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per MLBN many area scouts say he hits/runs better than Courtney Hawkins
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http://www.perfectgame.org/players/p...aspx?ID=273621
6'2" 186
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per MLBN many area scouts say he hits/runs better than Courtney Hawkins
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http://www.perfectgame.org/players/p...aspx?ID=273621
6'2" 186
4/6/12: Copeland has been one of the fastest risers in the 2012 draft class and is now in the conversation as a potential first round draft pick. The Louisiana native doesn’t come with the prospect pedigree that some of his fellow top prospects might have but that hasn’t lessened scout’s collective enthusiasm. Copeland attended his first Perfect Game event at the 2010 Sunshine South Showcase and while his left handed bat was impressive, he didn’t show as well athletically, running 7.33 on a very fast track and showing below average arm strength. In fact, there has been no distinct time when Copeland has stepped up and declared his top prospect status to scouts, he’s just gradually become better and better as an athlete and baseball player over the last two years. Copeland, who is also a star quarterback in football, has gone from being a below average run/throw athlete to a plus prospect in both areas. He ran a 6.9 60 (hand timed) at the 2011 East Coast Pro Showcase and has consistently been 4.1 to 4.2 from left side this spring even with a hard, aggressive swing and scouts laud him for his high energy motor on the bases. He also has improved his arm to right field quality from the outfield and has touched 90 mph in a rare mound appearance. But the thing that has impressed scouts the most is Copeland’s dynamic left handed bat speed and his aggressive approach to hitting. He has a high leg raise trigger at the plate with an unusual foot twist at the top but consistently gets his foot down on time to start his swing. Copeland’s weight shift and hand explosion is cobra-quick and his swing path steady and on the ball a long time with some lift at contact. Copeland used to frequently cut off his swing out front looking to pull the ball but has improved significantly on extending through contact and driving it to all fields. Copeland’s swing is the type that you look at on video and as a scout wonder, “Why don’t all young players swing the bat with that aggressiveness and looseness?” The answer, of course, is that very few have the natural ability to do so. If Copeland did have a 'wow' moment with scouts during the last year it was during the semi-finals at the 2011 WWBA World Championships. Copeland’s Texas Sun Devils team was down 6-1 to Central Florida PG Royal in the final inning and the bases were empty, so there weren’t any big playoff implications on the line. But Copeland turned on a fastball and not only hit it over the right field fence, he hit it over the fence on the adjoining field AND over the left fielder’s head on that field, which caused a quick, “where did that ball come from??” turn from the left fielder. It was an impressive display of raw power and Copeland took a few extra seconds to watch it before rounding the bases. I asked a scout about Copeland watching his work in a Bonds-like manner and he replied, “If I could hit a ball that far, I’d stand and admire them a bit myself.”
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