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East TN Preseason ID: Quick Hits

January 29, 2023
Colton Provey
TN Scouting Director

Knoxville, TN - The East TN Preseason ID was held on Saturday, January 28th at BC Athletics  in Knoxville, TN. This event was an open event that consisted of 25 prospects from the 2023-2026 classes. These players went through extended pro-style workout that included batting practice using Trackman and Blast Motion, ran the 30 yard dash using Swift Performance, and much more. Pitchers were able to throw in simulated bullpens during the workout and were able to get numbers and metrics off of our Trackman unit, such as pitch velocity, spin rate, horizontal & vertical movement & much more. There were some players who showed up and continued to build off of prior performances, but there were also some new names who jumped onto our radar with a strong showing on Saturday.

Kicking off our post-event coverage for this event, we take a look back at some of the top performers and standouts from Saturday. Continuing over the course of the next week or so, we will release different statistical leaderboards for the event then transition into releasing individual scouting reports for each player in attendance.

View all positional stats HERE.

 

QUICK HITS

Colton Denton, C, Hardin Valley Academy, 2025
Made quite a statement with his showcase performance after landing right at the cusp of the top 100 in the 2025 class. Strong, developed frame with present strength. He posted the top catcher velo and pop time for the event as well as the top exit velo and average exit velo. Well rounded game with above average receiving and catch n throw upside to go along with power at the plate. Denont will be a great one to follow this Spring as he continues to climb the ranks. 

 

Ethan Crump, RHP, McCallie, 2023 (Rhodes Commit)
Crump has always shown the upside with a tall frame to build on from past showings, but he made another jump in velocity and polished up his off speed offerings. The FB sat comfortably in the upper 80s with good life and varying spin between 4-seam/2-seam. CB showed more bite but so-so command at this point in the year, but will sharpen up this Spring. Firm CH looked to be his best offering at this stage, as he could kill more spin/velo, but gets good action on the pitch. Top 150 prospect in 2023 class will certainly be making a push up the boards with a big Spring on the horizon. 

 

Sam Cecil, OF/3B, CAK, 2023
Cecil has always been a consistent offensive contributor in previous looks, but he's gone under the radar as a lefty bat in the Sr. class. Shown defensive versatility between OF and 3B while posting the top INF and OF velo for the event. He's got a good frame to add mass/strength, but also was towards the top in exit velocity metrics. Some athleticism as well, profiling as a quality lefty hitting utility-man, who be a primary corner outfielder at the next level. 

 

Tyler Bennett, SS, CAK, 2025
Bennett is considered a top 30 prospect in the 2025 class and he continues to make steady improvements to his game. He has the tools to stick at SS with smooth actions and a reliable glove while posting the #2 INF velo for the event. Hit a very solid BP round, using the middle of the field. The path is steep, uphill but good bat to ball skills leading to consistent har contact and more to project as he continues to fill out his frame. 

 

Bryson Rowland, LHP, Elizabethton, 2025
Rowland didn't wow with overpowering stuff, but he showed the ability to effectively mix three pitches and attack the zone. Consistency in the delivery and his pitch arsenal while flashing some upside. FB was upper 70s, but good spin metrics and scratching the surface of his velo potential. CB showed good shape and solid bite to keep hitters off balanced. Advanced feel for CH at 72-74 w/ good fade action to neutralize RHH. Rowland will be one that can really pitch and his mix will continue to improve as he develops. 

 

Kerim Durmaz, RHP, Northview Academy, 2024
There is always a surprise arm during the Preseason ID series and Durmaz might take the top spot for 2023. Proportional frame at 5-11, 195-lb w/ some present strength. Consistency in the delivery and pitch execution. FB mid 80s up to 87, working it to both half of the plate. Good feel for the CH with fade and keeping it down in the zone. Some rawness to the SL at 71-76, but quality spin and fair bite. The helium arm of the Preseason ID series will be jumping into the 2024 Rankings very soon. 

 

Grayson Wright, SS/RHP, Bearden, 2026
2x Team TN member at JFG and still showing two-way upside. Sound defensively and still developing into his frame. Consistent line drives, but much more power to project as he fills out. He may be more of an arm early at the varsity level for Bearden. Low 80s FB and solid mix of off speed offerings. CB showing 12/6 action w/ solid shape, CH with fade and arm side run, and CT/SL in low 70s w/ good action. All three very solid, but intrigued to see SL develop with potential to be a swing n miss pitch. 

 

Niklas Kidd, OF/LHP, Clinton, 2023
Kidd has really come along nicely over the past year, showing more strength and upside as he tries to find a collegiate home. Some two-way upside as a lefty arm on the mound, but the position profile is ahead currently. Legit bat speed and bat to ball skills as he can spray hard contact around the yard. Arm strength is improved and figures to slot him in a corner OF spot at the next level. Kidd will be one to follow this Spring for college recruiters looking for outfield help in the 2023 class. 

 

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UPCOMING EVENTS

SHOWCASE DATE LOCATION
Preseason All-State (Invite-Only) 2/4 Showtime Sports Academy (Franklin, TN)

 

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