On Sunday, February 22nd, the Prep Baseball Colorado staff hosted the annual Colorado Preseason All-State event at The Farm Sports in Colorado Springs! This event featured ~130 prospects from the 2026-2029 classes and allowed our staff an opportunity to get an in-depth look at the players in attendance. Today we'll continue our deep dive into the data collected at this event within this 'Quick Hits' story. 

For complete event results, click here.

QUICK HITS:

Nolan Taylor 3B / RHP / Northfield, CO / 2028 Rankings  StateRank: 18 / POS: 2 Nolan Taylor continues to raise his profile as a high-upside prospect, bringing a rare blend of size, athleticism, and two-way impact. At 6’4”, 188 pounds, he owns a wiry, athletic frame that produces impressive twitch, and the bat has taken a notable step forward, as he’s now up to a 103 mph top exit velocity with a 91 mph average EV. He also shows athletic movement for his size, running a 7.06 60-yard dash and posting an 87 mph outfield throwing velocity. What truly separated Taylor at this year’s Preseason All-State event, was his performance on the mound, where he ramped his fastball up to 92 mph and paired it with a quality curveball, a sharp slider peaking at 2387 rpm, and a usable changeup. With his continued upward trend and two-way upside, the Northfield sophomore has a real chance to make noise this spring and is firmly on Future Games watch.

Evan Jensen RHP / OF / Legacy, CO / 2028 Rankings  StateRank: 5 / POS: 1 Evan Jensen continues to separate himself with outlier strength in the 2028 class, and his showing at this year’s Preseason All-State only elevated his profile further. The 6’4”, 212-pound athlete put up some of the loudest metrics at the event, working his fastball up to 95 mph while also flashing a slider, changeup, and an 88 mph sinker that hint at a high-end arsenal moving forward. The strength was even more eye-opening in BP, where Jensen delivered one of the top rounds of the day, posting a 108.5 mph max exit velocity, a 96.5 mph average EV, and a 364-foot max batted ball distance. He complements that power with athletic traits, running a 7.02 60-yard dash and throwing 93 mph from the outfield. If Jensen’s toolset continues to translate more consistently into game action this spring, the ceiling is immense, particularly on the mound where his combination of velocity, size, and developing pitchability gives him one of the higher upside arms in the 2028 class.

Nick Dubofsky RHP / 1B / Boulder, CO / 2028 Rankings  StateRank: 7 / POS: 2 Nick Dubofsky is a name to circle in Colorado’s 2028 class, as he continues to pair in-game pitchability with rapidly developing metrics on the mound. The sophomore has already shown an advanced feel for spin, and at this year’s Preseason All-State he worked his fastball in the 88–90 mph range with an exceptional max spin rate north of 2,600 rpm. He backed it up with a high-spin slider that peaked at 2,889 rpm and showed feel for a changeup at 76–77 mph, giving him a well-rounded arsenal. What truly separates Dubofsky is his deceptive lower three-quarter arm slot, where he hides the ball well and creates uncomfortable looks for hitters. With his combination of deception, spin traits, and mound presence, Dubofsky has firmly positioned himself among the top arms in Colorado’s 2028 class.

Thomas Shank SS / OF / Rock Canyon, CO / 2028 Rankings  StateRank: 1 / POS: 1 OverallRank: 263 / POS: 67 One of the state’s premier position players, sophomore OF/SS Thomas Shank continues to stand out as a high-upside left-handed bat. Shank brings plenty of twitch in the barrel and pairs it with a strong, confident approach at the plate, showing the ability to ambush pitchers and do damage early in counts. The athleticism shows up across the board, as he’s been timed at a 6.90 60-yard dash while producing a 98.3 mph max exit velocity, a 90 mph average EV, and a 353-foot max batted ball distance. Defensively, Shank adds real value with an 86 mph outfield arm, 85 mph infield velocity, and the range to handle true center field, tracking balls with ease. With his offensive upside, defensive versatility, and left-handed power potential, Shank profiles as one of the more intriguing long-term bats in the state.

