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Preseason All-State Upperclass: Staff Selections

January 30, 2026
Prep Baseball Georgia
Staff

FLOWERY BRANCH, GA - The Preseason All-State Upperclass Showcase travels to IVSA where this invite-only event that features the top prospects from the 2026 and 2027 grad classes. Every year, the Preseason All-State Showcase highlights the "Who’s Who" of the Georgia baseball landscape. This event is limited and exclusive to the top prospects in Georgia and serves as a springboard as you enter the high school season. Throughout the week we will be pumping out the content from this event. 

View all stats from the event HERE. 

Today, we take a closer look at the standouts from out staff. ⤵️

Ian Smith (@IanSmittyGA)

Biggest Winner: Brennan Neal, SS, 2027, Brookstone

I've talked about how the sky is the limit for the former Future Gamer and Auburn commit, and it's yet another performance where Neal continues to get better. As athletic as you’ll find in the class at 6-foot-3, 190-pounds with ability to maintain that athleticism long-term alongside significant projection remaining. The shortstop opened the day with an eye-opening, event-best 3.60 30 (1.53 10) and shockingly, was almost upset with himself after the run. This is a plus run tool that could be borderline double-plus at peak. Compact actions at the plate with quality separation and showing immense ability to rotate. Hands stay on-plane through the zone backed by present plus bat speed (Max 80.8) and advanced barrel accuracy to drive balls across the field. Finished the day 3rd in average EV at 97.6 (Max 104.6). Neal would finish the day showing excellent actions in the infield with bounce and significant lateral range while flashing easy arm strength across (89 IF velo) to make any throw necessary. The ceiling has day-one draft upside and will become a household name very soon.

Favorite Bat: Pearce Henry, OF, 2027, Maynard Jackson
We have been pretty bullish on the profile for Henry after a full breakout in 2025 and the uncommitted junior looks ready to keep that momentum in a very important spring. Lean strength litters the 6-foot-1, 180-pound frame with even more to project as he continues to mature physically. Stay well-balanced at the plate with an optimized, well-levered path that shows great barrel length in-zone. Lives in the middle of the field where the outfielder has sneaky raw power to carry both gaps with line-drives and led the event with a max distance of 395ft.. It’s a high-floor hit/power combo with a chance for a fairly high ceiling. Defensively, Henry can be an impact glove across the grass. Gets a great first step with the ability to cover ground quickly from a long stride. Present above-average arm strength only strengthens the profile and gives the outfielder one of the most well-rounded profiles left uncommitted in Georgia's 2027 class.

Favorite Arm: Carter Allen, RHP, 2027, Bremen
I’m not sure there’s a player in Georgia's 2027 class who’s raised their ceiling more than Allen over the last 12 months. From Future Games, a Georgia Tech commitment, and even an all-state season on the gridiron, everything came up aces and now the junior comes into 2026 with a ton of confidence and real jumps on the mound. With a lean, long-levered 6-foot-4, 180-pound frame, Allen holds as much projection as you’ll find while already showing great body control and repeatability in a three-quarters slot. Fastball jumps out of the hand at 89-91 with huge extension and consistent arm-side run. Gets on top of hitters quickly with present feel to land throughout the zone and much more velo to project. Slider is looking like a future put-away pitch at 76-79 with sharp sweep and present feel to spin (2500+ RPM). CB command showed very well in the low-to-mid-70s with depth from a consistent 12/6 shape. Changeup rounds out the mix at 85-86 with advanced ability to tunnel off the fastball and command to land on the inner half at will. There's no question Allen has the ceiling to be one of the top RHP in the class and we will see shades of that this spring.

