from the University of Tennessee. He was a freshman there this past season but only logged 7 plate appearances (no hits in 6 at-bats with 3 strikeouts and 1 walk) before tearing his ACL in late March. He is a Bristol, VA native that was a 4-year starter at the Miller School and was the #156 ranked player nationally by Perfect Game and the #2 1B in the 2025 class and the #4 player in the state of Virginia after a highly decorated high school career. He is big (6’5” 228) lefty hitter and fielder that has tremendous raw power. Assuming he’s healthy and assuming Ethan Gibson goes pro or shifts to another position, I suspect he’ll be squarely in the mix for the starting role at 1B. Here are a few scouting reports on him from Perfect Game and Prep Baseball Report during his high school days: Perfect Game 2024 National Showcase (July 2024): • Evan Hankins is a 2025 1B/LHP/OF with a 6-5 220 lb. frame from Bristol, VA who attends The Miller School of Albemarle. Physical, strong build with well defined mass and leanness. Ran a 7.21 in the sixty. First baseman who works quick around the bag. Good athlete and arm strength, quick turns to the bag. Lower slot and adjusts it well on the move. Outfielder with arm strength that translated. Good length to arm action and gets on top of throws well, one hop accuracy to the bag. Left-handed hitter, deeper hand load with slight rock back from open stance. Plenty of heaviness to his barrel, near top of class power from right side. Constant strength and ability to drive the ball to all fields. Simply a loud left-handed power bat. Prep Baseball All-American Game (September 2023): • A primary left-handed pitcher, Hankins shows tools to be an above-average first baseman as well. Imposing 6-foot-5, 220-pound frame with athleticism and strength throughout, Hankins will work out of an upright, even base with a high handset. Bat path creates simple loft and it’s backed by electric hand speed and bat speed that allow for thunderous barrels to the pull-side. Easy plus raw power that hit some balls deep into the second deck in American Family Field with minimal effort. Excellent flexibility and ability to pick it at first as well as an XL target for infielders gives Hankins a strong all-around glove, and only continues to improve.