MaxPreps photographers/Graphic by SocialRecluse Graphx
, a power-hitting catcher from
Rancho Bernardo (San Diego), begins the season as MaxPreps' top baseball player in the Class of 2014.
Jackson tops a list that includes 19 players from his home state of California and 25 from Florida. Georgia has six players and Texas five in the Top 100. The list is compiled using a formula that includes recruiting ratings, mock drafts, selection to Team USA, the Perfect Game Classic, the Under Armour All-American Game, the Area Codes Games and several preseason All-American teams.
Jackson is one of the nation's top power hitters, as his 36 career home runs will attest. The MaxPreps National Junior Player of the Year last season, Jackson could be the top catcher selected in the Major League Baseball Draft.
Jackson edges
Michael Gettys of
Gainesville (Ga.), a five-tool athlete who is the top outfield prospect in the draft but also a standout pitcher.
A third position player,
Jacob Gatewood of
Clovis (Calif.), comes in at No. 3. Hampered by injuries as a junior, Gatewood is expected to be an outstanding power hitter at the next level.
The first pitcher on the list comes in at No. 4 in hard-throwing
Tyler Kolek of
Shepherd (Texas). He's already thrown over 100 mph during the summer and threw 97 mph in his debut in late February.
At No. 5 is
Conway (S.C.) pitcher
Grant Holmes, who has been steadily climbing the rankings. He is already very polished for a high school pitcher and has three pitches at his disposal, including a 96 mph fastball.
The rest of the Top 10 includes No. 6
Luis Ortiz of
Sanger (Calif.), No. 7
Touki Toussaint of
Coral Springs Christian (Fla.), No. 8
Nick Gordon of
Olympia (Orlando, Fla.), No. 9
Mac Marshall of
Parkview (Lilburn, Ga.) and No. 10
Brady Aiken of
Cathedral Catholic (San Diego).
Here's a look at the MaxPreps Top 100 senior baseball players for the 2014 season.
Click here to see the list.
