3. Grayson County (Texas)

2008 Record: 48-15 (defending Junior College World Series champion).

Team Capsule: The Vikings won their third national title in 10 years in 2008 on the heels of a 36-3 closing rush, but were hit hard by the draft, graduation and the unexpected departure of RHP Conrad Flynn, who pitched a no-walk, 11-strikeout complete-game win in the national championship game. Flynn transferred after his freshman season to D-I Tulane. Grayson should not take much of a hit from the talent drain, however, as it reloaded with several promising freshmen plus three players from D-I schools—LF Jake Fuller (Arkansas), CF Cody Reine (LSU) and RF David Stewart (Nebraska)—who will form a new outfield trio.

Top Prospect: Brett Bruening, rhp. Because of elbow surgery in 2005 that caused him to miss two high-school seasons, Bruening was brought along slowly in 2008 as Grayson won its national title. The 6-foot-6, 210-pound righthander returns with a beefed-up repertoire that includes a 90-96 mph fastball.

Players, PG Crosschecker Top 250 Prospects: No. 8 Brett Bruening, rhp; No. 41 David Stewart, of; No. 65 Vance Woodruff, rhp; No. 108 Gunner Wright, rhp; No. 143 Cody Reine, of; No. 154 Patrick Palmeiro, 3b.

Opening Game, 2009: Jan. 31 at No. 7 San Jacinto.