Prep Baseball Report

2025 Future Games Preview: Texas Outfielders/Catchers


By: Brandon Gowins
Texas Scouting Director

As Team Texas brings two full rosters to the Future Games for the first time ever, it’s clear just how deep and talented the state’s 2027 class really is. The new NCAA recruiting rules — which prohibit official contact between college coaches and underclassmen until August 1 of their junior year — have shifted the spotlight squarely onto this event. And both Team Texas North and South are ready to seize that stage.

Following a loaded group of infielders, the outfielders and catchers provide even more firepower to this year’s roster. The outfield is full of physical, toolsy athletes who can hit for power, run, and defend at a high level — with several capable of playing all three spots. There’s no shortage of left-handed bats, loud metrics, and projection, and you can expect multiple outfielders from this group to break out nationally by the end of the week.

Behind the plate, both teams feature strong-armed, high-IQ catchers who can control the game defensively and bring impact potential with the bat. With pop times routinely under 2.0, advanced receiving skills, and physical frames built for the position, this Texas catching group should draw plenty of attention from college recruiters throughout the event.

With a blend of polish, projection, and plus tools, these outfielders and catchers will be key pieces for Team Texas North and South as they look to make another statement at LakePoint.

Drake Hawpe – 2027 OF/RHP | Liberty Christian (North Texas Team)

6'4” | 205 lbs | L/L | Cooperstown Cobras | #3 in TX, #17 Nationally

Hawpe enters the Future Games as one of the most established names in the Texas 2027 class — and a strong showing in Georgia could solidify him as a national name. The 6-foot-4 left-handed hitter is built for impact, with a heavy barrel that produces loud contact to all parts of the field. He’s shown the ability to leave the yard from line to line, and the power continues to trend up as he grows into his frame.

He’s not just a masher — Hawpe brings above-average run and arm tools, and profiles as a true corner outfielder with big upside on both sides of the ball. His presence, production, and pedigree (his father, Brad, played in the big leagues) make him one of the most closely watched players on the North roster.

With his frame, swing, and ability to impact the game in multiple ways, Hawpe has a real chance to elevate himself into the top tier of national bats this summer.

Lane Johnson – 2027 OF | Westlake HS (North Texas Team)

6'2” | 205 lbs | L/R | Wow Factor National | #3 OF in TX, #12 Overall

A former Jr. Future Gamer, Johnson returns to LakePoint with one of the more physical profiles in the class. At 6-foot-2, 205 pounds, the left-handed hitter brings a strong combination of bat speed, strength, and in-game power that plays against top arms. He’s shown the ability to drive the ball to all fields with authority and continues to trend toward middle-of-the-order upside.

Despite the physical build, Johnson runs well and shows the instincts to stick in center field, though he projects comfortably in either corner with his arm strength. His tools show up consistently in-game, and his all-around skill set gives him one of the higher ceilings in the state.

With bloodlines, physicality, and loud performance history, Johnson will be a centerpiece of the North Texas outfield and a name college recruiters will be zeroing in on this July.

Cash Clayton – 2027 OF | The Woodlands HS (South Texas Team)

6'5” | 205 lbs | R/R | Wildcatters – Gafford | #4 OF in TX, #13 Overall

Clayton brings one of the most imposing physical profiles in the Texas 2027 class, and the 6-foot-5 right-handed hitter backs it up with serious tools across the board. He’s already touched 102.3 mph exit velocity, and the swing continues to get more connected and efficient as he grows into his long, athletic frame.

What makes Clayton so intriguing is the rare blend of size and athleticism. He moves exceptionally well for his build, running a 6.88 60-yard dash, and has already flashed a 93 mph arm from the outfield. The speed, arm strength, and projectable power give him all the traits to profile as a high-end corner outfielder, with the potential to cover center as well depending on the final footspeed.

Still just tapping into his ceiling, Clayton’s combination of size, athleticism, and juice make him one of the most projectable outfielders in the country. He’ll be a major draw for recruiters in Georgia and a key piece of the South Texas outfield.

Ayden Collier – 2027 OF/LHP | George Ranch HS (South Texas Team)

5'10” | 160 lbs | L/L | HP Endsley 2027 | #10 OF in TX, #50 Overall

Collier is a twitchy, athletic outfielder with true top-of-the-order traits and exciting upside from the left side. At 5-foot-10, 160 pounds, he plays faster than his size, posting a 6.82 60-yard and showing high-end quickness with a 20.4 mph max run speed. He profiles as a top-of-the-lineup table setter who can pressure defenses on the basepaths and cover serious ground in the outfield.

