Inside the Illinois Rankings: 2016 Risers

November 9, 2015

By Drew Locascio
Illinois Scouting Director

The PBR Illinois Scouting staff released the updated Class of 2016 rankings last week. Over the last couple of days we took an in depth look at the new Top 10 and also newcomers to the Top 250. To read about the Top 10 CLICK HERE and to read up on some new names to the rankings CLICK HERE.

It is always fun to watch high school prospects continue to improve their game and work to perfect their craft. Illinois had a large number of prospects who made significant gains since the last time we updated the Illinois 2016 Rankings. Several arms were big risers in our latest update.

RHP Garrett Acton (Lemont) a St. Louis commit and RHP Trey Riley (Edwardsville) found themselves in the Top 25 after putting up impressive performances recently. Acton showed a power repertoire and sat 88-91 at the World Wood Bat Championship in Jupiter, FL, while striking out six in a two-inning stint. Riley, blew up late this summer after making a big jump in velocity, up to 91 mph and committed to Oklahoma State.

RHP Christian Camacho (Elk Grove) jumped 72 spots, up to No. 51. Recently committed to Auburn, the athletic right-hander was up to 91 mph this fall with a big time breaking ball. Another RHP Ryan Pfutzenreuter (Deerfield) a Villanova commit, jumped 46 spots after he showcased a quick, clean arm and topped out at 87 mph late in the summer.

Two uncommitted projectable bodied RHP’s, Tyler Laux (Lincoln-Way North) and Trevor Newton (Lincoln-Way Central) impressed at PBR events late this summer and fall. Laux now comes in at No. 101 and Newton No. 116 respectively. Laux featured a loose arm and went six up and six down during his two inning stint at the Unsigned Senior Games in August. Fastball sat an easy 84-85 mph and he was ranked the second best overall prospect at the event. Newton showed pitchability, a repeatable delivery and his fastball sat 82-84 mph, touching 85 at the Unsigned Senior Showcase this October. He was ranked the second best right-handed pitcher at the event.

OF Jordan McFarland (Waterloo) only moved up to No. 6 in the state. It is only a five spot jump from where he was but with the elite talent in the Top 10 it speaks to how well he has played this fall. McFarland an Arkansas commit is built like a football player, runs a 6.86 60 and has big power potential at the plate.

OF John Rave (Bloomington Central Catholic) committed to Illinois State, jumped 55 spots and now sits at No. 37. Rave flashed elite speed a couple of weeks ago in Florida. Clocked at 3.58 down-the-line on a bunt and moves well in the outfield.

Rounding out our top risers are two uncommitted position players C Robby McGaha (Stevenson) and SS Colin Rivard (Naperville North). Both showed well at the Unsigned Senior Showcase in October and are now ranked in the Top 175. Well-built McGaha runs a 6.99 60, offensively lots of hard contact and has upside behind the plate. Wiry build Rivard, is a high motor athlete who runs a 6.84 60, flashes bat speed at the plate and has a quick arm across the infield.

CLICK HERE for complete Illinois 2016 Rankings.

Inside the Illinois Rankings: 2016 Risers

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