
Overall this class will add depth to the position players, that will be returning for Arkansas. This class is heavy on pitching prospects, which they may need some to contribute right away with departures of juniors if the MLB draft goes as expected. LHP Patrick Wicklander, RHP Connor Noland, and RHP Connor McCullough all should have a chance to help right away with there advanced feel for the strike zone.