Offensively, Collier brings solid feel for the barrel and consistently finds the sweet spot. He’s posted a 95.6 max exit velocity and continues to show improved strength in the box without sacrificing rhythm or balance. There’s surprising juice in the swing for his size, and the ball jumps off his bat when he connects. The bat-to-ball skills are real, and there’s more to come as he continues to develop physically.

He also offers value as a left-handed arm, but his current calling card is as a dynamic defender and line drive hitter who can change the game with speed and contact. Collier brings energy, instincts, and high-level competitiveness to the South Texas outfield, and he’s a name that could generate significant buzz at the Future Games.

Hudson Leonard – 2027 OF/1B | Sunnyvale HS (North Texas Team)

6'3” | 190 lbs | L/L | Wow Factor Texas | #11 OF in TX, #53 Overall

Leonard brings an enticing blend of athleticism and left-handed power to the North Texas squad. At 6-foot-3, 190 pounds, he’s lean and projectable with room to grow — but the juice is already very real. He’s posted a 102.2 max exit velocity with consistent barrels in the 90+ range, and the swing works with easy rhythm and length through the zone.

The speed is just as impressive. Leonard turned in a 6.67 60-yard dash and has shown 20.9 mph max run speed, giving him a unique speed/power combo that plays in both the outfield and at first base. His 85 mph arm and clean movements make him a fit in the corners, and the glove continues to improve around the bag.

Leonard plays with a quiet intensity and smooth presence that stands out in game action. As he continues to add strength, the power production could jump another level — making him a high-upside left-handed bat that recruiters will track closely in Georgia.

Brandon Brannon – 2027 OF/SS | Mount Pleasant HS (North Texas Team)

R/R | Five Star Performance | #18 OF in TX

Brannon packs a punch. He brings elite strength, fast-twitch athleticism, and serious juice to the field — the numbers don’t lie. He posted a 102.7 mph max exit velocity, with a 98.5 average, and routinely drives balls deep into the gaps. His compact swing works with natural leverage, and he plays the game with controlled aggression and confidence.

He’s also one of the best athletes on the North Texas roster. Brannon ran a 6.61 60-yard dash, reached 20.4 mph max run speed, and showed off a 90 mph arm from the outfield. That speed-power-arm combination makes him a threat on both sides of the ball, and he can impact the game in multiple ways — whether it’s at the plate, tracking balls in the gaps, or flying around the bases.

Defensively, Brannon has spent time in both the outfield and infield, but his athleticism and arm strength make him a natural fit in the outfield long term. With his motor, explosiveness, and in-game production, Brannon is a sleeper to explode in Georgia and one of the more electric players in this Texas class.

Jackie Bryant – 2027 OF | The Bennett School (South Texas Team)

R/R | Twelve Red Sox

Bryant comes into the Future Games on the heels of a monster season, and the right-handed hitter is trending toward a breakout on the national stage. He’s shown a strong blend of hit and power tools, with the ability to impact the baseball to all parts of the field. The swing is compact and quick, and he’s consistently barreled up arms all summer long.

Defensively, Bryant has the range and instincts to play all three outfield spots, giving the South Texas roster some flexibility. He takes clean routes, gets good jumps, and isn’t afraid to come get it — playing with confidence and energy on the grass.

With his offensive consistency and versatility in the field, Bryant is the type of player who could really shine in Georgia. He brings a mature approach, strong in-game production, and the kind of feel for hitting that should have coaches locked in from the first pitch.

Reed Blakely – 2027 OF/1B | Lovejoy HS (North Texas Team)

L/L | Dulins Dodgers

Blakely is one of the more pure hitters on the North Texas roster — a left-handed bat with real feel for the barrel and advanced pitch recognition. He’s had a big spring and followed it up with a strong summer, consistently finding the barrel and producing against quality arms. The swing is loose and repeatable, and he does damage to all parts of the field.

While he doesn’t have a prototypical power frame, Blakely shows surprising juice, and it plays in-game. The ball jumps off his bat, and his ability to adjust and compete in at-bats is a separator. He’s a high-IQ player with a polished offensive approach and the kind of swing that should continue to produce at higher levels.

Defensively, he has the tools to handle all three outfield spots and brings value as a left-handed defender who can also play some first base. Blakely’s hit tool is his calling card, and with his consistency and approach, he’ll be one to watch closely in Georgia.

