Updated 2021 Tennessee Player Rankings (December)

Angus Pence SS / RHP / Farragut, TN / 2021

The Tennessee commit had an outstanding fall with Royals Scout Team while facing a tough slate of competition.  The 6-foot-1, 165-pound shortstop continued to show great instincts in the field and strung together quality at bats.  Seems to be filling out frame, as Pence showed improving power, smashing a home run vs Walters State in fall game play.  Just checks off every box.  

Derek McCarley LHP / OF / Seymour , TN / 2021

The ETSU two-way commit saw another uptick in velocity, topping out at 86 in the PBR Upperclass Fall World Series.  Started throwing more of a slider this fall, showed potential of being a legitimate swing/miss pitch; throws it aggressively at 75-77 with lateral sweep and depth. A true competitior, who has feel for filthy three pitch mix and is going to make some noise in 2020.  

Caleb Guisewite RHP / OF / White House Heritage , TN / 2021

The recent Belmont commit made an appearance at TN Underclass Games in late July, sitting 81-83 w/ nice breaking ball in low 70s, but clean arm and frame.  Six weeks later at Lakepoint Fall Invite, Guisewite made an adjustment and jumped to 83-87, while still showing 12/6 curveball w/ depth in low 70s.  A nice fall bump, but this arm might be scratching the surface.   

Kaleb Meredith LHP / OF / University School - Johnson City, TN / 2021

The 6-foot-1, 175-pound wiry, lefty was stellar at KY/TN Border Battle in early October.  Meredith showcased premium command of three-pitch mix, just peppering the knees. Fastball worked 77-81 w/ heavy sink/arm side run and working both sides of plate.  Mixed 1/7 action curveball (68-72) and fading changeup (73-74) working well off fastball tunnel.  Meredith committed to Tennessee in late October.   

Pierre Seals OF / 3B / Houston, TN / 2021

5-foot-11, 185-pound outfielder now claims the spot of number one uncommitted player for 2021, following Jay Dill’s recent commit to Missouri.  Seals has become a staple of the 2021 class as a representative at Future Games and KY/TN Border Battle in October.  Seals went 2 for 4 in the 11-3 win over Kentucky with two singles and a run scored.  Offensively, possess a simple, explosive swing belting baseballs gap-to-gap with ease.  The hit and power tool pair nicely w/ a quick release, strong arm that gets good carry on throws.  Defensively, he played all three outfield positions w/ great arm and above average range. Profile projects as run-producing outfielder w/ strong physical game and variety of tools.  

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Caleb Warta RHP / SS / Knight's Academy, TN / 2021

The #1 uncommitted 2021 arm.  The 6-foot, 175-pound righty is currently returning from an arm injury, but looks to return to form in the 2020 season.  Warta was very impressive last preseason getting up to 89 and utilizing above average four pitch mix. SL is best secondary, ¾ tilt w/ proper shape, chance to be a put-away type pitch as he learns to trust it and throw with FB arm-speed.  A high-ceiling prospect to follow on his return to the mound.   

Nathan Barksdale OF / Clarksville, TN / 2021

6-foot, 173-pound, RHH showed intriguing all-around skillset to project in CF w/ good bat speed and easy gap-to-gap power.  The Game 1 MVP of the KY/TN Border Battle, going 3 for 4 with two triples and a single. Barksdale screed one run and drove in four.  Medium, athletic frame w/ present upper/lower half strength, Offensively, hits w/ a straight on, very slightly crouched stance w/ short hand rhythm into moderate stride and proper load.  Generates bat speed through the zone w/ proper path & natural loft.  Projects to hit for average w/ present pull-side power and spray to all fields. Drove both triples to deep left center field.  Continues to showcase good speed tool (4.32, Home to 1st). Defensively, shows the potential to be an above average defensive OF, speed to cover gap to gap w/ projectable carry through target arm strength, super projectable arm action.

