By Matt Byrd
Tennessee Director of Scouting

The West Tennessee Prospect Games took place on August 16 at USA Baseball Stadium and afforded close to 50 players from around the state to showcase their abilities in a combination showcase/game play event. The following is a look at the catchers who participated for Team White at the event.

CLICK HERE to view the stats of all players in attendance.

Collin Hopkins, 2016, Ensworth, C
The 5 foot 11, 190- pound prospect posted a 7.41 60 time and had a 76 mph position velocity from behind the plate. Hopkins showed good arm strength, quick footwork, was accurate on throws, had a quick exchange. His pop times ranged from 1.95-2.03 as he showed an improved overall game from his last PBR event. Offensively, Hopkins has fast bat speed from the right side and had an 84 mph exit velocity off the tee.  Hits from a balanced setup, has good overall balance, short stride, and is a gap to gap type hitter. Hopkins has an aggressive approach at the plate and went 1-for-4 in game play for the white team.

Evan Russell, 2017, Scotts Hill, C/UTL
The 5 foot 11, 187-pound prospect posted a 7.22 60 time, had a position velocity of the following, outfield- 88 mph, infield- 80 mph, and 74 mph from behind the plate. Defensively, Russell showed his athletic ability all over the field with fluid footwork, good arm strength, natural instincts, soft hands, accuracy on throws, and played thru the ball. Behind the plate Russell had a 2.00-2.06 pop time with quick footwork and natural ability. Russell has the ability to play multiple positions at the next level. Offensively, Russell shows fast bat speed from the right side and had a 90 mph exit velocity off the tee. Russell hits from a balanced setup, has a slight leg kick involved, has good balance, fluid rhythm, uses his lower half, and is a gap to gap type hitter with power potential. Russell brings an aggressive approach to the plate and the ball jumps off his bat. He went 2-for-4 in game play for the white team and is a potential high-level prospect.

Griffin Allen, 2016,Christian Brothers, C
The 5 foot 10, 175- pound prospect posted a 7.06 60 time and had a 72 mph position velocity from behind the plate. Defensively Allen showed average arm strength , some accuracy, quick instincts, quick exchange and footwork. Allen also received the ball well and had pop times ranging from 2.02-2.15. Offensively from the right side, Allen showed fast bat speed and had an 83 mph exit velocity off the tee. Hits from a balanced setup , has a short stride, good overall balance, and good pop off the bat. Allen is a line drive type hitter and went 2-for-5 in game play for the white team.