Easton Brunson – 2027 1B/OF | Goose Creek HS (South Texas Team)

L/L | Twelve Red Sox

Brunson brings some of the biggest raw power in the Texas 2027 class — and he knows how to use it. The left-handed hitter recently posted a 107.9 mph max exit velocity, with an average of 99.5 mph and a 402-foot max distance. The swing is violent but under control, and he does a great job staying on plane and finding barrels with authority.

What makes Brunson even more impressive is that he moves well for his size. He turned in a 6.95 60-yard dash, and his overall athleticism gives him some defensive flexibility between corner outfield and first base. He also showed 87 mph arm strength across the infield, rounding out a strong physical profile.

He’s a presence in the box — aggressive, confident, and explosive. With the way the ball jumps off his bat, Brunson has a real chance to emerge as one of the top power bats at the Future Games. If the hit tool continues to hold up against top arms, he’ll be a major follow for college recruiters this summer.

Drew Cross – 2027 C/3B | Mount Pleasant HS (North Texas Team)

R/R | 5 Star Mafia 16U Black

Cross brings a strong blend of physicality, arm strength, and offensive punch to the catcher position, and he enters the Future Games as one of the most complete backstops in the state. At the plate, he’s produced loud numbers across the board — including a 101 mph max exit velocity and 91.9 avg EV, with balls flying out to 385 feet. His swing is direct and powerful, showing the ability to impact the baseball with consistency.

Behind the plate, Cross is steady and athletic with a 1.78–1.79 pop time and 83 mph catcher velocity, showing real carry on throws and quickness out of the crouch. His feel for the position continues to grow, and his 91 INF velo also speaks to his overall arm strength and versatility on the dirt when needed.

He moves well for a physical catcher — running a 7.03 60-yard — and plays the game with confidence and edge. Cross has the tools to be an impact two-way contributor and is one of the more intriguing 2027 backstops headed to Georgia. Expect him to make a strong impression with both the bat and the glove.

Bentley Seeberger – 2027 C/RHP | Lubbock Cooper HS (North Texas Team)

R/R | Artillery 2027 | #3 Catcher in TX

Seeberger brings a physical presence and power profile to the North Texas squad, and he’s one of the more complete catchers in the class. At 6-foot-1, 205 pounds, the right-handed hitter delivers real thump from the box — with a 101.6 mph max exit velocity and an impressive 96.7 average. The bat speed is legit, and he consistently finds the barrel with authority to the pull side.

Defensively, Seeberger has shown consistent pop times in the 1.87–2.05 range with an 82 mph catcher velo, flashing good carry and clean footwork out of the crouch. His 92 INF velo and overall arm strength give him versatility and options, but he fits naturally behind the plate where his toughness and leadership play well.

He’s not just a power bat — Seeberger is also a competitive presence behind the dish with high game IQ. While he has value on the mound, his catch-and-throw ability, strong frame, and impact bat make him one of the most well-rounded backstops in Georgia. Expect him to draw plenty of attention from college recruiters throughout the event.

Charlie Heard – 2027 C/3B | The Woodlands Christian (South Texas Team)

R/R | Hunter Pence Morris 2027 | #2 Catcher in TX

Heard is a strong, physical backstop who brings real power potential and one of the top defensive skill sets in the Texas 2027 class. Built with strength throughout, he shows advanced actions behind the plate with quick, consistent catch-and-throw ability and pop times ranging from 1.82–1.88. His arm is accurate and plays with carry, and he shows poise and presence in-game.

Behind the dish, Heard controls the tempo, receives well, and can shut down the run game with ease. His ability to handle a staff and control the game from behind the plate will be a big asset for the South Texas squad in Georgia. With a strong frame and natural strength, there's plenty of untapped power in the bat that could begin to surface in a big way this summer.

Braden Durrett – 2027 C/1B | Ridge Point HS (South Texas Team)

R/R | Marucci Elite TX | #13 Catcher in TX

Durrett is a long, athletic catcher with a projectable frame and developing impact tools on both sides of the ball. At 6-foot-3, 185 pounds, he offers plenty of room to grow physically, and there’s already real strength showing up at the plate, including a 97.5 mph max exit velocity and flashes of power to the pull side.

Behind the dish, Durrett shows steady actions and improving catch-and-throw skills, with pop times ranging from 1.94–2.01 and accurate throws around the bag. He’s a quiet receiver who continues to refine his lower half and quickness out of the crouch, and he’s shown he can handle a staff and stay composed under pressure.

With his physical upside, strong makeup, and emerging tools, Durrett has the chance to make a big impression in Georgia. As the strength continues to come and the defensive game sharpens, he’s a name to keep a close eye on moving forward.

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