THE WORLD'S LARGEST AND MOST COMPREHENSIVE SCOUTING ORGANIZATION
| 2,031 MLB PLAYERS | 14,466 MLB DRAFT SELECTIONS
2,031 MLB PLAYERS | 14,466 MLB DRAFT SELECTIONS
Create Account
Sign in Create Account
Tournaments  | Story | 6/9/2019

Jackets' 1-2 punch leads the way

Cory Van Dyke
Photo: Nate McCollum (Perfect Game)

ATLANTA – For the Georgia Jackets 17U National team, there’s a 1-2 punch atop the lineup that has the squad buzzing at the 2019 WWBA National Championship Qualifier. 

Center fielder Nate McCollum and shortstop Garrett Staton form the duo that sets the tone and has guided the Georgia Jackets out to a 2-1 start in the tournament. McCollum and Staton each possess a unique skill set that gives the Jackets exactly what they need at the plate and in the field.

McCollum, ranked No. 124 in Perfect Game’s 2020 rankings, grew up loving both baseball and football. His soft hands and out-of-this-world speed allows him to patrol the outfield on the diamond and blow by defenders as a wide receiver in football.

It’s also earned the two-sport athlete a scholarship to NC State where he can continue both of his athletic pursuits.

“It’s a dream to play both sports you love,” McCollum said. “I love coming on the baseball field and playing. I love going on the football field and playing.”

Being recruited for two sports can be a difficult process to maneuver at times, but for McCollum, he always was put at ease by the Wolfpack who gave him a chance at both sports.

“I looked deeply into NC State,” McCollum said. “The first time I went up there it felt like home already, but I just continued to build a relationship. The second time I went up there, I knew it was the place for me. I’m going on a full football scholarship, but I will be also playing baseball. I got to talk to the head coach of baseball [Elliott Avent] and we’re on the same page.”

For Georgia Jackets head coach Joey Hamilton and the rest of the team, McCollum represents the ideal leadoff man for any lineup.

“He’s a tremendous athlete,” Hamilton said. “That goes without saying. To have that type of speed on top of the lineup leading off the game is a tremendous asset.”

“He’s always starting our rallies, and I’m right behind him trying to score him right away,” Staton said. “Just trying to start the games off hot and get us going from there.”

And boy does McCollum have some quickness to showcase when he puts on the afterburners. He’s been clocked at running a 6.33 second 60-yard dash, which puts him in the 99.71 percentile for his class.

“When he gets on, I don’t even look,” Hamilton said. “The only problem I have when he gets on is if someone is on in front of him. It is a game changer. A walk, or a single, or a bunt hit, he’s on first base and then it’s a triple. You’re not having to manufacture a whole lot with him.” 

McCollum will travel to Chase Field in Phoenix, Arizona next week to exhibit his talents at the 2019 Perfect Game National Showcase. It affords the speedster an opportunity to work towards possibly being selected for the Perfect Game All-American Classic and another chance to improve the already mind-numbing 60 time.

“Everybody goes to make the game and put on a show,” McCollum said. “I’m trying to run a low 6.2.”

Offering the perfect complement behind McCollum as the two-hole hitter in the Georgia Jackets lineup is Staton. The rangy shortstop has filled the role so far to the tune of nine hits, six RBIs, and six stolen bases over the Jackets’ seven games played so far this summer.

With McCollum oftentimes on base ahead of him, Staton demonstrates a keen patience and ability to perform whatever is needed. That plate discipline combined with a strong glove at shortstop provides the sting to the Georgia Jackets duo.

“His ability to control the bat in the two-hole, especially when guys get on, is huge,” Hamilton said. “You can hit-and-run with him, he can move runners over, he can drive them in if we get a leadoff double. At shortstop, he’s as steady as they come. He’s got really good infield timing, never having to rush and get rid of the baseball.”

“He’s big time,” McCollum said. “Coming after me, he’s in the second hole. If I don’t get on base, it’s a guarantee that he’s going to get on base.”