Brady Harman SS / 2B / Chatfield, CO / 2028 Rankings  StateRank: 4 / POS: 3 The Colorado 2028 class is loaded with high-upside hitters, and shortstop Brady Harman is certainly a name that stands out in the group. Harman brings a simple, repeatable approach at the plate, allowing him to compete deep into counts and handle a wide range of pitch types with confidence. His short, quick left-handed swing produces real impact, as evidenced by a 99 mph top exit velocity, a 93 mph average EV, and a 360-foot max batted ball distance in event settings. He continues to add athleticism, running a 7.00 60-yard dash, and shows solid feel and instincts in the infield. With his offensive polish, developing physicality, and a home ballpark that favors left-handed hitters, Harman has the look of a player who could put together a massive spring and further elevate his profile.

Derek Anderson OF / RHP / Ralston Valley, CO / 2028 Rankings  StateRank: 46 / POS: 11 A real gem from this year’s Preseason All-State event was 2028 right-hander Derek Anderson. The 6’3” righty features a wiry frame with long levers and explosive actions on the mound, creating plenty of room for future projection. At the event, Anderson worked his fastball in the 86–89 mph range and paired it with a strong slider that peaked around 2500 rpm, along with a +changeup sitting 76–82 mph that showed minimal average IVB and heavy horizontal movement. His feel for landing both the slider and deceptive changeup stood out, especially when paired with an easy, repeatable delivery. With his combination of projection, pitch metrics, and mound presence, Anderson has firmly placed himself on Future Games watch and is a 2028 arm to follow closely moving forward.

Emry Gates SS / RHP / Fairview, CO / 2029 Rankings  StateRank: 28 / POS: 5 Yet another strong underclassman to emerge from the event was 2029 RHP/SS Emry Gates, who showed impact tools on both sides of the ball. On the mound, Gates’ fastball jumped out of the hand at 86–87 mph and was backed by a max spin rate of 2535 rpm, giving the pitch added life. He paired it with a high-spin curveball at 2731 rpm, a changeup sitting 79–81 mph, and a cutter around 80 mph, showcasing an advanced and well-rounded mix for his age. Offensively, Gates was just as impressive, posting a 95 mph top exit velocity, a 91 mph average EV, and a 350-foot max batted ball distance, while also recording an 85 mph infield throwing velocity. With his early arm strength, offensive impact, and two-way upside, Gates has firmly established himself as a 2029 prospect to watch closely moving forward.

Kai Wagner OF / RHP / Rocky Mountain, CO / 2028 Rankings  StateRank: 9 / POS: 3 Wagner took a notable step forward heading into 2026, as the Super Sophomore Games alum showed clear gains across the board. On the mound, the right-hander ran his fastball up to 88–91 mph with a peak spin rate of 2421 rpm, complementing the heater with a full arsenal that included a curveball, slider, and changeup. The athleticism continues to trend up as well, highlighted by a 6.85 60-yard dash, a strong 91 mph outfield throwing velocity, and real impact with the bat. Wagner posted a 101.4 mph top exit velocity and a 361-foot max batted ball distance. With the physicality and tools continuing to come together, Wagner looks poised for a big spring and remains one of the higher-ranked sophomores to track closely.

Jake Watts RHP / Ralston Valley, CO / 2027 Rankings  StateRank: 8 / POS: 4 Jake Watts, a 2025 Future Games alum and University of Evansville commit, showed another level of polish at this event as his already impressive arsenal continues to trend up. The 6-foot-2, 159-pound right-hander owns a wiry, athletic frame with plenty of room for added strength, and the stuff already plays. His fastball showed lively action up to 92 mph with a max spin rate of 2,363 rpm, while his calling card remains a true swing-and-miss slider. The breaker continues to stand out with spin north of 2,600 rpm, 13.4 inches of horizontal movement, and an outlier average IVB of 12.3 inches. As Watts continues to mature physically, the arrow is firmly pointing up, and he looks poised to make a real impact over the next two seasons in 2026 and 2027.