Favorite Two-Way: Jack Johnson, RHP/OF, 2027, Harrison
No hyperbole, this might be one of the sneakiest athletes in the entire state from the 2027 class. Standing a high-waisted 6-foot-2, 210-pounds, Johnson brings the toolset to impact the game in a significant two-way role. Loose hands at the plate from a quiet setup, Johnson shows good length in-zone while staying on-plane consistent. Easy bat speed and strength in the frame paired in a pull-side heavy approach allows for big-time raw power that he can tap into in-game. On the mound is where I believe is going to find his ceiling with an impressive mix and innate feel to spin. Repeats a longer, loose arm action well while working from a tough low three-quarters slot. Fastball comes out of the hand well at 88-90 with heavy, barrel-missing sink and run. Slider has makings of an above-average offering at 76-79 with sharp bite and plus feel to spin (2800+ RPM). Changeup might be the most advanced pitch in the mix with the ability to kill spin with disappearing tumble that can be unhittable in the lower half. The entire mix has been on an upward trajectory for quite some time but still feels like there's even more to unlock. The former Future Gamer and Troy commit can be an absolute difference maker for Harrison this spring after being ineligible (transfer) last year.

Sleeper Standout: Graydon Sellers, 3B, 2027, North Gwinnett
With North Gwinnett graduating 17 seniors from last year’s team, opportunity looks prime for the picking this spring and Sellers looks ready for an immediate impact. Big-bodied, physical 6-foot-1, 209-pound frame that holds a ton of strength in the lower half. The uncommitted 3B put on one of the more potent rounds on the day with an average EV of 99.1 (Max 106.1), driving line-drives across the field with ease. Balanced setup with a heavy barrel through the zone and excellent ability to leverage. Sellers is light on his feet for the physical frame, showing quality lateral actions and ability to bend. Arm plays from multiple angles with accuracy. Tools and makeup to make an impact at the next level and will be a nice addition to someone’s recruiting class at multiple levels.

Uncommitted Spotlight: Bryce Fontenot, 1B/RHP, 2027, Cherokee Bluff
Simply put, there isn’t an uncommitted bat in Georgia’s 2027 class with power, both raw and in-game then Bryce Fontenot. Power 4 linebacker frame at 6-foot-1, 230-pounds with strength in every facet. Advanced barrel with explosive hands and direct path to the ball that allows Fontenot to tap into every bit of his strength with selling out. Led the event in both Average (101.7) and Max (108.3) exit velocities and it’s fair to say there’s even more in the tank. The power translates to the mound as well where the RHP offers a bullying mix backed by innate feel to spin. Fastball up to 93, living 89-92 with

Smitty’s Standouts

1. Hayes Maginnis, SS/RHP, 2027, Newnan

2. Hunter Hollier, SS, 2027, River Ridge

3. Malachi Butler, SS, 2027, McEachern

4. Preston Bottoms, OF, 2027, Kell

5. Haydenn Downes, OF, 2027, Carrollton

6. Skyler Lee, C, 2027, North Paulding

7. Nate Curcio, SS/RHP, 2027, Etowah

8. Chase Larsen, SS/RHP, 2027, Brookwood

9. Caleb Hudson, OF, 2027, Carrollton

10. Hudson Williams, OF/RHP, Thomas County Central

11. Nathan Sullivan, OF, 2027, Perry

12. Chance Williams, RHP, 2027, North Paulding

Hudson Graham (@Hudson_PBR)

Biggest Winner: Rylin Lyemance, INF, 2027, Walton
Lyemance is a player that just keeps adding on to the physical, 6-foot-5 frame with a chance to be a real contributor for Walton this year. He is just going to get better with the more AB’s and innings he sees in the field. He had a standout fall and looked even better at All-State. He put together a loud round of BP with a max EV of 98.8 and average of 91.1. He has the ability to expand the zone and manipulate the barrel to get to the tough pitches. With the frame and clean actions in the dirt he could explode onto the scene this spring if he can put it all together at the plate.

Favorite Bat: Thatcher Dumford, OF, 2027, Denmark
The metrics from Dumford when we compare 2025 to 2026 are night and day. The results on the field have also followed with some obvious adjustments in the swing. He went from a max exit velocity of 87.3 to 100 and an average of 78.3 to 90.2. The adjustments he made keep the barrel in the zone and allow him to unlock the lower half more than before. There is feel for the barrel and showcased that this fall where he went on a crazy run of hit streaks in a couple of tournaments. This could be a breakout spring on a title contender team in Denmark where Dumford could get some big time attention from colleges.

