By Doug Freeman and Mike Maerz

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With the conclusion of high school spring break tournaments and the month of March coming to a close, it’s time to make an update to the Florida 2019 Class Rankings. This class not only boasts high-end talent, but depth as well with 20 of the Top 25 players already committed to play at the next level somewhere. 2019 LHP/1B Hunter Barco (Bolles HS, FL) takes over the top spot in the rankings as the Virginia recruit has impressed this spring not only on the mound, but at the plate as well. Below are reports on the Top 5 along with a look at how the Top 10 stacks up:

Hunter Barco, LHP/1B, Bolles HS, FL
Virginia recruit. Currently ranked No. 1 in the Florida 2019 Class, No. 3 Overall. The big, strong 6-foot-4, 200 pounder has a clean, somewhat short arm action coupled with a drop-and-drive type delivery. The ball jumps out of his hand with life. His fastball sits at 88-91 mph early, before settling in and pitching at 86-88 occasionally running it up a little better when needed. Barco also shows a feel for both a changeup at 78-82 mph as well as a slider at 75-77 mph with quality shape. At the plate he has also showcased his power where he recently drove a ball deep over the right field wall for a home run. Barco has big upside both on the mound and at the plate.

Riley Greene, OF/LHP, Hagerty HS, FL
Florida recruit. Currently ranked No. 2 in the Florida 2019 Class, No. 4 Overall. The athletic, projectable 6-foot-2, 180 pounder has big potential at the plate and on the mound. The left handed hitter stands tall in the box and shows an advanced approach with a feel for the barrel. He drives the ball gap-to-gap with present pull side power with much more to come. On the mound, he has a clean and easy 3/4 arm action that produces a fastball that ranges from 81-84 mph.  He also shows a sweeping slider with quality shape at 73-75 mph. Overall, Greene has present tools, but still has a lot of room to project.

Joseph Charles, RHP, The First Academy, FL
North Carolina recruit. Currently ranked No. 3 in the Florida 2019 Class, No. 6 Overall. Stands at 6-foot-3, 185 pounds with an athletic, projectable build and a good lower half. Loose, quick arm with a simple, repeatable delivery throwing out of the high ¾ slot. Lands out in front. His fastball sits at 90-92 mph, touching 93 mph with sink along with a slider that shows some late bite at 80-81 mph generating plenty of swings and misses. Creates a tough angle against right handed hitters.

Brandon Walker, RHP/SS, North Florida Christian, FL
Florida State recruit. Currently ranked No. 4 in the Florida 2019 Class, No. 8 Overall. The 6-foot, 180 pounder shows big time tools, especially on the mound. He is very physical with strong legs. Arm swing is medium to long, but super easy and effortless. Repeats his motion flawlessly and fastball sits 90-92 mph with life that jumps on hitters along with a slider that sits 74-76 mph with the potential to be a plus pitch. There is so little effort that the ball explodes out of his hand with a flick of the wrist.

Jake Holland, C, Calvary Christian Academy, FL
Miami recruit. Currently ranked No. 5 in the Florida 2019 Class, No. 10 Overall. The 6-foot-2, 200 pounder has a Matt Wieters frame with a strong lower half. At the plate, he has a wide stance and is relaxed and balanced in the box with an advanced approach. Quick bat and squares it up. Some power potential exists and can drive the ball deep into the gaps. Behind the plate Holland shows good flexibility in his legs, deadens pitches in the dirt, and receives the ball well. Overall he has an advanced toolset and projects to be an above average defensive catcher with power.

Here’s a look at the Top 10:

RANK	NAME	STATE	SCHOOL	CLASS	POS	COMMITMENT
1	Hunter Barco	FL	Bolles	2019	LHP	Virginia
2	Riley Greene	FL	Hagerty	2019	OF	Florida
3	Joseph Charles	FL	First Academy	2019	RHP	North Carolina
4	Brandon Walker	FL	North Florida Christian	2019	RHP	Florida State
5	Jake Holland	FL	Calvary Christian Academy	2019	C	Miami
6	Jud Fabian	FL	Trinity Catholic	2019	OF	Florida
7	Rece Hinds	FL	Niceville	2019	SS
8	Isaac Nunez	FL	Lake Brantley	2019	SS	Florida
9	Tyler Callihan	FL	Providence	2019	SS	South Carolina
10	Dylan Simmons	FL	Trinity Christian Academy	2019	RHP	Florida State

 
For a complete look at the Florida Class of 2019 Rankings, CLICK HERE

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