Tyson Mann LHP / Broomfield High School, CO / 2027 Rankings  StateRank: 34 / POS: 3 Mann continues to trend in the right direction with each look, and this event was no different. The 6-foot-3, 195-pound southpaw showed a fastball up to 88 mph, pairing it with feel for both a slider and a changeup. Built with a durable, projectable frame, Mann looks like a pitcher who can shoulder a heavy workload, and this spring sets up well for him to log meaningful innings. His delivery is repeatable yet explosive with long levers, giving evaluators confidence in both his present reliability and long-term upside as he continues to develop.

Derek Graham LHP / 1B / Doherty, CO / 2027 Rankings  StateRank: 25 / POS: 2 Graham has quickly risen up the Colorado ranks, highlighted by his recent commitment to D1 St. John’s and his standout performance at this year’s Colorado Preseason All-State event. The southpaw flashed a fastball up to 88 mph while displaying composure and confidence on the mound, pairing it with a projectable changeup and slider combination that rounds out his arsenal. Notably, Graham’s fastball velocity has jumped 13 mph since we last saw him in 2023, a sign of both physical growth and refinement in his mechanics. With his combination of poise, projection, and continued velocity gains, Graham is firmly a name to follow closely over the next two seasons.

Dane Dial 3B / RHP / Pine Creek, CO / 2028 Rankings  StateRank: 11 / POS: 1 Dane Dial is a sophomore who continues to make a name for himself with a well-rounded two-way profile and plenty of upside. The 6-foot, 221-pound athlete pairs a durable, projectable frame with an easy, repeatable delivery on the mound, where his fastball sits 86–89 mph and is complemented by a 74 mph slider and 76–77 mph changeup. Dial’s impact isn’t limited to pitching, he also flashes significant offensive tools, posting a 102 mph max exit velocity, a 376-foot max batted ball distance, and an 87 mph infield throwing velocity. With his combination of power, arm talent, and two-way projection, Dial is firmly a name to watch closely as the 2026 season approaches.

Owen Lee C / RHP / Broomfield, CO / 2028 Rankings  StateRank: 15 / POS: 3 Owen Lee is a 6-foot, 195-pound sophomore with two-way upside who continues to show steady growth on both sides of the ball. On the mound, Lee pairs natural arm strength with feel for spin, working a fastball sitting 86–87 mph and complementing it with a curveball at 74–75 mph spinning 2,655 rpm, a changeup at 80–81 mph, and a cutter touching 79–84.5 mph. Behind the plate, he shows advanced actions with a 1.91–1.98 second pop time and a 79 mph catcher’s velocity, while his athleticism continues to develop. Offensively, Lee flashes present power with a 101 mph top exit velocity and runs a 6.95 60-yard dash, showing the speed to match his tools. With his combination of two-way ability, athleticism, and projection, Lee profiles as a rising underclassman to watch closely moving forward.

Jaxon Ross OF / SS / Discovery Canyon, CO / 2026 Rankings  StateRank: 27 / POS: 3 Jaxon Ross is a top uncommitted senior and a name to know in Colorado’s 2026 class. The West Coast Games standout brings a rare combination of speed and power, highlighted by a 6.72 60-yard dash, 102 mph max exit velocity, and a 92 mph average EV. Ross’ athleticism translates in the field as well, allowing him to play true center field with quick first-step jumps and in-game speed that consistently plays at a high level. With his two-way impact and high ceiling, Ross is a prospect to follow closely as he enters his senior season.