While Staton may not own the supernatural athleticism that McCollum does, he still has his fair share of colleges champing at the bit for his services at the next level. Currently, Staton listed Samford, UNC-Charlotte, Georgia Southern, Navy, and Wofford as those who appear to be most interested in his talents.

“It’s been pretty good so far,” Staton said of his recruiting process. “I’m trying to at least get them to come out and watch me play so I can do what I do.”

The 6-foot-1 shortstop prides himself on his work ethic. According to Hamilton, he put on nearly 20 pounds in the winter to provide more explosion to his game. If the early results of the summer are any indication, it would show that the hard work has paid off.

“He wants to get bigger and stronger and he’s accomplished it,” Hamilton said. “He’s just going to bring a steady presence in the lineup and in the field. Whoever gets him at the next level is going to benefit from the work he puts in and the consistency he brings.”

While one of the top priorities for Staton is to be committed to a college by the end of this summer, there’s another goal that has been within his grasps, but never accomplished over the years.

“I really just want to win with my team a lot, too,” Staton said. “Win a tournament. I’ve never won a Perfect Game tournament. That’s on the top of my list.”

The Georgia Jackets 17U National team hopes the WWBA National Championship Qualifier provides exactly that opportunity. With McCollum and Staton continuing to pack a punch at the top of the order and up the middle defensively, the Jackets are primed for a deep run.

“The combination of those two guys at the top of the lineup I feel like is the best that I’ve seen,” Hamilton said. “And I’ve done our older boys for a long time. It’s probably the best I’ve seen for us.”
Give us your feedback
Tournaments | Story | 9/27/2023

Midwest Invitational Scout Notes
Tyler Kotila
Article Image
Creighton Tuzzio (2024, Clarinda, Iowa) took the ball in the semi-final game and was able to get on the bump and carve for his team. Tuzzio is a taller 6-foot-6, 210-pound frame with plenty to like in the operation. The right-handed pitcher has a slower and more controlled operation as he works through the delivery. He lifts the leg up around the belt and then works through a three-quarters release with good whip through it. The fastball worked up to 86 mph on the fastball and held in the low- to mid-80s. He creates some angle on it with the taller & projectable frame. It runs arm-side and can be a problem for right-handed hitters. He also showed a low-70s curveball with a bigger 11/5 tilt to it and good depth to miss some bats. The Iowa Western commit threw 5.0 innings, allowing just 1 run, with 4 walks and 6 strikeouts to his credit.   There’s no surprise here, but...
Read More
Tournaments | Story | 9/26/2023

WWBA World Championship Pool Preview

Perfect Game Staff
Article Image
Pool A Team Top Pos. Player RK Class Top Pitcher RK Class Location Boston Red Sox Scout Connor Lane 500 2024 Tague Davis 59 2024 Boston, MA Cangelosi Sparks Tyler Bell  122 2024 Brady Chambers 500 2024 Lockport, IL Dirtbags National 2024 Dalton Wentz 74 2024 Riley Leatherman 251 2024 Sedalia, NC Florida Burn Colton Schwarz 214 2025 Presley Woodson 500 2025 Sarasota, FL Projected Pool Winner: Dirtbags National 2024 With one of the deepest and most physical lineups in the nation, the Dirtbags National 2024 club have been putting up runs in bunches. No hitter is hotter than Austin Irby, as the ECU commit is While sluggers Dalton Wentz, Will Craddock and Palmer Hornick won’t be in attendance, Lee Sowers, Will Brooks, Jon Young Jr. and spark plug Carter Richardson lead an offense that averages over 7 runs per game. They can cover ground on...
Read More
Tournaments | Story | 9/26/2023

