On March 13, the PBR Illinois team hosted its first annual O’Hare Preseason I.D. at the new Bo Jackson’s Elite Sports Dome in Bensenville, Ill. The event featured 130 players from high school graduates in classes 2022-25, from across the Chicagoland area.

Our staff collaborated in the days that followed to highlight the biggest takeaways and highlights from Saturday’s showcase, and we've published them throughout the week with our Quick Hits and Statistical Analysis. Previously, we also looked deeper into the pitch and batted-ball data, inside of this event's TrackMan Files and Blast Motion Board stories.

Today, we’re beginning to roll out our position-by-position analysis, starting with the day’s catchers, highlighted by a handful of underclassmen.

Read on below for a look at each of the catchers who attended this event.

TOP CATCHER PROSPECTS

1. Jack Rozmus, York (IL), 2023
Positional Profile: C
Body: 5-11, 168-pounds.
Hit: RHH. Balanced, tall setup, leg kick, short stride. Short swing, max bat speed of 67.9 MPH, line drive approach, flashes barrel control.
Power: 87.88 max exit velocity, averaged 83.88 mph. 285’ max distance.
Arm: RH. C - 77 mph. Short arm action, over-the-top arm slot.
Defense: 2.01-2.11 pop times. Athletic actions, soft hands, quick, fluid feet, clean exchanges, advanced block.
Run: 6.99 runner in the 60. Advanced runner for his position.

2. Damon Brena, Niles West (IL), 2023
Positional Profile: C
Body: 5-10, 175-pounds.
Hit: RHH. Balanced, athletic setup, leg kick, short stride, smooth pre-pitch actions. Long through the zone, path works slightly uphill, gap-to-gap approach, line drives at times.
Power: 89.25 max exit velocity, averaged 80.48 mph. 313’ max distance.
Arm: RH. C - 78 mph. Short arm action, over-the-top arm slot, throws carry with accuracy.
Defense: 2.05-2.19 pop times. Clean, easy actions, quick feet, clean transfer.
Run: 7.68 runner in the 60. 

3. Noah Caceres, Reavis (IL), 2023
Positional Profile: C/1B
Body: 5-9, 158-pounds. Athletic build.
Hit: LHH. Tall, narrow, open setup, leg lift, smooth pre-pitch actions. Short, fluid swing, works slightly uphill, consistent hard contact, gap-to-gap approach, line drives.
Power: 89.17 max exit velocity, averaged 82.34 mph. 323’ max distance.
Arm: RH. C - 76 mph. INF - 74 mph. Short arm action, over-the-top arm slot.
Defense: 2.11-2.19 pop times. Catcher: provides low target from one knee, steady receiver, clean exchanges. Infield: plays low, sure-handed, flashes athleticism, plays with proper direction.
Run: 7.13 runner in the 60. 

4. Sir Jamison Jones, St. Rita (IL), 2024
Positional Profile: C
Body: 5-9, 185-pounds. Strong frame.
Hit: RHH. Balanced setup, leg lift, long stride. Strong swing, efficient bat path, advanced bat speed with a max of 75.7 MPH, line drives.
Power: 94.76 max exit velocity, averaged 82.08 mph. 324’ max distance.
Arm: RH. C - 72 mph. Short arm action, high 3/4 arm slot, accurate throws.
Defense: 2.18-2.28 pop times. Natural catching actions, quick feet/exchange.
Run: 7.73 runner in the 60. 

5. Julian Sumner, Lyons Township (IL), 2023
Positional Profile: C
Body: 6-1, 230-pounds. Strong frame.
Hit: RHH. Balanced setup, front foot starts closed, toe tap, short stride. Strong swing, path works slightly uphill, max bat speed of 68.6 MPH, ball jumps off barrel at times, pull-side power approach.
Power: 94.57 max exit velocity, averaged 84.47 mph. 328’ max distance.
Arm: RH. C - 79 mph. Short arm action, high 3/4 arm slot, best velocity from catcher at event.
Defense: 2.12-2.33 pop times. Footwork works in line with target, gains ground, steady hands, clean exchange.
Run: 7.33 runner in the 60.