Cole Bobbin SS / RHP / Mountain Vista, CO / 2027 Rankings  StateRank: 14 / POS: 3 Cole Bobbin, a 2025 Future Games alum, continues to make waves as a high-upside prospect. The 6-foot, 171-pound shortstop/right-hander pairs a projectable frame with tools that play on both sides of the ball. Up the middle, he can handle a premium position with ease, showing a strong infield arm at 88 mph and producing a 95 mph max exit velocity at the plate. On the mound, Bobbin’s fastball reaches 86 mph, complemented by a high-spin curveball at 2,750 rpm, a slider at 2,750 rpm, and a changeup with 12.8 inches of average horizontal movement. With his combination of defensive versatility, offensive pop, and advancing pitching tools, Bobbin profiles as one of the more intriguing uncommitted prospects in the 2027 class.

JC Smith OF / C / Broomfield, CO / 2027 Rankings  StateRank: 27 / POS: 5 JC Smith, a Future Games alum, continues to elevate his already well-rounded skill set, emerging as one of the premier uncommitted young athletes in the state. The outfielder’s speed is elite, highlighted by a 1.65 10-yard dash and a 6.76 60-yard time, giving him an edge on the bases and in the field. Smith combines that athleticism with advanced bat-to-ball skills, showing excellent feel in all aspects of his game. At this event, he turned in a standout round of BP, posting a 95 mph max exit velocity and a 350-foot max batted ball distance, while also demonstrating improving arm strength with a 90 mph outfield velocity. With his combination of speed, power, and overall feel, Smith profiles as a high-upside uncommitted player to watch closely moving forward.

Caden Koon OF / RHP / Arvada West, CO / 2028 Rankings  StateRank: 28 / POS: 7 Caden Koon, a sophomore and Super Sophomore Games alum, continues to rise as a high-upside two-way prospect. The 6’3”, 165-pound outfielder/right-hander showed a standout performance at this year’s Preseason All-State, particularly at the plate, posting a 97.2 mph top exit velocity and a 91 mph average EV while running a 6.99 60-yard dash. Defensively, Koon flashes active arm strength with a 91 mph outfield velocity. On the mound, he showed feel for his fastball sitting 83–85 mph with spin around 2,375 rpm, paired with a curveball at 71 mph (~2,300 rpm) and a cutter at 73–76 mph (~2,300 rpm), all pointing to further projection as he continues to physically develop. With his long, high-ceiling frame and tools on both sides of the ball, Koon has the potential to make a significant impact this spring and beyond.

Rocco Montoya LHP / OF / Canon City, CO / 2027 Rankings  StateRank: 49 / POS: 4 Rocco Montoya, an uncommitted junior left-hander, continues to turn heads with both poise and advanced stuff on the mound. At this year’s event, he showcased a fastball sitting 84–86 mph with a top spin of 2,345 rpm, complemented by a curveball at 71–73 mph spinning over 2,500 rpm, a slider at 76–77 mph with roughly 2,600 rpm, and a deceptive low-spin changeup at 77–79 mph with around 1,100 rpm. Montoya’s smooth, repeatable delivery allows him to work all his pitches with feel and efficiency, giving him excellent command and pitchability. With the combination of a full arsenal, mound presence, and left-handed projection, Montoya is firmly a name to follow closely this spring and could be poised for a huge season.

Eli Ranieri OF / RHP / Windsor, CO / 2029 Eli Ranieri is a 2029 OF/RHP who already stands out as one of the quicker and more athletic underclassmen in the state. The 6-foot, 170-pound prospect boasts advanced speed for his age, running a 6.71 60-yard dash, and is showing actively developing strength that complements his tools. Ranieri’s arm plays with velocity in the outfield at 86 mph, and he has already produced a 93 mph max exit velocity at the plate. On the mound, his fastball touches just over 81 mph, giving him a foundation to grow as a two-way contributor. With his athleticism, emerging strength, and tools on both sides of the ball, Ranieri has the potential to make an immediate impact this spring and could quickly rise among Colorado’s 2029 class.