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Kyle Magrans RHP / 1B / Clarksville, TN / 2021

6-foot-2, 200-pound two-way showed to be a physical specimen at Border Battle in October.  Tall, athletic frame w/ ample strength in pro body.  Got the start on the bump, working two quick innings, allowing no hits or runs w/ one walk.  Worked off a heavy fastball at 85-87, supplemented w/ two above average secondary offerings.  Showed feel for both 11/5 shape CB (68-69) and fading CH (73-75).  Repeatable delivery while incorporating lower half w/ quick arm and more in the tank.  At the dish, ball jumps off the bat w/ easy gap to gap power (88 Exit Velo).  Quiet, balanced stance w/ simple load and good bat speed.  Defensively, shown to be solid defender at the corner infield positions and corner outfield w/ above average speed (Home to First 4.49) and strong arm.  Profile projects as an impact power bat/pitcher and serviceable defender at multiple positions w/ outstanding raw strength.  

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Elijah Dew RHP / 3B / CAK, TN / 2021

The #2 uncommitted 2021 arm had two strong outings this Fall at Lakepoint.  The 6-foot, 170-pound Dew flashed a loose, quick arm topping at 88 while varying from low-to-mid 80s.  Showed sharp breaking ball at 77-79, which can be serious S/M candidate when commanded.  Raw, arm talent who is just finding his footing for an exciting future.  

Hudson Seigler C / 1B / Farragut, TN / 2021

The #5 catcher continues to make strides heading into the 2020 Spring season.  The Farragut product boasted a strong showing at KY/TN Border Battle in early October. Seigler dominated the stat leaderboards w/ #1 Pop Time (1.89) plus tying for first in Catcher (77) and Exit Velo (93).  Strong, proportional frame w/ quiet movements behind plate and strong arm.  Very sound defensively and gets great carry on throw downs.  Offensively, balanced stance w/ quiet load and stride.  Easy gap-to-gap power as ball jumps off bat to all fields.  Profile projects as toolsy backstop that can impact the game both offensively and defensively. One of the top available backstops in 2021 class. 

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Cameron Lee SS / 2B / Summit , TN / 2021

The #1 available 2021 shortstop and former Future Games participant made an appearance at KY/TN Border Battle in early October.  Lee put together a very sound performance mirroring his summer numbers, while continuing to show great speed and untapped power.  Offensively, made some adjustments to his approach, simplifying load and stride, leading to more consistent hard contact.  The weight room has been a big focus for him this offseason by adding good mass to his wiry frame as he looks to put together a stellar 2020 campaign.   

Logan Johnson OF / 2B / South-Doyle, TN / 2021

The 5-foot-11, 170-pound is the highest rated newcomer (#45) after a stellar showing at Knoxville Fall Scout Day. Twitchy, lanky frame w/ room to mature.  The outfield prospect possess long, loose arm and shows agile footwork defensively.  Gets tremendous carry on the throws w/ great extension (OF Velo: 88).  Offensively, the lefty have smooth load and gets good launch on balls, flashes of easy gap-to-gap power (Exit Velo: 91).  New to the scene, but some high ceiling tools for the East TN native.   

Tyke Tabor OF / SS / University School of Jackson, TN / 2021

5-foot-11, 158-pound RHH outfielder had two strong showings this fall to jump on the radar. Quick, twitch athlete w/ stable frame and room to mature.  Showed to have strong run tool (60:6.67 | Home to 1st: 4.33), translating to stellar range roaming the outfield w/ good arm (OF Velo: 85). Offensively, hits from balanced stance w/ small leg kick and good bat speed. Ability to spray line drives to all fields, developing power w/ frame maturation.  Went 1 for 3 at Border Battle in October, logging 2 quality at bats and scoring a run.  Utilized speed to put pressure on defense by stealing a bag in game play.  Worked in middle infield as well w/ good footwork and hands, very solid middle infielder.  Profile projects as toolsy, top of the order utilityman, who can be advanced defender in the OF, w/ developing offensive promise.

