Georgia Tech catcher Vahn Lackey is projected as a top-five selection in Saturday's MLB Draft. The black catcher earned the Johnny Bench Award after a standout junior season.
Lackey batted .397 with a 1.291 OPS and 20 home runs for Georgia Tech. He received first-team All-America honors and was named the top catcher in college baseball.
Teammate Drew Burress called him the best player in the country during a postgame press conference. Lackey grew up in Suwanee, Georgia, and began catching after his father volunteered him for the position.
He is expected to be selected as early as the third overall pick. Lackey plans to watch the draft at home with family in Georgia.
