From many, there will be one. And while there’s still no guarantee contending athletes will win their own state at this point in the season, a number of elite performers are making a case for Gatorade National Baseball Player of the Year consideration. Here’s the scoop on the latest top candidate.

Braxton Davidson
Senior 1B/CF/LHP, T.C. Roberson (Asheville, N.C.)

Greatness Present: How can Davidson hurt you? Let T.C. Roberson’s 6-foot-3, 215-pound senior count the ways.

Considered one of the premier power hitters in the upcoming Major League Baseball First-Year Player Draft, he batted .462 with 19 extra-base hits (5 HR, 11 2B, 3 3B), 20 RBI and 34 runs scored in just 78 at-bats this season, leading the Rams (16-11) to the second round of the Class 4A state tournament. Another 25 free passes sent his on-base percentage soaring to .618 in 2014. Oh, and he stole 14 bases.

Did we mention he’s a left-handed pitcher whose fastball touches the upper 80’s? Davidson also finished 4-2 on the mound with four saves, a 1.94 ERA and 81 strikeouts in 47 innings of work this spring.

Greatness Past: As a junior, Davidson batted .403 with eight home runs, 30 RBI and 30 walks, leading Roberson to the 2013 Class 4A state semifinals. A 2013 Class 4A First Team All-State selection as named by the North Carolina Baseball Coaches Association, he finished 4-2 with a 2.79 ERA and 52 strikeouts in 32.2 innings last season.

In addition to receiving an invitation to the USA Baseball 18U National Team Trials, Davidson participated in the Perfect Game All-American Classic this past summer at PETCO Park in San Diego, Calif.

Greatness Future: Davidson has signed with North Carolina.

Make no mistake: The Gatorade State Baseball Player of the Year races aren’t over, and the National AOY race is now heating up. Time remains for one standout student-athlete among thousands to rise to the top of our list.Check back for daily updates on the top contenders making their case.