Best of the Rest (Listed Alphabetically)

John Airhart, Lyons Township (IL), 2023
Positional Profile: C/OF
Body: 5-10, 165-pounds.
Hit: RHH. Tall, narrow setup, slightly open, short stride. Short swing, path works uphill, stays inside the ball, consistent line drives, gap-to-gap approach, used middle of field.
Power: 82.89 max exit velocity, averaged 78.69 mph. 273’ max distance.
Arm: RH. C - 66 mph. Short arm action, high 3/4 arm slot.
Defense: 2.19-2.33 pop times. Quick exchange, advanced release.
Run: 7.85 runner in the 60. 

Gunnar Briggs, Glenbard North (IL), 2022
Positional Profile: C
Body: 5-8, 170-pounds.
Hit: RHH. Open setup, toe-tap/leg lift, short stride. Short swing, path works uphill, intent to hit ball in the air, gap-to-gap approach.
Power: 82.38 max exit velocity, averaged 69.96 mph. 298’ max distance.
Arm: RH. C - 70 mph. Short arm action, high 3/4 arm slot, throws flash accuracy.
Defense: 2.18-2.27 pop times. Advanced actions in bullpens, quick exchanges.
Run: 7.18 runner in the 60. 

Brandon Brokowski, Evanston (IL), 2023
Positional Profile: C
Body: 6-0, 170-pounds. Long frame.
Hit: RHH. Tall, balanced setup, short stride. Long swing, path works uphill, peak hand speed of 24.2 MPH, gap-to-gap approach, ability to use middle of the field.
Power: 86.66 max exit velocity, averaged 82.47 mph. 219’ max distance.
Arm: RH. C - 71 mph. Short arm action, high 3/4 arm slot.
Defense: 2.25-2.37 pop times. Blocked balls well in bullpens, set up on one knee to receive at times.
Run: 7.55 runner in the 60. 

Jack Calcagno, Fenwick (IL), 2024
Positional Profile: C/RHP
Body: 6-2, 170-pounds.
Hit: RHH. Tall, narrow setup, leg lift, long stride. Short swing, path works uphill, stays inside the baseball, used the middle of field, line drive approach.
Power: 82.58 max exit velocity, averaged 74.81 mph. 242’ max distance.
Arm: RH. C - 67 mph. High 3/4 arm slot, accuracy in throws.
Defense: 2.25-2.38 pop times. Feet work around plate on throw downs, clean exchanges.
Run: 7.84 runner in the 60.

Jeremy DeWilkins, Benet (IL), 2024
Positional Profile: 3B/C
Body: 5-8, 150-pounds.
Hit: LHH. Wide, open setup, leg lift, short stride. Fluid swing, path works uphill, line drives, pull-side tendencies.
Power: 80.19 max exit velocity, averaged 72.2 mph. 258’ max distance.
Arm: RH. C - 67 mph. INF - 72 mph. Short arm action, over-the-top arm slot, advanced accuracy from behind the plate.
Defense: 2.26-2.32 pop times. Catcher: clean exchanges, quick feet. Infield: funnels the ball to center, steady hands, plays with proper direction.
Run: 7.96 runner in the 60. 

Quinn Duffy, Marist (IL), 2023
Positional Profile: C/OF
Body: 5-10, 160-pounds.
Hit: RHH. Balanced setup, leg lift, short stride, simple pre-pitch actions. Short, aggressive swing, working slightly uphill, creating backspin at times, gap-to-gap approach.
Power: 87.74 max exit velocity, averaged 78.96 mph. 282’ max distance.
Arm: RH. C - 74 mph. Short arm action, over-the-top arm slot, accurate throws.
Defense: 2.14-2.25 pop times. Clean catching actions, fluid feet, clean exchanges, soft hands.
Run: 7.57 runner in the 60. 

John Philip Ferraro, Oak Park River Forest (IL), 2023
Positional Profile: C/OF
Body: 6-1, 195-pounds. Athletic build.
Hit: LHH. Balanced setup, slightly open, toe tap, short stride, easy pre-pitch actions. Fluid swing, path works uphill, looks to make contact out front.
Power: 86.51 max exit velocity, averaged 75.46 mph. 290’ max distance.
Arm: RH. C - 71 mph. Short arm action, high 3/4 arm slot.
Defense: 2.19-2.33 pop times. Advanced blocker, easy receiver, quick transfer.
Run: 7.92 runner in the 60. 

