1/30/2016 2:11:39 PM
There's never a sure thing when it comes to recruiting but the connection between North Florida Christian (FL) and Florida State has proven time and time again to be a strong pipeline. Though neither made it to campus, Coach Mike Martin and his staff grabbed NFC products outfielder Matthew Raley and lefty Carson Sands as members of their 2015 class. They were however able to land current freshman Cole Sands who should pay immediate dividends and have Perfect Game All-American Cole Ragans on board as a signee in their 2016 recruiting class.
The most recent Seminole commit to come through North Florida Christian is current freshman righthander Brandon Walker whose athleticism could allow him to serve as a two-way though his future on the mound is extremely bright. Listed at 6-foot, 170-pounds Walker uses a full and loose arm action to produce a steady upper-80s fastball with downhill plane and sharp angle. The angle Walker creates is from landing slightly closed with his front foot but it doesn't inhibit his ability to command the zone as he lives comfortably in the lower quadrants.
You can't deny the quickness to Walker's right arm nor the velocity he's capable of producing but the feel for his off speed stuff is just as remarkable. With his higher arm slot the young righthander is able to get on top of his big 12-6 breaking all consistently and serves as a swing and miss, put away offering in the low-to-mid-70s. He has also shown the makings of a nice mid-70s changeup that comes out from the same slot and shows comfort in throwing it.
Overall, Walker is a fantastic first piece to the 2019 puzzle for the Florida State coaching staff as more velocity is undoubtedly on its way and they're able to lock down a talented local product in the process.