When Black College Nines (BCN) put together our top outfielders tracking batted balls hit in the gap, we followed one guiding principle: the best fleet footed “No Fly Zone” outfielders in HBCU Baseball. Our list follows the speedsters reaching balls hit in the gaps and turning would be hits into routine outs.
The question was raised. Which players would we choose? The one thing we took into heavy consideration was pure talent and raw speed. That is something that cannot be taught.
These players who proved themselves against top competition during the concluded 2021 season look poised for breakout collegiate years or at the next level if given that opportunity.
(BCN) takes a look at the best fleet footed “No Fly Zone ” gap tracking outfielders in HBCU Baseball. Our list follows statistical information of the speedsters with input from their head coaches as we evaluate by arm strength, fielding range, speed, and hitting for power, and average mainly for their defensive ability on the field.
Black College Nines’ post covers the top HBCU outfielders high-end talent in our eyes.
The phrase “No Fly Zone” was used by Texas College head coach Anthony “Happy” Macon to describe his 2018 outfielders who turned balls driven into the gap that appeared to be a hit, but were caught as outs.
Information based on 2021 statistical data and head coach input.
No. 1 Cameron Phelts Grambling State University
Phelts fourth straight year finished at the top of HBCU Baseball outfield rankings. Anchored the “No Fly Zone” outfield at Texas College in 2018 before transferring to Grambling. One of the top tier of college outfielders. A gifted center fielder with speed makes him one of the top outfielders in the country. *Second straight “No Fly Zone” appearance.
| Outfielder | C | PO | A | E | Fielding Percentage % | BCN Overall Rating |
| Cameron Phelts | 130 | 125 | 5 | 0 | .1000 | 100 |
No. 2 Matthew Kline West Virginia State University
Kline is a defensive player who possesses a plus plus throwing arm. His stellar defensive work with speed and standout tools who moves well to the ball in the outfield. Has shown the ability to be a well above average defender with his plus range and covers ground very quickly.Also at the plate .320 batting average 4 home runs and 27 runs driven in.
| Outfielder | C | PO | A | E | Fielding Percentage % | BCN Overall Rating |
| Matthew Kline | 19 | 18 | 1 | 0 | .1000 | 100 |
No. 3 Jalen Young Florida Memorial University
According to the coaching staff, Young has quick instincts and a first step to match. His glove is one of the better ones and can track down a lot of would-be doubles in the gap. On the offensive side he will go station to station, 23 steals this season.
| Outfielder | C | PO | A | E | Fielding Percentage % | BCN Overall Rating |
| Jalen Young | 83 | 76 | 7 | 0 | .1000 | 100 |
No. 4 AJ Gardner Alabama State University.
Gardner recorded a 1.000 fielding percentage this season with 60 putouts. Any ball hit in the gaps or to the warning track, he is under or arm extended making the catch for an out.
| Outfielder | C | PO | A | E | Fielding Percentage % | BCN Overall Rating |
| AJ Gardner | 63 | 60 | 3 | 0 | 1.000 | 99.8 |
No. 5 Shane Reviello Bluefield State College
Reviello, as BSC’s center fielder, his ability to take good routes, communicate with corner OF’s, and make above average plays, helped the team tremendously. HBCU Baseball 2021 Black College World Series champions. *Second straight “No Fly Zone” appearance.
| Outfielder | C | PO | A | E | Fielding Percentage % | BCN Overall Rating |
| Shane Reviello | 42 | 39 | 3 | 0 | 1.000 | 99.7 |
No. 6 DeWayne Franklin Savannah State University
Franklin will track down anything he can get his glove near. This kid got speed, runs extremely well and is a competitor. Considered one of the best outfielders in the SIAC Conference. Batted .410 in 2021, 19 runs batted in in 21 games. Stole 14 of 20 bases this season.
| Outfielder | C | PO | A | E | Fielding Percentage % | BCN Overall Rating |
| DeWayne Franklin | 40 | 40 | 0 | 0 | .1000 | 98.9 |
No. 7 Dionte Brown Norfolk State University
The junior center fielder is in his first year a full-time starter for NSU. He leads the MEAC with 17 stolen bases and ranks 43rd in the nation in that category. Brown has also played a solid center field. His athleticism and speed make him one of the top college hitters in the HBCU Baseball class. Brown also shows off an intriguing combination of speed and of being a sparkplug in the lineup.