Jacob Hall, Warren Township (IL), 2023
Positional Profile: C
Body: 6-1, 200-pounds.
Hit: RHH. Wide, balanced setup, elaborate toe tap, long stride. Strong, aggressive swing, efficient level bat path, works inside the ball, max bat speed of 70.7 MPH.
Power: 91.35 max exit velocity, averaged 82.43 mph. 329’ max distance.
Arm: RH. C - 73 mph. Short arm action, high 3/4 arm slot.
Defense: 2.00-2.07 pop times. Fluid feet, gains ground, soft hands, quick exchange, flashes natural catching actions, advanced block.
Run: 7.27 runner in the 60. 

Jack Hayden, Marian Central Catholic (IL), 2022
Positional Profile: 3B/C
Body: 6-1, 215-pounds.
Hit: RHH. Balanced setup, weight shifted into back leg, short stride. Strong swing, level path, max bat speed of 69.1 MPH, pull-side tendencies.
Power: 91.09 max exit velocity, averaged 84.45 mph. 329’ max distance.
Arm: RH. C - 77 mph. INF - 83 mph. Short arm action, high 3/4 arm slot, throws flash carry.
Defense: 2.09-2.27 pop times. Catcher: sticks pitches while receiving, feet work plate on throwdowns. Infield: fields from a wide base, funnels ball to center.
Run: 7.48 runner in the 60. 

Jake Jacoby, Buffalo Grove (IL), 2022
Positional Profile: C
Body: 5-10, 150-pounds.
Hit: RHH. Tall, balanced setup, leg lift, short stride. Short swing, level path, line drive approach, pull-side tendencies.
Power: 81.65 max exit velocity, averaged 72.03 mph. 272’ max distance.
Arm: RH. C - 70 mph. Short arm action, over-the-top arm slot.
Defense: 2.25-2.41 pop times. Clean exchange, feet gain ground on throw downs.
Run: 7.81 runner in the 60. 

Landon Jasinski, Brother Rice (IL), 2024
Positional Profile: C/OF
Body: 5-7, 150-pounds.
Hit: LHH. Athletic setup, slightly open, short stride, easy pre-pitch actions. Short, fluid swing, repeatable, max bat speed of 70.8 MPH, path works slightly uphill, line drives, gap-to-gap approach, used middle of field.
Power: 88.7 max exit velocity, averaged 79.27 mph. 262’ max distance.
Arm: RH. C - 67 mph. Short arm action, high 3/4 arm slot.
Defense: 2.40-2.51 pop times. Advanced block, clean exchange.
Run: 7.55 runner in the 60. 

Ryan Kempf, Crystal Lake Central (IL), 2022
Positional Profile: C/2B
Body: 5-10, 185-pounds.
Hit: RHH. Open, athletic setup, weight sits slightly on backside, quick leg kick, short stride. Strong swing, max bat speed of 70.0 MPH, looks to make contact out front, pull side line drives.
Power: 91.57 max exit velocity, averaged 84.56 mph. 338’ max distance.
Arm: RH. C - 75 mph. INF - 81 mph. Short arm action, over-the-top arm slot.
Defense: 2.11-2.22 pop times. Catcher: flashes athleticism, gains ground, clean exchange, ability to block. Infield: steady hands, quick exchange, athletic double play turn, body control.
Run: 7.24 runner in the 60. 

Peter Kenoian, Oak Park-River Forest (IL), 2023
Positional Profile: C/OF
Body: 6-0, 167-pounds.
Hit: RHH. Open setup, short stride, simple pre-pitch actions. Aggressive swing, path works uphill, looks to make contact out front, gap-to-gap approach, line drives.
Power: 87.5 max exit velocity, averaged 78.95 mph. 244’ max distance.
Arm: RH. C - 71 mph. Short arm action, high 3/4 arm slot, throws flash accuracy.
Defense: 2.15-2.27 pop times. Blocked balls consistently during the bullpen session, clean exchange, quick feet.
Run: 7.57 runner in the 60. 

Finnley Koch, Fenwick (IL), 2024
Positional Profile: C/3B
Body: 5-8, 145-pounds.
Hit: RHH. Balanced setup, short stride, simple pre-pitch actions. Short swing, level, direct path, works inside the ball, max bat speed of 67.0 MPH, uses middle of the field.
Power: 81.39 max exit velocity, averaged 72.78 mph. 281’ max distance.
Arm: RH. C - 68 mph. Short arm action, high 3/4 arm slot.
Defense: 2.19-2.32 pop times. Easy catching actions, steady hands, fluid feet, clean exchange.
Run: 7.37 runner in the 60. 