Favorite Arm: Colton Burtch, RHP, 2027, Union Grove
We have had a somewhat small sample size on Burtch over the last year, so we were excited to get to see him before the season gets underway. He was an arm that made a steady jump from spring to summer and now looks to clearly be one of the top up and coming uncommitted arms in the state. He sat 89 for pretty much his entire pen at All-State, he grabbed 89.8 for his top and has a lot more in the tank. The delivery is smooth and controlled with effortless intent that projects more on the way. The slider has good shape and he showed the ability to throw it for strikes. Burch will be an arm to follow as we head into the spring season that could be low 90’s when the summer rolls around.

Favorite Two-Way: Cohen Fletcher, OF/LHP, Heritage

Cohen Fletcher - (01/19/2026) (1)

Sleeper Standout: Brayden Mentzer, OF/RHP, King’s Ridge

Brayden Mentzer - (01/19/2026)

Uncommitted Spotlight: Jordan Stokes, C, 2026, McEachern

Jordan Stokes - (01/19/2026)

Huddy’s Standouts

  1. Hudson Will, OF, 2027, Cherokee
  2. Grant Bradley, INF, 2027, Holy Innocents
  3. Sam Hubbard, LHP, 2027, Bulloch Academy
  4. Eason Runion, RHP, 2027, River Ridge
  5. Duke Sanders, OF/RHP, Sequoyah
  6. Jack Walsh, SS, 2027, Blessed Trinity
    Jack Walsh - (01/19/2026)
  7. Terrence Watts, 1B, 2027, Dacula
  8. Caeden Schmidt, C, 2027, Harrison
  9. Ryan Pardini, OF, ,2027,Mount Pisgah
  10. Brody Hurd, OF, 1B, Cherokee Bluff
  11. Hudson Chadwick, 1B, 2027, Calhoun
  12. Hunter Dillard, OF, 2027, East Paulding

Avery Fouts (@AveryFouts24)

Biggest Winner: J.R. Hoffman, OF/RHP, 2027, North Paulding
I’ve been quite bullish on the ceiling and projection for a while now as Hoffman is starting to tap into it with a potent showing across the board. Immense physicality and athleticism in the imposing 6-foot-2, 212-pound frame. Opened the day by running a 3.88 30 (1.61-10yd). Advanced barrel feel stands out at the plate backed by huge strength throughout and length in-zone. Creates separation and stays balanced through the zone with very minimal wasted effort from a potent RH cut. Finished the round with an average (95.7) and a max (104.8) exit velocities. Athletic actions in the outfield good routes to the ball and obvious arm strength (92 OF velo) to match. Ended his day with an explosive showing on the mound with budding feel for a deep five-pitch mix. Longer operation and gets down the mound extremely well with immense arm strength. Fastball jumps out of the hand with life at 90-92 and shows advanced feel for a sinker off it with heaviness at 89-92. Slider creates bite at 79-80 (2500+) and curveball is flipped over with good feel to land at the bottom of the zone and late-depth at 76-78 (2400+). Kills spin on a splitter that he mixed in at 78-81 (900 RPM). Hoffman oozes sky-high two-way projection and is poised to carry an everyday role for the Wolfpack this Spring with P4 upside.

Favorite Bat: Bradyn Oblas, OF, 2027, Blessed Trinity
One of the louder rounds of the weekend came by way of the Blessed Trinity outfielder. Oblas is armed with big-time strength in a stout 6-foot-2, 220-pound frame and physical RH cut. Utilizes a toe-tap load to create good separation and generate a ton of strength from the ground-up. Well-leveraged path with plus bat speed (Max 86.9) through the zone and innate barrel feel, posted a Max EV of 106.0 and an Avg. EV of 96.8. Quality actions in the outfield as well with good routes to the ball and present arm strength, finished with an OF Velo of 89 MPH. Immense power projection in the profile with present tools throughout and has a chance to carry a major role this Spring for the defending State Champs.

Favorite Arm: Kale Tompkins, RHP, 2027, Creekview
It’s easy to see the projection throughout the profile for Tompkins with much more to tap into towards a significant ceiling. Lean, high-waisted 6-foot-6-0, 181-pounds and leverages the athletic frame really well as he creates excellent extension down the mound with present arm speed from a ¾ slot. Fastball shows easy life out of the hand and will play up in-game at 86-87 (T88 MPH) with command throughout. Depth to the slider with feel to spin at 76-78 and kills spin on the changeup with tumble at 77-80. Immense projection and pitchability throughout for the uncommitted junior and a breakout campaign is well under way.

