IMG Classic Day 3 Recap
The IMG Classic is year in, year out one of the most competitive high school tournaments in the country, taking place at the prestigious IMG Academy in Bradenton, FL. This year featured 16 teams from Florida, Puerto Rico, and Pennsylvania. Below are 10 players highlighted for their standout performances yesterday during the 4PM and 7PM game time slots in the Stadium.
Below are some of the top performers with a few notes on their impact during the game. Please give us a follow on our social media platforms listed below as we post content with highlights, clips, and announcements on past and upcoming events.
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4 PM and 7 PM (Stadium) Top Performers
2022 OF Elijah Green (IMG Academy, FL)
Miami commit. Green continued to show why he is undeniably one of if not the top prospect in his class nationally as he crushed a ball way over the left field wall for a two-run home run in his first at-bat. Lightning bat speed, a present feel for the barrel, and the ball explodes off the bat. Consistent threat to drive in multiple runs by way of the long ball and extra base hits deep into the gaps. Plus speed which translates to the base paths and defensively. The athleticism is off the charts. Very strong follow and projects to be a high draft pick next year.
2022 LHP Jackson Ferris (IMG Academy, FL)
Ole Miss commit. Tall, projectable frame standing at 6-foot-4, 185 pounds. Displayed an electric arm in his outing where he featured a loose, quick arm with more in the tank. Featured a fastball that sat 92-94 mph with plenty of life while mixing in an 83-84 mph changeup and an above average curveball at 73-74 mph with depth. The ball really jumps out of his hand and pounds the strike zone. Racked up seven strikeouts over five innings of work. Ferris has tremendous upside and will continue to be a strong follow as a high draft pick next year.
2021 IF Tommy White (IMG Academy, FL)
North Carolina State commit. Physical frame with present strength throughout standing at 6-foot-2, 225 pounds. Works from a wide base offensively and looks to drive the ball with intent. During one of his at-bats he barreled one up and laced a ball back up the middle for an RBI single. Creates loud, hard contact and shows present power, especially to the pull side. Suited to drive in multiple runs in the heart of the lineup. Strong follow as we approach the upcoming draft.
2021 LHP Drew Gray (IMG Academy, FL)
Arkansas commit. Long, lean frame standing at 6-foot-3, 190 pounds with room to fill out. Big leg kick before his delivery, longer arm swing. Featured a fastball that sat 90-93 mph with a higher spin rate, finding the strike zone often. Also mixed in a mid 70s curveball with depth. Above average athlete who can swing it from the left side as well. Gray shows plenty of upside on the mound and will continue to be a strong follow as we approach the upcoming draft.
2021 MIF Drake Varnado (IMG Academy, FL)
Arkansas commit. Currently stands at 6-foot-2, 175 pounds. Had a huge day offensively as he went 2-for-4 with a double and home run which proved to be the final run needed in their mercy win. Top of the lineup hitter who has an above average feel to find the barrel, drive the ball gap-to-gap or for power. Above average runner who can also make a big impact on the base paths. Confident hands up the middle defensively. Varnado continues to have strong performances and will be a strong follow the rest of the spring as we approach the draft.
2021 C Sam Hunt (IMG Academy, FL)
Vanderbilt commit. Physical frame with a strong lower half. Stood out offensively when he laced a ball into center field for an RBI single during one of his at-bats. Fast hands from the left side with a present feel for the barrel. Above average arm from behind the plate with a quick transfer, carry on his throws.
2021 OF Gabriel Gutierrez (Doral Academy, FL)
Miami commit. Currently stands at 5-foot-11, 205 pounds with a strong frame. Delivered a long three-run home run over the center field wall during one of his at-bats, flashing his present power. Easy bat speed from the right side and uses his present strength to drive the baseball. Above average runner as well.
2021 OF Michael Robertson (Venice HS, FL)
Florida commit. Currently stands at 6-foot-1, 170 pounds on a lean, athletic frame with some room to still fill out. Plus runner who immediately stands out with his speed. Delivered two base hits, one to right field and one through the left side of the infield during two of his at-bats. Above average bat speed from the left side who takes a smart at-bat. Top of the lineup player who will continue to be a strong follow for the upcoming draft.
2022 RHP Davion Hickson (IMG Academy, FL)
Florida State commit. Tall, projectable frame standing at 6-foot-4, 200 pounds. Above average athlete who displayed a fast arm with more to come during his outing. Sat mostly 90-93 mph with his fastball that showed late life along with an above average slider at 78-79 mph, 82-83 mph changeup, and a 72-73 mph curveball with depth. Generated plenty of swings and misses. Worked through some jams early on in his outing and found the zone when he needed it. Arm with plenty of upside that will continue to be a strong follow.
2023 C Brady Neal (IMG Academy, FL)
LSU commit. Currently stands at 5-foot-10, 180 pounds with a strong lower half. Delivered a clutch two-run home run that was hammered over the right field wall. Present power from the left side with easy bat speed from the left side. Comfortable approach and looks ready to drive the ball. Above average defender behind the plate as well. Neal is a very strong follow for his class and shows multiple above average tools that really project.