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Jameson Nephew RHP / Siegel, TN / 2021

New to the 2021 rankings after break out Fall.  6-foot-3, 180-pound right-handed pitcher, proportional build with strength throughout, projects. Strong arm works out of a ¾ slot, long action shows low on the backside. Drop and drive delivery creates a difficult angle for batters as he strides heavily towards the third base side of the mound, release point is nearly behind a right-handed batter. Commands fastball at 85-87. Curveball showed 12/6 shape in the mid to upper 60s. 

Emery Wright C / 3B / Knoxville Catholic , TN / 2021

5-foot-11, 175 pounds with a strong lower-half build. Impressive on both sides of the ball. Defensively, has solid receiving skills. Quick feet that move well towards target, Pop time consistently in low 2s.  At the plate, hits from slightly-open stance. Low hands that creep up to position during load. Active lower half with fast hips and hands, that work in unison. Very level bat path that produces hard line drives.  Seems to have a knack for getting base hits in bunches.  Very solid backstop with good offensive game, who can provide some service time at 3B/2B as well.   

Jake Dallas C / RHP / Farragut , TN / 2021

6-foot-1, 185-pound right-handed hitting catcher, strong, muscular frame, durable build. Open setup with high hands, loads back smoothly with hands dropping into an athletic position, short leg kick timing trigger, remains balanced throughout, smooth rhythm. Gap-to-gap type hitter with present pull-side pop, uses the whole field. Sees the ball well and attacks the first pitch he likes, good hand-eye coordination.  Behind the dish, solid footwork and transition, arm gets a tad too long on throwdowns (2.05-2.16).  Overall, naturally gifted catcher w/ tools, can fine tune into all-around backstop.  

Isaac Whitaker SS / 2B / Ezell-Harding , TN / 2021

5-foot-10, 155-pound shortstop had nice performance at Hit After Hit Scout Day in November.  Lean, athletic frame w/ medium build and room to mature.  Offensively, RHH in tall stance w/ simple load and stride, did swell job incorporating lower half.  Good power to pull side, could develop to be gap-to-gap.  Defensively, skills to stay at SS w/ great hands and transitions, paired w/ strong arm (INF Velo: 85).  Light, quick footwork in the field and speed on the bases (60: 6.97).  Developing newcomer to follow in 2020.   

J.D. Price RHP / 1B / Christian Academy of Knoxville , TN / 2021

6-foot-3, 185-pound right-hander will be making his rankings debut in our next edition.  Price has had a strong Fall circuit.  Shined at Border Battle in October, throwing two perfect innings while striking out three.  Price has a long, wiry frame w/ great projectability.  Works a quick, loose arm from 3/4 slot. FB worked 81-83 w/ good life through the zone and occasionally sink.  Showed polished three pitch mix w/ CB & CH.  CB sharp break 11/5 action at 68-71.  CH had good command and fade at 70-72.  Certainly a player to watch as the Spring 2020 comes around.   

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Brycen Denton LHP / OF / Hardin Valley Academy, TN / 2021

5-foot-11 175-pounds. Strong 2-way performer in the 2021 class. Up from rank 126 to 93 overall. On the mound the FB was up to 83. Sat 81-82 most of the game. Really liked the mound presence and competitiveness with the FB. Utilized low 70s curveball w/ depth as best off-speed offering.  At the plate he has a short, simple swing with good stride. He gets out of the box and runs well.

Cody Wheeley 1B / RHP / David Crockett, TN / 2021

After breaking into the 2021 Rankings this summer at #113, 6-foot-3, 190-pound LHH first baseman has continued to improve throughout the fall season w/ strong showings at Border Battle and Tri-Star Titans Scout Day. At the dish, balanced, open stance w/ simple load and small leg kick.  Possess good bat speed and gap-to-gap power (91 Exit Velo) from the left side w/ good launch.  Defensively, shows good movement patterns at 1B and shows enough speed (60: 7.36) to fill in at Corner OF.  In the Border Battle, Wheeley went 2 for 4 w/ a RBI-double and single while also tossing a quick, clean inning in relief (FB: 77-80). Some projection on the mound as frame develops, but Wheeley is an established power-left handed bat climbing the 2021 board.  

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