Then and Now: UTL Branson Crawford

December 13, 2025
Prep Baseball Georgia
Staff

We have a brand new content piece we are going to be rolling out throughout the off season. It is called "Then and Now". We will look back on players we have seen at events throughout the year and see the strides they have made in their game.

Check back daily to see a new player featured.

Then and Now

Crawford put on a show in his very first event at 13u, showcasing some advanced catch and throw behind the dish along with easy arm strength for his age and a strong round of BP. Starting with the physical tools, he went from catcher velocity of 72mph in 2021 to 86mph in 2025. He has played most his career as a primary catcher, but has moved into the OF as well. The arm strength from the OF has went up 12mph since 2021. His pop time has always been elite, throwing a 2.16 at 13 years old. Now he can get it to as low as 1.84. With the versatility there has always been natural athleticism. His 60 time has went from a 7.35 to 6.83 in 2024, which is probably more like a 6.6 or so now. On the mound he has gained over 15mph. During BP his numbers have climbed each year as we have seen him with his first ever event he had a max exit velocity of 85.9 and max distancee of 289ft. Now he is posting triple digit exit velocities with a max distancec of 378ft at the last event we saw him at.

Scouting Report

6/11/25

The #1 catcher in GA for the ‘26 class and Indiana commit would check a ton of boxes across the course of NPI. Opening it up at the plate he would find multiple hard-hit barrels throughout the week. Including on Day 2 where he would unload on a no-doubt 3-run shot to the pull-side at 98 EV/ 359 Ft. Crawford stays compact with good balance and leverage alike as he delivers an explosive barrel through the zone with great use of the entire field. The incoming senior would toe the rubber later on the week during Bracket Play for The Dream as he would churn out a quality outing where his fastball topped 90 with heavy sink and run. The two-way prowess of Crawford is amongst some of the best in the class and it was evident at NPI.

6/04/24

Branson Crawford, North Hall High School (GA), 2026
Positional Profile: C/RHP
Body: 5-8, 161-pounds.
Hit: RHH. Open stance, hands by ear. Pull hitter with loud barrels, quick hands. 72.2 mph bat speed with 11 G's of rotational acceleration.
Power: 94 max exit velocity, averaged 90.4 mph. 348' max distance.
Arm: RH. C-82 mph. Whippy, 3/4 arm action
Defense: 1.84-1.97 pop times. Quick trasnfer, catches out in front, athletic/smooth actions
ATH: 6.92 runner in the 60. 1.63 and 3.82 in the 10 and 30 yard splits. 30.00 max vertical.

2/27/24

Uncommitted. The #14 ranked player in the ‘26 class got things started with a bang Tuesday night at Milton. After working the count, he drives an upper 80’s fastball on the outer half to deep right center for a triple. Crawford’s strength continues to develop as the plate, to pair with his naturally strong arm behind the dish and on the mound. He has made some noticeable adjustments to the swing, and has helped a ton with more consistent contact. Crawford is the type of player that can do it all. He can play CF, be lock down behind the dish or beat anyone in the state on the mound. He got the start last night, and was mid to upper 80’s with his big 12-6 breaking ball that he got a ton of swing and miss on. My favorite thing about Branson is the way he carries himself, he is going to play with emotion, but he is always calm under pressure and does not shy away from the moment. He has the makeup of a college player at a young age, and will be fun to follow this spring and into the summer as a future games candidate.

1/14/24

Branson Crawford, Gainesville (GA), 2026
Positional Profile: C/RHP
Body: 5-9, 170-pounds. Higher waisted frame, athletic. More size to be added.
Hit: RHH. Open stance and set up. Mid-high leg lift. Quick hands, easy power to the middle and pull side. Occasional lift. 69.2 mph bat speed with 13 G's of rotational acceleration.
Power: 96 max exit velocity, averaged 90.6 mph. 339' max distance.
Arm: RH. C-82 mph. OF-93 mph. Quick arm, athletic. (C) Quick and clean.
Defense: 1.84-1.96 pop times. Good glove presentation, clean actions. (C) Clean transfers, blocks well.
ATH: 1.67 and 3.86 in the 10 and 30 yard splits.

9/02/23

Uncommitted. 5-foot-9, 165-pounds. Crawford is a strong two-way talent coming out of the 2026 class. During the Labor Day Challenge, He had a strong outing on the mound. He kept his pitch count low, allowing him to go deep into the game. Crawford had a high powered FB that got up to 87. While being able to flip in a sharp BB whenever he wanted to. He showed great command, and was confident in throwing any pitch in different counts.

6/06/23

Branson Crawford, Gainesville (GA), 2026
Positional Profile: C/RHP
Body: 5-9, 160-pounds.
Delivery: Athletic, lower half driven delivery. Explodes off the back side.
Arm Action: RH. Quick, power action. Stays behind the ball.
FB: T87, 82-86 mph. Heavy strikes. Gets on hitters, especially up in the zone. T2076, 1769 average rpm.
SL: 69-74 mph. Sharp, late break. Same arm slot as the fastball. T1858, 1721 average rpm.
CH: 74-76 mph. Sharp, downward action. Mixes the speeds well from the fastball. T1580, 1477 average rpm.
ATH: 6.86 runner in the 60. 1.65 in the 10 yard split.

6/06/23

Branson Crawford, Gainesville (GA), 2026
Positional Profile: C/RHP
Body: 5-9, 160-pounds.
Hit: RHH. Athletic open stance, leg-kick load. Barrels up through the zone, hard contact (91 EV). 68.5 mph bat speed with 11 G’s of rotational acceleration.
Power: 91 max exit velocity, averaged 83.9 mph. 336' max distance.
Arm: RH. C-86 mph. Strong arm, solid accuracy, Smooth release.
Defense: 1.86-2.00 pop times. Quick transfer, Recieves well, quick pop time.
ATH: 6.86 runner in the 60. 1.65 in the 10 yard split.
Vizual Edge: 74.02 Edge Score

6/06/23

3/24/23

5-foot-10 175-pounds. One of my favorite athletes over the last few years, as he has been a member of both the 13u and 14u Junior Future Games team. The #18 ranked player in the state of GA 2026 class continues to prove why he will be a national name. A true utility prospect that is the #1 ranked catcher in the class, but can play anywhere on the field. The physical strength is continuing to develop. He is gifted with a strong and quick arm that will only get better with physical size. His 2 strike approach is beyond mature, and found off multiple pitches showing high pitch recognition. He will be a 4 year starter for one of the most well known programs in the state.