On Aug. 7, PBR Illinois hosted the annual Central Illinois Open at the Corn Crib. Soon after the event we took a quick look at some of the statistical standouts from the day.  Today, we continue the analysis with a breakdown of the catchers, which marks the start of the position-by-position rollout. 

Left-handed hitting Matthew Hunzinger (Dietrich, 2021), who also impressed on the mound, is a two-way talent with a lot of upside to his game. At the plate, he has a fluid, handsy swing that works with easy effort. Defensively, Hunzinger is a reliable receiver, has clean actions and a true, accurate arm. 

A couple other 2021s to follow are Bryant Byrd (Eldorado) and Tanner Tompkins (Normal West). 

Continue below for reports on each of the catchers who made it to the event.

CATCHER ANALYSIS (Listed Alphabetically)

Jacob Abenroth, Dunlap, 2021
Positional Profile: C/1B
Body: 5-foot-11, 135-pounds. Long-limbed, lean frame with plenty of room for continued physical development.
Hit: RHH. Balanced setup, minimal pre-pitch rhythm, leg-kick trigger. Level bat path, line-drive approach and fluid rhythm throughout.
Power: 79 mph exit velocity from the tee.
Arm: RH. C - 69 mph. INF - 71 mph. Short arm action, works from a high 3/4 slot.
Defense: 2.25-2.40 pop times. Worked out at first base and behind the plate. Flexible behind the plate, clean and directional out of the chute.
Run: 8.1 runner in the 60. 

Bryant Byrd, Eldorado, 2021
Positional Profile: C/RHP
Body: 5-foot-11, 190-pounds. Strong frame, thick lower half.
Hit: RHH. Wide setup, smooth deep load, leg-lift timing trigger. Strong hands, flashed bat speed, long bat path, gap-to-gap approach.
Power: 83 mph exit velocity from the tee.
Arm: RH. C - 76 mph. Short, loose arm action, over-the-top slot.
Defense: 2.04-2.14 pop times. Receptive hands, quick release at times.
Run: 7.94 runner in the 60. 

Nathan Cooley, Illinois Valley Central, 2022
Positional Profile: C/
Body: 5-foot-9, 160-pounds. Average, well-proportioned frame.
Hit: RHH. Balanced setup, short stride. Long, level bat path, line-drive approach.
Power: 82 mph exit velocity from the tee.
Arm: RH. C - 69 mph. Short arm action, high 3/4 slot.
Defense: 2.37-2.42 pop times. Reliable hands, clean out of the crouch.
Run: 7.93 runner in the 60. 

Mac Eccher, Marmion Academy, 2022
Positional Profile: C/
Body: 5-foot-11, 160-pounds. Well-proportioned frame.
Hit: RHH. Wide setup, short stride and hits off backside. Uphill path, extension through contact, works gap-to-gap.
Power: 82 mph exit velocity from the tee.
Arm: RH. C - 68 mph. Short arm action, over-the-top slot.
Defense: 2.30-2.50 pop times. Steady hands, deliberate, directional transfer.
Run: 7.89 runner in the 60. 

Matthew Hunzinger, Dieterich, 2021
Positional Profile: C/RHP
Body: 6-foot, 160-pounds. Athletic, well-proportioned frame.
Hit: LHH.  Simple swing, easy effort, loose hands, short uphill bat path, gap-to-gap approach and fluid rhythm.
Power: 84 mph exit velocity from the tee.
Arm: RH. C - 75 mph. Short, loose arm action, works over-the-top. Throws flashed carry and consistently around the second base bag.
Defense: 2.08-2.17 pop times. Clean and easy out of the chute. Soft hands, directional, repeatable.
Run: 7.45 runner in the 60. 

Brett Macak, Monticello, 2020
Positional Profile: C/3B
Body: 5-foot-10, 175-pounds. Strong, well-proportioned frame.
Hit: RHH. Tall, narrow relaxed setup, short stride and maintains balance through contact. Loose, strong hands, long bat path, extension at times and fluid rhythm throughout.
Power: 89 mph exit velocity from the tee.
Arm: RH. C - 71 mph. Arm works long and over-the-top.
Defense: 2.25-2.35 pop times. Steady hands, clean out of the chute.
Run: 7.65 runner in the 60. 

Henry Patterson, Rochester, 2020
Positional Profile: C/RHP
Body: 6-foot-3, 198-pounds. Large frame and build.
Hit: SH. Wide, balanced setup, smooth loading action and toe-tap stride. Loose hands, long bat path and works the middle of the field.
Power: 87 mph exit velocity from the tee. Flashed pull-power from the left side.
Arm: RH. C - 75 mph. Short, loose arm swing, high 3/4 slot.
Defense: 2.11-2.17 pop times. Low setup, flexible hips, receptive hands and clean release, works with effort at times.
Run: 7.67 runner in the 60.

Zane Pierce, Cissna Park, 2020
Positional Profile: C/3B
Body: 5-foot-9, 160-pounds.
Hit: RHH. Crouched setup, short stride and minimal load.  Path works uphill and gap-to-gap approach.
Power: 75 mph exit velocity from the tee.
Arm: RH. C - 62 mph. Short arm action, high 3/4 slot.
Defense: 2.54-2.65 pop times. Directional out of the crouch.
Run: 8.33 runner in the 60. 

Tanner Tompkins, Normal West, 2021
Positional Profile: C/3B
Body: 6-foot, 190-pounds. Thick, strong builld.
Hit: RHH. Balanced, tall setup, short stride. Aggressive swing, middle of the field, long, level bat path and gap-to-gap approach.
Power: 84 mph exit velocity from the tee.
Arm: RH. C - 71 mph. INF - 67 mph. Short arm action, over-the-top, accurate, throws consistently on the second base bag.
Defense: 2.17-2.22 pop times. Worked out on the infield and catcher. Steady hands, clean glove to hand transfer.
Run: 7.4 runner in the 60. 

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