Rays choose Lockwood to open Day 3 of Draft

ST. PETERSBURG -- Hunter Lockwood, the Rays' 11th-round pick in the 2013 First-Year Player Draft, hit 11 home runs as a freshman at Oklahoma in 2012, good enough to rank second in the Big 12. But then he transferred to Weatherford College this year, reportedly for the chance to catch regularly and be closer to home.

Lockwood, who was first picked out of high school by the Angels in the 17th round of the 2011 First-Year Player Draft, found plenty of success in the North Texas Junior College Athletic Conference as a sophomore, posting a .333/.423/.559 batting line with seven homers.

"He really wanted to go to junior college because he wanted to become eligible for the Draft," Rays scouting director R.J. Harrison said.

The power Lockwood flashed at Oklahoma is his best tool and has the ability to carry him, although his swing can get long at times and make him susceptible to strikeouts.

Defensively, he has an average arm and is an adequate receiver. He has also played some right field, first base, third base and designated hitter, and he could get another look at a different position as a professional.

Lockwood reportedly has heard from several larger schools about playing opportunities next season, if he chooses not to sign, but he has yet to commit anywhere else.