Favorite Two-Way: Bowen DeRosso, OF/RHP, 2027, Colquitt County
Coming off a loud showing to end the Fall circuit DeRosso carried it right on over into ‘26. Physical and athletic at 5-foot-11, 202-pounds with plenty more to project. The RHH works from a compact, steep path with excellent balance and transfers weight extremely well through the zone. Advanced barrel feel stands out backed by present hand/bat speed. Finished the round with an average (90.8) and max (101.1) exit velocities along with a max (372ft.) distance. Strong actions in the outfield and posted an explosive 92 OF Velo. On the mound, DeRosso works from a compact arm stroke and delivery with real arm speed. Innate feel for a 3-pitch mix that all play well off one another. Fastball shows a heavy arm-side run at 87-89 with bore and life through the zone. Bite to the slider at 74-75 and changeup tunnels well off the fastball with tumble at 76-78. It’s a consistent look each time out with loud tools on both sides of the ball and the junior could garner loads of interest from schools this Spring.

Sleeper Standout: Connor Ymbras, SS/RHP, 2027, Blessed Trinity
The full plethora of tools was on display as it was an outstanding showing for the BT two-way. Compact athleticism stands out in a 5-foot-9, 159-pound frame. Consistent barrels at the plate as he shows great balance in the stride and generates strength from the ground-up with minimal wasted effort. Works from a compact path and strength in the hands through the zone stands out with impact in the barrel to match. Produced a max (98.1) exit velocity and a max (345ft.) distance. Quality actions in the infield as well with clean, solid footwork and present arm strength (92 IF Velo- Event Best). In the mound, Ymbras boasts whippy arm speed and creates easy drive down the mound with repeatability in the delivery, and feel for a deep five-pitch mix. Fastball shows ride through the zone at 88-89 (T90 MPH) and throws a sinker off it at 86-88. Curveball with bite thrown at 75-76 and feel to spin a slider at 77-79 with sharp break (2600 + RPM). Mixes in a quality changeup at 81-84 as well. There are present loud tools with tons of athleticism throughout and it appears that a breakout year is fully under way for Ymbras, as he looks to provide an immense two-way impact for the reigning 4A State Champs.

Uncommitted Spotlight: Caden Lenzi, 1B/LHP, 2026, Lassiter
The barrel was extremely potent for the senior in what was one of the loudest rounds of the weekend. Lenzi is armed with big-time strength in the 6-foot-4, 198-pound frame and innate barrel feel. Exudes excellent body control and stays well-balanced with immense ability to rotate ( Max Rot. acceleration 39.1), and significant hand (Max 29.4) and bat (Max 78.4) speed through the zone. Finished the day with an average (97.5) and max (104.2) exit velocities along with a 378ft. Max Distance, as well as a 91% hard-hit percentage. Also posted an 89 MPH INF velo. On the mound, Lenzi provides a deceptive look and hides the ball well with feel for the 3-pitch mix. Fastball sat 80-83 paired with a slider at 68-71 and a changeup at 71-74. Lenzi is armed with present loud two-way tools and plenty of upside as a massive Spring appears to be on tap for the uncommitted senior.

Avery’s Standouts:

1. MJ Lane, C, 2027, Jones County

2. Walker Waggoner, OF, 2027, Fellowship Christian

3. Mason Peek, RHP, 2027, Calhoun

4.James Sharp, 3B/RHP, 2027, Fellowship Christian

5.Brody Bohannon, C/OF, 2027, Blessed Trinity

6.Boogie Lowit, 1B/C, 2027, Pickens

7.Jack Burke, RHP, 2027, Creekview

8.Rhian Moore, OF/RHP, 2027, North Gwinnett

9.Pete Kostopoulos, MIF, 2027, St. Pius X

10.Tyson Ganas, RHP/2B, 2027, Houston County

11.Hayes Stephens, RHP, 2027, Mt. Bethel

12.Andrew Snow, OF/LHP, 2027, Mary Persons

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