Illinois Recruiting Notebook

April 8, 2014

By Sean Duncan
Executive Director

Several more prospects have made their college decisions recently. A look at who’s going where:

+ Jarrod Watkins, a 2015 left-handed hitting INF from Peoria Notre Dame HS, has committed to Central Michigan. The 6-foot, 155-pound Watkins was one of the top infield performers at the Illinois Preseason All-State Showcase, when he was clocked at 87 mph from shortstop, ran a 7.28 60, and showed quick hands at the plate (88 mph exit velocity). Currently ranked No. 70 in Illinois’ 2015 class and No. 343 overall, Watkins marks the third Division I commitment in Peoria Notre Dame’s 2015 class, joining C/OF Andy Shadid and LHP Jake Hurst. Both Shadid and Hurst are committed to Bradley.

+ Michael Ruffolo, a 2016 MIF from Ridgewood HS, has committed to Indiana State. The 5-foot-7, 135-pound Ruffolo marks the 10th 2016 prospect in Illinois to verbally commit. A top-level defensive infielder, Ruffolo is currently ranked No. 62 in Illinois’ 2016 class.

+ Pat Crowley, a senior OF/LHP from Vernon Hills HS, has committed to University of Illinois-Springfield. The 6-foot-1, 175-pound left-handed hitter is currently ranked No. 119 in Illinois’ 2014 class. Crowley ran a 6.82 60 at a past PBR event.

+ Jack Bergren, a 2015 6-foot-4 LHP from Lane Tech HS, has committed to Cincinnati.

+ David Keaton, a senior LHP from Lake Forest HS, has committed to Coe College. The 6-foot-6, 205-pound Keaton showed well at the PBR Unsigned Senior Showcase in January. Keaton is currently ranked No. 184 in Illinois’ 2014 class.

+ Patrick Maloney, a senior RHP from Naperville Central HS, has committed to Lewis to play baseball and basketball. The 6-foot-6, 215-pound Maloney is currently ranked No. 225 in Illinois’ 2014 class.

+ Matt Esquivel, a senior 5-foot-11 MIF from Romeoville HS, has committed to Roosevelt University.

+ Charles Zeschke, a senior 5-foot-10, 170-pound C/3B from Richards HS, has committed to Roosevelt University.

+ Matt Dunne, a senior 5-foot-10, 180-pound RHP/INF from Oak Lawn HS, has committed to Roosevelt University.

+ Cody Sopko, a senior RHP/INF from De La Salle HS, has committed to Concordia (IL).

Send all Illinois recruiting information to [email protected]

Illinois Recruiting Notebook

Related Content