PROVO, Utah – BYU baseball's 2019 recruiting class was named the 16th-best in the nation by D1Baseball.com on Tuesday.
The ranking is the second for the Cougars' recruiting class after also being ranked 25th in the nation by Baseball America.
Writes Nathan Rode for D1Baseball.com (Player rankings in parentheses refer to where current freshmen ranked in last spring’s PBR Top 500):
Overview: The lone mid-major program on this list, BYU brings in its best class in program history, one that could help the Cougars return to a regional for the first time since 2017, especially considering its strength in pitching. The collection of arms should make an instant impact next spring.
The Stars: LHP Cy Nielson (108) has a strong frame and fastball that creeps into the low 90s, as well as a slider in the high 70s that shows average potential. RHP Carter Smith (133) profiles more for the bullpen long term with his effort, but his stuff can be electric. His fastball jumps on hitters from a low slot and he has shown a plus slider with sharp break in the high 70s. RHP Tyson Heaton (201) has a strong, durable frame at 6-foot-2, 195 pounds with room for added mass. He attacks hitters with a lively fastball in the low 90s. LHP Cutter Clawson (206) has deception to his delivery and uses a power slider to put hitters away. Nielson, Heaton and Clawson could all factor into the weekend rotation at some point in their careers.
The Sleepers: SS Peyton Cole (284) is a strong defender with gap power from the left side. RHP Bryce Robison (384) has an athletic build and feel for pitching, sitting in the high 80s with his fastball. OF Sean Rimmer brings right-handed power to the lineup and OF McKay Barney is a plus runner. The Cougars also have three junior college transfers on campus including two-time Region 18 player of the year OF Hayden Leatham.
Click here to read more about D1Baseball's recruiting rankings.
BYU begins its 2020 campaign on Friday, Feb. 14, against Gonzaga in Surprise, Arizona.