Drew Burress expressed heartfelt admiration for teammate Vahn Lackey during a postgame press conference following Georgia Tech's emotional 8-7 loss to Oklahoma in the NCAA Tournament. Burress, visibly moved, declared, "He's the best player in the country. I have no doubt about that."

Lackey's junior season proved him right, showcasing an impressive batting line of .397/.519/.772 with 20 home runs and earning first-team All-America honors along with the prestigious Johnny Bench Award. He is projected to be a top-five pick in the upcoming MLB draft, with CBS Sports predicting he will be selected No. 3 overall by the Twins.

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His journey began unexpectedly when his father suggested he try catching for his Little League team, despite Lackey's lack of experience. This decision paved the way for his rise as a top catching prospect, combining agility, solid receiving skills, and impressive speed on the bases.

As he prepares for the draft from home in Georgia, Lackey reflects on his journey with gratitude. "I'm excited to be with all of my family and friends Saturday. It's like my final send-off before I go play professional ball," he said, eagerly awaiting the validation of his hard work and talent.