| Outfielder | C | PO | A | E | Fielding Percentage % | BCN Overall Rating |
| Dionte Brown | 83 | 79 | 4 | 0 | 1.000 | 98.6 |
No. 8 Joshua Lewis Tuskegee University
Joshua Lewis CF: possesses plus speed and lateral quickness, tracks well with good reads routes, also has a plus arm of 88-90 mph from the outfield. This season he batted .365, stolen base percentage .923 with 12 stolen bases.
| Outfielder | C | PO | A | E | Fielding Percentage % | BCN Overall Rating |
| Joshua Lewis | 47 | 45 | 2 | 0 | 1.000 | 98.5 |
No. 9 Grant Rowell Florida A&M University
Steady outfielder all season for FAMU. The junior outfielder was the top outfielder for the Rattlers in this season. Nearly perfect fielding percentage, recording 236 putouts with just 2 errors. and one assist. Rowell, who has gap speed, makes difficult plays look easy. Hit 4 home runs and 24 runs batted in.
| Outfielder | C | PO | A | E | Fielding Percentage % | BCN Overall Rating |
| Grant Rowell | 255 | 236 | 1 | 4 | .992 | 98.2 |
No. 10 La’Nas Torrey Tougaloo College
La’Nas numbers are down a bit from last year fielding wise be he stayed hot at the plate. Batted .325 last season, this year .342, led the team and was 12 for 12 in the stolen base department. Repeat “No Fly Zone” performer. *Second straight “No Fly Zone” appearance.
| Outfielder | C | PO | A | E | Fielding Percentage % | BCN Overall Rating |
| La’Nas Torrey | 30 | 23 | 4 | 3 | .973 | 98.0 |
No. 11 Jordan Robinson Rust College
The senior center fielder, Robinson, 6.8, 60 yd gap to gap type outfielder with big league range. .317 batting average 1 home run, 10 runs batted in and swiped the bags 15 times. The Braves are showing interest.
| Outfielder | C | PO | A | E | Fielding Percentage % | BCN Overall Rating |
| Jordan Robinson | 37 | 35 | 1 | 1 | .973 | 97.6 |
No. 12 Mark Herron Delaware State University
Herron is still one of the fastest baseball players on the Delaware State team. He tracks down balls well in the gaps. Gets a good read while the ball is in the air. Hit 4 home runs this season.
| Outfielder | C | PO | A | E | Fielding Percentage % | BCN Overall Rating |
| Mark Herron | 76 | 72 | 4 | 2 | .961 | 96.8 |
Honorable Mention:
Damani Thomas Edward Waters College – This season he made 94 putouts with one error for a .990 fielding percentage. Thomas hit 5 home runs and drove in 28 runs.
Steven Joyner Claflin University – The senior center fielder was the top outfielder for the Panthers for the second straight year, recording 106 putouts, .982 fielding percentage. Joyner who has gap speed in the outfield and on the base path 11 stolen bases.
Co Co Simoneaux Xavier University of Louisiana – This season he made 37 putouts with one error for a .980 fielding percentage.
Kashif Hill – Lincoln University (PA) – he’s shown an appreciable amount of speed going station to station and in the outfield. 64 putouts only 2 errors with a .970 fielding percentage.
Xavier Jefferson Prairie View A&M University – 29 putouts, one assist, one error in 31 chances. A .968 fielding percentage.
Prairie View A&M University – Demarie’ Smith Prairie View A&M University – 51 put outs, 1 assist, .945 fielding percentage.
Jahmoi Percival Grambling State University – Good speed in the outfield 78 putouts with a .941 fielding percentage. Batted .352 with 4 home runs and 37 runs batted in.
Jordan Vidato Texas Southern University – Sophomore outfielder tracks very well in outfield above average defender with above average arm. A .939 fielding percentage.
JR McCree Bluefield State College – McCree, his stellar defensive work with speed and standout tools who moves well to the ball in the outfield. Batted .369 this season in the number 2 spot of the lineup.