Hattiesburg Summer ID & Rising Stars ID: Quick Hits

June 9, 2025
Matt Miller
State Director

HATTIESBURG, MS — The Hattiesburg Summer ID & Hattiesburg Rising Stars ID was held on Thursday, June 5th at the University of Southern Miss that featured top talent from the 2026-2030 classes. Players went through a pro-style workout with TrackMan, Blast Motion, and VALD Performance tech, while pitchers threw in a bullpen setting and were able to get data and metrics on our TrackMan unit.

Some prospects built on past showings, while others made strong first impressions.

We continue our post-event coverage by looking at some of the top standouts from the event, with more breakdowns and full scouting reports coming soon.

+ View all event stats HERE.

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QUICK HITS

Colton French RHP / 1B / Ocean Springs, MS / 2027

The 5-11, 183 pounder right hander had a solid showing on the mound Thursday at USM. There is still plenty of development ahead for him but a strong foundation is already visible, especially with his feel for his secondary pitches. French worked his fastball in 80-82 mph range with some arm side action though his split (715 spin) was advanced and when set up, we could imagine it would be very tough on hitters. The next calendar year could be big for French as the Greyhounds will look to replace some big innings heading into the 2026 spring.

Taevion Collier SS / RHP / GULFPORT HIGH SCHOOL, MS / 2026

Collier has some potential two way ability at the next level. On Thursday, the Gulfport Admiral prepster had one of the louder batting practice rounds with mainly pull side line drives and exit velocities up to 96 mph. He did show he could drive the baseball the other way if needed, though he looked to be hunting the middle-in pitch. The right hander hopped on the mound later and showed a free and easy delivery and good feel for the strike zone. His fastball velocity was into the low 80’s though there looks to be plenty more in the tank.

Manny Huffman RHP / OF / Ocean Springs, MS / 2028

Huffman could see big changes in his prospect status over the next couple of years. The 6-2, 170 pounder has a frame that is still maturing and he’s already doing some good things on the mound. He was up to 80 mph on Thursday with looseness and some whip in his arm action. Having seen the development process with others that have his frame, Huffman should see significant upticks in velocity soon. His secondary arsenal has shape and some feel but is in the early stages as well. Really look forward to following his development.

Andrew Kelly C / OF / Oak Grove, MS / 2027

Kelly got significant playing time for Oak Grove this season as a sophomore and should be an integral part of the Warrior offense heading into the 2026 spring. On Thursday the sturdy 6-0, 200 pounder showed off his budding next level power potential (98 EV) at the plate with pull side line drives and occasional loft. His ability behind the plate is evident as well. Though he still has work ahead of him, the rising junior had pop times as low as 1.97 with a 77 mph catcher velo. He should soon begin to get some play on the recruitment scene.

Joseph Portera OF / RHP / Starkville Academy, MS / 2027

The 5-11, 160 pounder had a solid all around event on Thursday. He started his day with a 7.07 60 which will get even better in time. At the plate, Portera had a good round while showing a line drive, middle of the field approach with exit velocities into the low 90’s. From his outfield position, the Starkville prepster delivered accurate throws to the plate up to 83 mph. He then hopped on the bump and worked his fastball up to 81 mph with a good feel of the strike zone. The foundation is there for Portera and with overall maturity and strengthening of his frame there’s a lot to dream on moving forward.

Garner Russum LHP / 1B / Presbyterian Christian, MS / 2029

Russum was the most physical of the Rising Stars participants on Thursday at 6-0, 197 pounds. Many of them will see significant changes to their frames over the next year. Hitting from the left side, the PCS rising 9th grader caught our attention at the plate with a few loud barrels and exit velocities up to 92 mph. He, like many younger players, has a tendency to look to pull, though he did occasionally let his hands work to the pitches on the outer half. He could be another big bat on the way for the MAIS 6A champion Bobcats.

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2025 SUMMER SCHEDULE ⤵️

We’re excited to announce that our 2025 summer event schedule is now live! This year, we’re traveling to all parts of Mississippi, giving players across the state the opportunity to compete and showcase their skills. Don’t miss your chance to get signed up — CLICK HERE for more details or to register!