Landon
Knack

2020 DRAFT: A 5th year senior, Knack’s stuff took a big jump this spring during his four starts for the Buccaneers. In years past he sat in the low-90s with his fastball. After an offseason dedicated to improved strength and conditioning, Knack’s heater jumped into the mid-90s this spring, often touching 97 and 98. At a mature bodied 6-foot-2, 225 pounds, he serves his heat from a high three-quarter slot with a compact arm path. He repeats a simple, on-line delivery with an aggressive backside finish. He also has a long history of strike-throwing to go along with his new-found heat. As a sophomore in 2018 at Walters State JC (TN) he walked 13 and struck out 112 in 92.2 IP. Last season at ETSU Knack walked 16 in 97 innings with 94 strikeouts. Saving his best for last, he led the country in strikeouts with 51 against just one walk in 25 IP this spring. He can drive his four-seamer (2300-2500 rpm) to the bottom of the zone with tailing life, and also ride it at/above the letters with good carry for swing/miss. His 75-77 mph curve breaks top to bottom and shows above average depth at times, while his 78-81 mph change-of-pace is an average offering with spin rates in the 1800s. He will also mix an average-to-above slider at 84-87 mph. Of all his secondary offerings his curveball has the greatest potential to be plus in the near future with good shape and a high spin rate in the 2700-2800s. At 23 years of age Knack is not the youngest prospect in this year’s draft class, but he is one of the top velocity arms with high-level control, and is likely to be selected in the top three-to-four rounds.