Coastal Soph. Fall Invite Scout Notes

Todd Coffey
Article Image
Michael Flores (2026, NC) looking great through 4 innings pitched with 11 k’s. Great command and completely missing barrels. #2023WWBACoastalSophmoreFallInvatational pic.twitter.com/Oqd3WD0E05 — PG Coastal Scouting (@PG_Coastal) September 24, 2023 Michael Flores (2026, Mooresville, NC) put on an electric performance to watch for the SBA Futures 2026 in their matchup versus the Carolina Reds. The 5-foot-10, 175-pound, RHP did his job for his team today to keep them in the game. Flores throws with a high leg lift and creates some good motions towards the plate with his whippy action. Flores has a great feel for the zone and pounded strikes at a 66% rate. Flores generated swing and miss after swing and miss and it was clear he was in control out there on the mound. He sat in the 70-mph range to 79-mph range with his fastball with the ability to pinpoint it wherever he pleased....
Read More
Tournaments | Story | 9/26/2023

Fall Frenzy Scout Notes

Jason Phillips
Article Image
James Sherry (’26, Aiken, S.C.)- the 6-foot-1, 155-pound right-handed pitcher tossed a complete game for Xtreme Xposure Baseball-Bennett in an 8-1 win over 2 Way Athletics 16U. A primary outfielder, Sherry finished with 15 strikeouts and just one walk while controlling the zone at a 65% strike rate. Appearing in only his second PG tournament, Sherry turned in another great pitching performance after being selected to the All-Tournament Team at the 2023 16U PG Southeast Labor Day Classic. Aidan Petrocco (‘24 GA)- singles here into LF to load the bases for @643DPAthletics Primary MIF 2-for-4 w/ run scored on the day. #FallFrenzy @PG_Uncommitted pic.twitter.com/Ly7zEuRwyg — Perfect Game Georgia (@PG_Georgia) September 24, 2023 Aidan Petrocco (’24, Johns Creek, Ga.)- the 5-foot-9, 160-pound right-handed hitter for 643 DP Cougars 18U led the 18U Southeast Fall Frenzy...
Read More
Tournaments | Story | 9/27/2023

Sophomore WWBA Scout Notes: Day 3-5

Kyler Peterson
Article Image
A high speed look at this 2B from Keon Johnson... #WWBAWorlds @PG_Georgia https://t.co/Ejl8GirIgk pic.twitter.com/ate7ro35cp — Perfect Game Scout (@PG_Scouting) September 24, 2023 Keon Johnson (2026, Macon, Ga.) started off the morning loud, going down to get a pitch down and smoking a double that split the opposite field gap at a 92 mph exit velocity. The shortstop has one of the best hit tools in the class and has tremendous feel for the barrel. The swing is quiet and simple, staying loose through the zone. The ball jumps and the parts really work. At short, Johnson looked silky with good actions, range, and plenty of arm strength across. The game comes easy for the Georgia native, and still just 15, the all-around game is very well-refined for the age.  Jaxson Wood (2026, Hoover, Ala.) finished batting .500 over the tournament, including three extra-base hits. The primary...
Read More
Tournaments | Story | 9/25/2023

Deep South Fall Invitational Scout Notes

Alex Dorso
Article Image
Patrick Kovacs (2026 Knoxville TN) was dominant in his outing in game two of pool play for Exposure National. The southpaw tossed three scoreless innings allowing two hits while striking out eight. He showed plus command of the fastball dotting it to both sides of the plate while working off the corners at times. Patrick sat 75-78 topping at 79 multiple times throughout. He mixed in a tight breaking ball with two plane movement that he had no problem mixing in any count keeping the opposing hitters off balanced in the box. Coming from a mid 3/4s slot there was some deception within the operation making it tough to pick the fastball up out of the hand. The frame has plenty of athleticism within with plenty of more room for additional strength as he continues to mature. Kovacs should be a fun follow as he continues to progress through high school. Ryan Riojas (‘26 TN) drives this...
Read More
Tournaments | Story | 9/24/2023

