We wrap up our positional riser coverage of the 2021 TN class with the most rare finds, left handed pitchers.  There are twelve lefty arms already committed to division one in the class lead by Vanderbilt commit Ryan Ginther (Station Camp), who had a dominate 2019 season (0.38 ERA) and clocked up to 91.  At the moment, the lefty arm market is pretty wide open for who will emerge as the next commit for the TN class. Former Future Gamer Trey Willis (Loudon) currently finds himself at the top, but expect a lot of shuffling as the summer unfolds as there isn’t much separation between the highest ranked uncommitted southpaws. 

2021 On the Rise:

Catchers | First Base | Mid. Infielders | Third Base | Outfielders | Righty Pitchers | Lefty Pitchers | 

 

Left Handed Pitchers

Trey Willis | LHP | Loudon | Rank: 53
The wiry 6-foot-4, 170-pound southpaw helped Loudon get back to the state tournament in 2019 while helping toss a combined 12-inning no hitter, tossing 4 innings and punching out 9.  Strikeout specialist showcased a low to mid 80s fastball (1800-2040 rpm) and sharp 12/6 curveball at 66-69, which generates a lot of swing and miss at the Future Games last summer.  Strong in relief vs Kentucky, tossing two innings and striking out four. Developing feel for changeup with some fade and potential.  Tall, very projectable frame, high ceiling prospect.  

Logan Rushing | LHP/OF | Brighton | Rank: 73
The 5-foot-10, 175-pound southpaw two-way has well-proportioned strength with some physical projection. Rushing, brother of Louisville slugger Dalton Rushing, has quick arm showcasing a 83-86 fastball in the summer of 2018.  Upside on both sides of the ball.  Hits right with straight on, slightly crouched stance w/ short hand rhythm intro stride and proper load.  Above average bat speed through the zone in simple, repeatable swing.  Projects to hit for average with projectable pull power as corner outfielder.   

Garrett Sims | LHP | Summit | Rank: 86
The 6-foot-1, 175-pound Sims has had some inconsistencies the past year, but looked poised to put together a nice 2020 campaign after seeing him in early scrimmage action.  The command struggled over the summer, but the arm upside is there and he showed improvement in limited action this year.  Sims was an easy 82-86 (Up to 87 in 19’) with good life on fastball.  Mixed a 12/6 curveball at 72-74 as well as 77-79 changeup with good arm speed.  Very projectable arm who looks to put it all together this summer and secure a commitment.


Matthew Wrinkle | LHP | Halls | Rank: 87
The 5-foot-10, 168-pound Wrinkle had a strong TBCA showcase this past summer.  The lefty showcased a low-to-mid 80s fastball, topping at 85.  Primarily used 68-71 mph curveball with proper shape and good bite. Occasionally mixed changeup at 75-78 with some arm side action.  Consistently around the zone with all three pitches and worked two scoreless frames.  
 
 

Ethan Harden | LHP/OF | BGA | Rank: 88
The 6-foot, 175 pounds two-way prospect has shown some promise on the bump from the left side and a quick swing from right side.  On the bump, low to mid 80s fastball with some run and sink when located down in the zone.  Good feel for 1/7 CB at 71-74 with nice late break.  Lean, projectable frame with lower half strength who really strides it out in the outfield.  Level swing with an aggressive, yet controlled, approach. Stood out at the plate all weekend with a patient approach. Strong arm from outfield, picking up several OF assists this summer at Lakepoint from deep in RF.  

 
Brycen Denton | LHP | Hardin Valley Academy | Rank: 100
The 5-foot-11 180-pounds Denton has a future on the mound, although a steady position player as well.  On the mound, FB was 81-83 this fall with plenty left in the tank.  Really liked the mound presence and competitiveness with the FB. Quick arm that works to 3/4 slot, who is consistently around the zone and shown ability to spin it.  At the plate he has short, simple swing with good stride. He gets out of the box and runs well as OF.  

 

Miller Riggins | LHP | Houston | Rank: 144
6-3, 200-pound lefty has tall, projectable frame with intriguing three-pitch mix.  Has been 77-81 this past year, but has shown big jumps leading up to summer 2020.  After cleaning up some lower half issues, Riggins fastball has jumped up to mid 80s, topping at 87 with good life out of high 3/4 slot.  Simple, repeatable delivery w/ quick arm. Medium downer CB flashed proper shape, late bite, depth.  CH w/ arm-speed, fade and sink.  Around the zone w/ 3-pitch mix.  Would have been a breakout performance in 2020 season, but heads into the summer as red hot rising lefty option. 

 

Top 25

RANK	NAME	STATE	SCHOOL	CLASS	POS	COMMITMENT
1	Ryan Ginther	TN	Station Camp	2021	LHP	Vanderbilt
2	Nick Kurtz	TN	The Baylor School	2021	LHP	Wake Forest
3	Tayler Montiel	TN	Brentwood Academy	2021	LHP	Mississippi State
4	James McCracken	TN	Middle Tennessee Christian	2021	LHP	Tennessee
5	Luke Ellis	TN	St Benedict at Auburndale	2021	LHP	Mississippi
6	Derek McCarley	TN	Seymour	2021	LHP	East Tennessee State
7	Hunter Merrick	TN	Farragut	2021	LHP	East Tennessee State
8	Trey Willis	TN	Loudon	2021	LHP
9	Austin Wooten	TN	Stewarts Creek	2021	LHP	Army
10	Logan Rushing	TN	Brighton	2021	LHP
11	Garrett Sims	TN	Summit	2021	LHP
12	Matthew Wrinkle	TN	Halls	2021	LHP
13	Kaleb Meredith	TN	University School - Johnson City	2021	LHP	Tennessee
14	Brycen Denton	TN	Hardin Valley Academy	2021	LHP
15	Cory Francis	TN	Summertown	2021	LHP	Tennessee-Martin
16	Hayden Frank	TN	McMinn County	2021	LHP	Lipscomb
17	Adam Quincy	TN	Seymour	2021	LHP
18	Will Tobin	TN	Independence	2021	LHP	Pennsylvania
19	Coltin Reynolds	TN	Powell	2021	LHP
20	Miller Riggins	TN	Houston	2021	LHP
21	Griffin Orr	TN	Trinity Christian Academy	2021	LHP
22	Patrick Green	TN	Tipton Rosemark Academy	2021	LHP
23	Travis Whitson	TN	Happy Valley	2021	LHP
24	Gage Hensley	TN	Dobyns-Bennett	2021	LHP
25	Cole Headrick	TN	Chattanooga Christian	2021	LHP

 

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