PGCROSSCHECKER COLLEGE TEAM SCOUTING REPORT

17. GEORGIA TECH (50-18, advanced to College World Series).

Conference/Projected Finish: Atlantic Coast/5^th (19-11, 4^th in 2006).

Coach: Danny Hall (579-248, 13 years).

First Game: Feb. 10 at Georgia Southern.

OVERVIEW: One of four ACC teams to advance to the College World Series in 2006, the Yellow Jackets have the biggest rebuilding job to do of the quartet as they must replace six of their top 11 hitters and their top two starters. But the cupboard is hardly bare as versatile junior C Matt Wieters (.355-15-71) and junior OF Danny Payne (.356-11-44), the team’s top two hitters, return along with power-hitting sophomore 1B Luke Murton (.339-6-44). Wieters (1-3, 3.41, 7 SV) will double as the team’s closer.

X-Factor: Georgia Tech’s success will hinge on the ability of two sophomores, LHP David Duncan (7-2, 5.50) and RHP Chris Hicks (4-1, 5.31), to step in as the Friday and Saturday starters. Both have the stuff for the roles, but opponents hit a collective .300 against them last year.

TOP FRESHMAN: Curtis Dupart, of. A Washington state high school product, Dupart was a late bloomer because of an injury-plagued junior season but he flashes five-tool potential. He’ll start in left field for the Yellow Jackets and could develop into a premium talent by his junior season.

TOP SOPHOMORE: David Duncan, lhp. At 6-foot-8, Duncan is one of the most projectable and physically-imposing pitchers in the college game. He’s capable of generating fastballs up to 92 mph, but he’ll have to grow up in a hurry as he’s eligible for this year’s draft. The powerful Murton, another draft-eligible sophomore, is the younger brother of Cubs outfielder Matt Murton.

TOP JUNIOR: Matt Wieters, c-rhp. Wieters ranks with Rice’s Joe Savery as the nation’s premier two-way talent. His higher upside is behind the plate and he has the hitting ability and arm strength to be an early first-round pick at that position, but scouts say his size hampers his agility and receiving skills. A 94 mph fastball only adds to his intrigue.

TOP SENIOR: Wally Crancer, of. Unlike last year’s team, which got key contributions from four senior position players, this year’s squad is much younger. Crancer (.321-6-30), who returns to right field, is the lone senior counted on to make a meaningful contribution.