By Sean Duncan
Executive Director

Indeed, it is still extremely early to be forecasting Class of 2016 prospects, especially since freshmen haven’t even played a high school game. Then again, with the recent acceleration of recruiting, freshmen are already on the radars of college coaches.

Over the course of the last year, we’ve seen an impressive amount of talented Class of 2016 prospects, several of whom should become – if they haven’t already – high-level national prospects.

With that said, we have released our initial Class of 2016 rankings, a modest list of 15 prospects who have stood out among their peers. Certainly this list will change and evolve in time, as we know many players will grow, develop and mature. We also know that we likely haven’t seen many other 2016 prospects who may be deserving of this list.

However, we are confident that the players included in the list have extremely bright futures, barring injuries, of course.

Illinois’ top four prospects, in fact, look to be high-level national players – and all four are seemingly interchangeable as the No. 1 prospect. For now, SS Nick Derr (Geneva HS, IL) holds the top spot. The athletic Derr is already verbally committed to Florida State – the first 2016 prospect to pledge his commitment in the Midwest.

3B/RHP Cal Coughlin (Carmel HS, IL) follows closely behind at No. 2. Coughlin is a legitimate two-way prospect. Positionally, he is a switch-hitting 3B with pop from both sides of the plate, one who also possesses excellent hands and arm strength. The 6-foot-1, 180-pound right-hander is already mid-80s on the mound as well.

RHP Drake Fellows (Joliet Catholic Academy HS, IL) is clearly the top pitching prospect in the class. The 6-foot-3 right-hander features a mid-80s fastball and has advanced feel for his secondary stuff. And he’s still growing.

SS Tyler Fitzgerald (Rochester HS, IL) is another high-level prospect. The 6-foot, 160-pounder has all the requisite skills to play shortstop at the next level. Fitzgerald was clearly the top infield prospect at the Underclass Invitational in January. There, he ran a 6.89 60, showed extremely athletic actions in the field with plenty of arm (80 mph), and demonstrated an advanced plate approach.

RHP/OF Anthony Holubecki (Kaneland HS, IL) rounds out the top five. Holubecki has a wiry, athletic 6-foot-2, 175-pound frame. He recently impressed at the PBR Prospect Identification Showcase with an 84-85 mph fastball from a 3/4 arm slot.

Rank	Name	State	School	Class	Pos	Commitment
1	Nick Derr	IL	Geneva	2016	SS	Florida State
2	Cal Coughlin	IL	Carmel	2016	3B
3	Drake Fellows	IL	Joliet Catholic Academy	2016	RHP
4	Tyler Fitzgerald	IL	Rochester	2016	SS
5	Anthony Holubecki	IL	Kaneland	2016	RHP

 

Click Here to view the Top 15 Class of 2016 Prospects