Sophomore WWBA Scout Notes: Day 3

Troy Sutherland
Article Image
Sophomore WWBA Scout Notes: Days 1-2 Extended look at Gunnar Garrison... 7 IP, 1 H, OER, 13 K, 1 BB (70% K) #WWBAWorlds @PG_FourCorners https://t.co/V89oASpD8r pic.twitter.com/tsP1mWCoNz — Perfect Game Scout (@PG_Scouting) September 21, 2023 Colorado right-hander Gunnar Garrison (2026, Eaton, Colo.) was magnificent in his start for Slammers Anderson 2026’s. The big and physical 6-foot-4, 210-pound arm threw a complete game, seven inning, one-hit shutout, striking out 13 and walking one. The fastball had downhill life to it, sitting in the 85-88 range for the entirety of the game. Garrison held the velocity and reached back for his fastest bullet of the game, at 89, in the seventh inning. Finishing the outing with 70% strikes, he filled up the zone and went right at hitters. He also induced swing-and-miss on a curveball, featuring late...
Read More
Tournaments | Story | 9/22/2023

Northeast Qualifier Scout Notes

John McAdams
Article Image
Jack Harley (2024, Mendham, NJ) put together a dominant performance at the plate in the WWBA NEQ, leading his team to a coveted Jupiter bid while also earning MVP-honors. The 6-foot-1 left-handed hitter showcased his advanced bat-to-ball skills on several occasions. He batted .643 with two doubles, a home run and six stolen bases. Harley utilizes a repeatable, synced-up stroke with clean separation into launch. He has a great feel for the barrel and creates good strength at impact to all parts of the diamond. The future Hokie recorded a hit in all six of his games and proved to be a reliable bat at the top-of-the-order for Clubhouse 2024 EvoShield. Harley’s build offers a good balance of strength and athleticism, making him a well-rounded prospect with intriguing upside moving forward.  .#VandyBoys commit Aiden O’Connell (‘24, NH) is back on the bump in the #NEQ...
Read More
Tournaments | Story | 9/23/2023

Sophomore WWBA Scout Notes: Days 1-2

Vincent Cervino
Article Image
Nathan Caldwell (2026, Columbia, S.C.) looked the part in the batter’s box as the Team Elite three-hole hitter had one of the hardest hit balls of the day. There’s really impressive bat speed and the ability to create violence and rotational acceleration through contact. He missiled a single during the game and there looks like there’s going to be pretty significant impact potential long term. He’s a strong kid with good indicators and offensive tools to like. Drew Borkowski (2026, Huntley, Ill.) showed plenty to like in the arm as he got the start in game one on the day for GRB. At 6-foot-1, 170-pounds he’s got a lanky frame with long limbs and plenty of room for physical projection. It’s a quick arm with solid arm speed throughout and he opened up sitting 85-87 mph with the fastball. The fastball showed good sinking life and he used it to get a lot...
Read More
College | Story | 9/22/2023

Cape Cod Top 2025 Prospect List

Vincent Cervino
Article Image
Earlier this week we debuted our Cape Cod Top 100 Prospect List and mixed amongst the 100 names were some 2025 graduates who will be eligible for the upcoming 2024 MLB Draft. Below, each of the 50 names are eligible in 2025 and those listed with an "^" are continuing their careers at a new school this fall.  Name Pos. Team School Hometown State Adonys Guzman^ C Bourne Arizona Valley Cottage NY Aidan Jimenez RHP Chatham Oregon State Elk Grove CA Anthony Martinez 1B YD UC Irvine Fairfield CA Ben Jacobs LHP Bourne UCLA Huntington Beach CA Bradley Hodges LHP Hyannis Virginia Fleming Island FL Brady Neal C YD LSU Tallahassee FL Brody Donay^ C/1B Hyannis Florida Lakeland FL Caden Bodine C Bourne Coastal Carolina Haddon Heights NJ Cam Leiter^ RHP Orleans Florida State Island Heights FL Cannon Peebles^ C Cotuit Tennessee Mechanicsville VA Drew Faurot^ SS Orleans Florida State Tallahassee FL...
Read More
Loading more articles...
About Perfect Game :: Contact us :: Terms of Use :: Privacy Policy :: Testimonials :: Job Opportunities
Copyright 1994-2025 by Perfect Game. All rights reserved. No portion of this information may be reprinted or reproduced without the written consent of Perfect Game.