Mason Clark SS / OF / Fossil Ridge, CO / 2028 Rankings  StateRank: 10 / POS: 4 Mason Clark, a switch-hitting SS/OF and Super Sophomore Games alum, continues to emerge as one of the higher-ranked position players in his class. The athletic prospect offers clear upside if his swing can consistently play from both sides of the plate, and at this year’s event he flashed impressive power with a 99 mph top exit velocity while consistently generating EVs above 90 mph from both left and right-handed swings. Clark also brings speed and athleticism to the field, running a 6.72 60-yard dash, and shows some feel up the middle with an 84 mph infield velocity. With his combination of power, speed, and defensive polish, Clark has the chance to solidify himself as a premier position player in the sophomore class this spring and summer.

Jameson Wheeler 3B / RHP / Palmer Ridge, CO / 2028 Rankings  StateRank: 19 / POS: 3 Jameson Wheeler, a 2028 prospect and Super Sophomore Games alum, continues to climb the radar as his tools evolve on both sides of the ball. The infielder/right-handed pitcher pairs a durable frame with advanced feel on the mound, showcasing a repeatable delivery that allows him to consistently pound the strike zone. At this year’s event, Wheeler’s fastball topped out at 80.3 mph, complemented by a quality slider and changeup, demonstrating solid command and pitchability. Offensively, Wheeler’s upside is equally intriguing, he posted a 102 mph top exit velocity, a 93 mph average EV, and a 381-foot max batted ball distance, highlighting his potential to be a high-impact hitter as his strength and bat speed continue to develop. With tools on both sides and a frame still projecting, along with arm strength on the way, Wheeler is a two-way talent to watch closely moving forward.

Memphis Dempcy SS / RHP / Sterling, CO / 2027 Rankings  StateRank: 33 / POS: 4 Memphis Dempcy, a 2027 uncommitted RHP/SS, stands out as a two-way talent with a physical 6’4”, 199-pound frame that carries plenty of projection. On the mound, his fastball touched 89.4 mph, while he complements it with a feel for both a slider and a changeup, giving him a well-rounded arsenal. At the plate, Dempcy shows emerging pop with a 92 mph top exit velocity, and his infield arm plays with 84 mph across the diamond. With tools that translate on both sides and a frame that suggests growth, Dempcy is a prospect to monitor closely as he develops into a key contributor in Colorado’s 2027 class.

Zyler Fazzi 2B / SS / Grand Junction, CO / 2026 Rankings  StateRank: 101 / POS: 3 Zyler Fazzi, an uncommitted senior INF/RHP, stands out for his combination of athleticism and offensive projection. The 6.84 60-yard dash highlights his speed and movement ability, which pairs well with his feel and instincts up the middle, allowing him to profile as a smooth, impact infielder. At the plate, Fazzi already flashes present pop, posting a 96 mph top exit velocity, and his developing strength and bat speed suggest even more power upside in the future. We can also tell you that we have seen Fazzi up to 85 mph on the mound. With his blend of athleticism, defensive polish, and emerging offensive tools, Fazzi is a high-upside infielder to monitor closely as he enters his senior season.

Cooper Campbell SS / 2B / Cherry Creek, CO / 2027 Rankings  StateRank: 57 / POS: 9 Uncommitted junior Cooper Campbell is set to step into a full-time varsity role this spring for the back to back 5A state champion Cherry Creek Bruins. A left-handed hitting middle infielder with impressive overall feel, Campbell showcases both speed and power. He runs a 6.77 60-yard dash, displays an 86  mph infield velocity, and generates a top exit velocity of over 100  mph from the left side, with a 93  mph average EV. His whippy left-handed swing combines present bat speed with the ability to both lift and drive the baseball, making him a high-upside threat at the plate and in the field for 2026.

Ashton Santomo OF / RHP / ThunderRidge, CO / 2028 Rankings  StateRank: 20 / POS: 5 Sophomore Ashton Santomo is another thriving underclassman turning heads with his present speed and athleticism. The outfielder ran a 6.73 60-yard dash, posted a 95  mph top exit velocity with a max batted ball distance of 350 ft, and pairing it with an 87  mph outfield throwing velocity. Santomo's actively developing swing points towards some future production with current bat speed and strength. Santomo is one to watch closely as he continues to develop in Spring 2026.

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