Colin Houck

School: Parkview HS, Lilburn, Ga. Source: HS

Commit/Drafted: Mississippi State
Age At Draft: 18.8
BA Grade:55/Extreme
Tools:Hit: 55. Power: 55. Run: 55. Field: 55. Arm: 55.

Houck had one of the most impressive summers of any player in the high school class, and showed impact ability as a hitter, runner and defender on the left side of the infield. In addition to his baseball skill, Houck is a three-star quarterback for Parkview High and during his senior season threw for over 2,100 yards with 24 touchdowns and nine interceptions. He has a simple rigthhanded swing with a small leg kick and otherwise minimal movement in the box, with impressive bat speed and a clean path through the zone. He had a tremendous East Coast Pro showing, where he hammered mid-90s fastball velocity to both gaps and also showed an ability to sit back and drive breaking stuff and offspeed pitches. He’s a polished hitter who only proved his hitting chops over the showcase circuit and hit .487/.589/.981 this spring with eight home runs. While most of Houck’s in-game power has been gap oriented and mostly of the doubles and triples variety, he does show the ability to turn on pitches and homer to the pull side, with average or better power potential in the future as he fills out his 6-foot-2, 190-pound frame. Houck has impact potential as a defender. He moves well laterally and has turned in plus run times, with the quick-twitch athleticism and reflexes to make highlight-reel plays to go with above-average arm strength. He should be a solid defensive shortstop or potential plus defender at third base if he fills out and needs to slide to the corner. He’s committed to Mississippi State, but is a first-round talent now.