On May 24th, 40 prospects from across Tennessee made their way to the Unsigned Senior Showcase (2020-2021) at BC Athletics Indoor Facility in Knoxville, TN.  Even though there was very little high school season in 2020, these upperclassmen came into the event ready to hit the ground running and posted some strong numbers as they search for a collegiate home. With many participants posting some great numbers, we zone in on eight players who really stood out in Sunday's action.  

 

Jake Wurms RHP/1B Farragut 2021 (Uncommitted)
6-foot-3, 170-pound Farragut product led the way for fastball velo climbing to 88 in his bullpen session. Very projectable, long high-waisted frame.  Quick arm that works up to 3/4 slot.    Consistent upper 80s (2093-2289 rpm via Trackman).  As a new pitching prospect, Wurms is developing feel for both off-speed offerings, but he maintains good arm speed and good velocity.  As position player, bit of unorthodox swing, but collegiate bat speed (Avg 64.6, Max 71.9 via Blast) and consistent hard contact, in part to strong connection at impact (Avg 88.2). Wurms will be one to watch, especially his development on the bump.

 

Jack Nedrow RHP Siegel 2021 (Uncommitted)
The 6-foot-2, 195-pound Siegel ace was impressive in his lone start in the 2020 season, shutting out district foe Riverdale in CG fashion.  Nedrow continued the trend, flashing a FB consistently around 87 (Max rpm: 2181) and good feel for three-pitch mix around the zone.  Simple, repeatable delivery with good rhythm and quick arm that works to 3/4 slot.  Fastball bore down in the zone with slight arm-side action.  CB at 73-76 with proper shape, not a hammer but deceptive tight breaker, which he can bury for swing and miss.  CH at 76-78 with slight fade and ability to throw for strikes.  

 

Brock Culpepper RHP MTCS 2021 (Uncommitted)
The 6-foot-1, 170-pound right hander has continued to make steady climbs since last summer.  Culpepper flashed a FB at 84-86 (2052-2127 rpm via Trackman). Works quickly on the bump with great pace and quick arm.  Possessed the highest-upside breaking ball at the event with tight 10/4 SL at 76-78 (1959-2284 rpm via Trackman) with good shape and swing n’ miss capability.  Mixed changeup at 76-78, which is new pitch but ability to get me over for strike.  

 

Luke Ferguson LHP Knoxville Central 2021 (Uncommitted) 
There was some buzz swirling around the 6-foot-4, 188-pound southpaw heading into the event, and he didn’t disappoint in his PBR debut.  Very, projectable with present strength with room to add more.  Simple, repeatable delivery w/ High 3/4 slot, but looked much more comfortable in stretch while maintaining velo.  FB at 84-86 (1944-2111 rpm via Trackman) with some late life.  SL at 77-79 was a nice offering once he settled in, showing ability to locate down and away from lefties or bury for chase pitch.  Played well off the FB tunnel.  Threw a heavy CH at 79-81 which could shape up to be a nice pitch when he gets some more consistency.  

 

Eli Crowder C Grace Christian 2021 (Uncommitted) 
The 6-foot, 195-pound backstop has made tremendous strides in the past four months, showcasing some elite rotational acceleration (Avg: 26.4 G, Max: 30.2 G) and much improved bat speed (Avg: 70.1, Max: 72.1).  More consistency and strength in the swing, on plane early and often (On Plane Efficiency Avg : 82%, Max: 87%)  leading to an array of hard contact.  Increase in arm strength behind the dish with similar pop time and identical home to first metric.  Crowder isn’t a complete product yet, but he’s beginning to take shape and put himself in position to make a summer push.  

 

Ryan Degges OF/SS CAK 2021 (Uncommitted)
The 5-foot-11, 165-pound athlete put on quite the display serving time as both OF and SS.  Posted the event’s top exit velo (93 mph) and outfield velo (88 mph).  Lightning quick arm with loose arm action, shortened up slot during infield work, swift feet and solid footwork.  Good runner posting a 4.35 Home to First.  Smooth swing at the dish with big league bat speed (Avg: 77.9 Max: 82.5 via Blast) and elite rotational acceleration (Avg: 22 G Max: 27.3 G via Blast). Sprayed the ball to all fields with ability to barrel the ball into the power alleys, Degges hit the longest ball via Trackman projected 348 ft.  

 

Wyatt Collins C/3B Lenior City 2021 (Uncommitted)
The 5-foot-11, 185-pound catcher/third baseman was impressive all around in his PBR debut. At third base, solid hands and footwork with plenty of arm strength (86 mph), which carries over to the plate with event best 1.91-1.99 Pop Time. At the plate, ample bat speed (Avg: 69.2 Max: 75) and solid rotation with consistent connection at impact, leading to spray chart of line drives (Max Projected. Distance: 342 ft). Some more load consistency should take him over the hump offensively.  Nice addition to the 21’ class uncommitted group.   

 

Brayden Taylor SS Gibbs 2021 (Uncommitted) 
The 6-foot-1, 177-pound shortstop posted the top infield velo at 88 mph with his big arm from the left side of the diamond.  Showed good hands and solid footwork with a quick snap release which the ball jumped out the hand.  Good movement patterns and athleticism, didn’t blaze down the base path, but potential to add strength and round out profile.  Solid bat speed for next level (Avg: 68.4, Max: 73) and rotational acceleration (Avg: 13, Max: 18.6).  Line drive hitter at this point spraying balls to all fields, potential to develop into table setter hitter.