Jack
McDaniel

C Jack McDaniel (Hinsdale South, 2027) would emerge a must-know name in Illinois’ junior class, acting as quality LHH/C with high baseball IQ and general feel for the game. At the plate, showed a simple approach with present bat-to-ball skills and line-drive intent, while flashing some strength during his batting practice with a max exit velocity of 96.4 mph and an average of 88.1 mph. Finished gameplay 3-for-6 with an RBI and a run scored. Defensively showed developing tools behind the plate with present instincts and poptimes as low as 2.06-seconds during the workout. Strong 5-foot-10, 181-pound frame.

Positional Profile: C/3B
Body: 5-10.4, 181.2-pounds. Athletic, proportionate build with rounded shoulders.
Hit: LHH. Narrow base, medium stride, controlled. Direct path, balanced and compact, intent to stay up the middle.  68.2 mph bat speed with 13g of rotational acceleration.
Power: 96 mph max exit velocity (88.1 avg.); 324-foot max batted distance.
Arm: RH. C - 73 mph. Clean, over-the-top arm action.
Defense: 2.06-2.22 pop time range; Plays on his feet, quick first step, replaces feet to second, quiet blocker.
Athletic Testing: 7.68 runner in the 60-yard dash; 19.70-inch max vertical jump.
Vizual Edge: 78.17 Edge Score.

Positional Profile: C/3B
Body: 6-0, 173 pounds.
Hit: LHH. Balanced, quiet setup, fluid pre-pitch load, quiet hands. Balanced overall swing, loose easy hands, bat works on-plane, natural lift and gap to gap approach, flashed pull side power. 67.6 mph bat speed with 11g of rotational acceleration.
Power: 94 mph max exit velocity (87.8 avg.); 370-foot max batted distance.
Arm: RH. C - 71 mph. INF - 73 mph. INF: Fluid, easy arm with the ability to throw from multiple platforms. C: Clean, short arm action, over-the-top slot.
Defense: 2.12-2.19 pop time range; INF: Plays low to the ground, quality glove presentation, soft hands, smooth gather, clean transfer. C: One knee setup, quiet receiver, works to present pitches in and around the zone. Clean and directional out of the crouch, smooth glove-to-hand release.
Athletic Testing: 7.60 runner in the 60-yard dash; 18.90-inch max vertical jump.
Vizual Edge: 79.83 Edge Score.

+ C Jack McDaniel (Hinsdale South, 2027) looked to be one of the more polished left-handed hitters in attendance. He impressed throughout his round with a smooth and balanced operation, staying under control throughout while using the whole field with little perceived effort, reaching up to 94 mph for his peak EV with a 370’ max distance. Behind the plate, he has steady hands and a clean transfer, working in-line out of the chute with patient actions, not rushing to create a pop-time as low as 2.12 (T71 mph).