For the 2021 class, Devin Obee (Ensworth) made the largest surge among the top 25 prospects, breaking into the the top 10 (+12) while claiming the title of top OF in the class as lefties Camden Hayslip (Friendship Christian) and Kavares Tears (Columbia Academy) are not far behind.  Pierre Seals (Houston) finds himself as the top available prospects in the 21’ class, the Future Gamer plays a physical all-around game that stands out amongst peers.

With six primary D1 outfield commits in the class (9 including some two-ways), this group has been late blooming with some solid depth beginning to develop due to four rising newcomers, Jackson Hill (Nolensville), CJ Bega (Eagleville), Matt Sweeney (Cookeville), and David Yamas (Franklin) joining the top 150.  Braden McFarlin (White House Heritage, +69) and JJ Williams (CPA, +61) were the biggest risers among the position group after both showed a knack to barrel the baseball at the Preseason All-State Showcase in late January. Below Scouting Director Colton Provey breaks down four uncommitted OF among the top 50 overall and the two biggest risers from the crop.   

2021 On the Rise:

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

Uncommitted in Top 50

Pierre Seals | OF | Houston | Rank: 20
The 5-foot-11, 185-pound physical outfielder is the top available player on the board in the state after an excellent circuit in 2019, picking up Future Games and Border Battle accolades.  Advanced approach at the dish with some explosive bat speed, bat jumps off the barrel.  Moves well defensively, projects to be all-around corner OF with ample arm strength and ball tracking skills. Chance to play CF at next level, if speeds ticks up a notch.  Surprising to still see Seals on the market at this point, but should find a home in the near future.

Nathan Barksdale | OF | Clarksville | Rank: 31
The 6-foot, 173-pound, right-handed hitting outfielder slugged his way to Game 1 MVP of the KY/TN Border Battle after going 3 for 4 with 2 triples and 4 RBIs.  Medium, athletic frame with good present strength and tools upside after a so-so summer overall.  Barksdale found his grove offensively this fall with more consistent hard contact, barreling balls into the power alleys.  Projects to hit for average with some power upside and plays a steady corner OF with CF potential.  A workhorse who plays hard and provides an all-around skillset. 

Logan Johnson | OF | Pigeon Forge | Rank: 43
The 5-foot-11, 170-pound showed some pure raw tools this fall at the Knoxville Fall Scout Day after logging 88 OF Velo and 91 Exit Velo.  Swinging from the left side, the wiry-frame Johnson gets good launch on balls to the pull side with occasional 4-hole top spinner. Quick twitch athlete with loose, lightning quick arm (He can really move it).  Plenty of skills to be a mainstay in the OF (lefty bat, strong arm, good speed), but some service time on the mound could be in his future with a special arm like Johnson.

Tyke Tabor | OF/SS | Univ. School of Jackson | Rank: 49
The 6-foot, 162-pound is the top true centerfielder on the board after an impressive fall slate, while also turning in an all-state season at defensive back for the state runner up Bruins.  Tabor can really zoom, gliding like a ball hawk in the OF and impact speed on the base paths.  Offensively, top of the order bat, who can put pressure on the defense and slash gap to gap with projectable power as frame develops.  Showcasing his athleticism, Tabor worked at MINF showing good footwork and steady hands, as a serviceable secondary option at the next level.  

Risers

JJ Williams | OF | Christ Presbyterian Academy | Rank: 70 (+61)
The 5-foot-11, 180-pound Williams cracked into the rankings this December, but put together an excellent showing at Preseason All-State Showcase this January leading to a big jump into the top 75.  Williams showcased a more polished swing with better incorporation of the lower half leading to a power surge at the plate, blasting balls gap to gap.  Slotted as a corner OF at the next level as he moves well (6.94 60 Time) and the arm continues to develop over time. Overall, rising corner OF bat with consistent hard contact rate and some upside.  

 

Braden McFarlin | OF | White House Heritage | Rank: 104 (+69)
The 5-foot-9, 170-pound McFarlin put together a solid debut at Underclass Games this past summer to get on the board, but much like Williams, a major tool development lead to a Spring surge.  At the Preseason All-State Showcase, McFarlin made a big jump in arm strength (71 to 82 OF Velo) to pair with a quick swing and solid BP round.  Not an imposing frame but ability to hit hard line drives to all fields with more power to come.  Quick, loose hands and feel for the barrel.  The biggest riser of the outfield position for the March rankings.   

 

Top 15

RANK	NAME	STATE	SCHOOL	CLASS	POS	COMMITMENT
1	Devin Obee	TN	Ensworth	2021	OF	Duke
2	Camden Hayslip	TN	Friendship Christian	2021	OF	Alabama
3	Kavares Tears	TN	Columbia Academy	2021	OF	Tennessee
4	Pierre Seals	TN	Houston	2021	OF
5	Keaton Ray	TN	Rhea County	2021	OF	Virginia Tech
6	Brendan Jones	TN	Goodpasture Christian	2021	OF	Kansas State
7	Nathan Barksdale	TN	Clarksville	2021	OF
8	Logan Johnson	TN	Pigeon Forge	2021	OF
9	Tyke Tabor	TN	University School of Jackson	2021	OF
10	Drew Porter	TN	Friendship Christian School	2021	OF
11	JJ Williams	TN	Christ Presbyterian Academy	2021	OF
12	Carson Chavies	TN	Collierville	2021	OF
13	Brantly Whitwell	TN	Spring Hill	2021	OF
14	Ethan Harden	TN	Battle Ground Academy	2021	OF
15	Caden Rector	TN	Bearden High School	2021	OF	Western Carolina

Click Here to View 2021 Rankings