Connor Lasch, Loyola Academy (IL), 2023
Positional Profile: C/3B
Body: 5-10, 185-pounds.
Hit: RHH. Tall, narrow setup, leg lift, long stride. Strong, short swing, path works uphill, gap-to-gap approach.
Power: 87.82 max exit velocity, averaged 79.85 mph. 268’ max distance.
Arm: RH. C - 71 mph. Short arm action, high 3/4 arm slot.
Defense: 2.08-2.19 pop times. Easy receiver from one knee, quick feet.
Run: 7.59 runner in the 60. 

AJ Manganello, Montini (IL), 2024
Positional Profile: C/OF
Body: 5-8, 150-pounds.
Hit: LHH. Tall, balanced setup, short stride. Uphill bat path, works inside the ball, opposite field approach.
Power: 77.86 max exit velocity, averaged 71.49 mph. 248’ max distance.
Arm: RH. C - 67 mph. High 3/4 arm slot.
Defense: 2.33-2.44 pop times. Advanced catching actions, provides a low target from one knee, advanced block, clean exchanges.
Run: 7.51 runner in the 60. 

Vince McDowell, St. Joseph (IL), 2023
Positional Profile: C/OF
Body: 5-9, 150-pounds.
Hit: RHH. Tall, open setup, small load, toe tap, short stride, smooth pre-pitch actions. Fluid swing, path works uphill, peak hand speed of 21.6 MPH, gap-to-gap approach, line drives.
Power: 85.63 max exit velocity, averaged 79.57 mph. 246’ max distance.
Arm: RH. C - 70 mph. Short arm action, over-the-top arm slot.
Defense: 2.08-2.33 pop times. Athletic behind plate, flashes natural catching actions, easy receiver, quick feet, clean exchange.
Run: 7.68 runner in the 60. 

Luke Mejdrich, Hampshire (IL), 2024
Positional Profile: RHP/C
Body: 6-0, 175-pounds.
Hit: RHH. Balanced setup, elaborate leg lift/toe tap. Aggressive swing, max bat speed of 67.8 MPH, line drive approach.
Power: 84.67 max exit velocity, averaged 74.78 mph. 259’ max distance.
Arm: RH. C - 74 mph. Short arm action, high 3/4 arm slot, accurate throws.
Defense: 2.39-2.44 pop times. Steady hands, clean exchanges.
Run: 8.33 runner in the 60. 

Xander Nickles, Lake Park (IL), 2024
Positional Profile: C/OF
Body: 5-7, 150-pounds.
Hit: RHH. Balanced setup, short stride, simple pre-pitch actions. Short swing, uphill path, looks to make contact out front, gap-to-gap approach.
Power: 81.49 max exit velocity, averaged 74.28 mph. 252’ max distance.
Arm: RH. C - 63 mph. Short arm action, high 3/4 arm slot.
Defense: 2.25-2.23 pop times. Steady hands, clean exchanges.
Run: 7.25 runner in the 60. 

Ty O’Connell, Wheaton North (IL), 2023
Positional Profile: C/2B
Body: 5-7, 155-pounds.
Hit: RHH. Balanced setup, leg lift, glides into stride. Short swing, path works uphill, gap-to-gap approach.
Power: 84.68 mph max exit velocity, averaged 79.26 mph. 303’ max distance.
Arm: RH. C - 74 mph. Short arm action, over-the-top arm slot, throws flash carry and accuracy.
Defense: 2.04-2.20 pop times. Advanced, athletic actions, soft hands when receiving, quick feet, clean exchanges.
Run: 7.37 runner in the 60. 

Edge Ritter, St. Charles North (IL), 2023
Positional Profile: C/OF
Body: 5-11, 170-pounds.
Hit: RHH. Open setup, knee bend, short stride. Path works uphill, intent to hit ball in the air, gap-to-gap approach, pull-side tendencies.
Power: 81.52 max exit velocity, averaged 61.91 mph. 270’ max distance.
Arm: RH. C - 70 mph. Short arm action, over-the-top arm slot.
Defense: 2.20-2.28 pop times. Athletic actions, east receiver, clean exchange.
Run: 7.46 runner in the 60. 

Thomas Shaw, Metea Valley (IL), 2022
Positional Profile: OF/C
Body: 5-7, 155-pounds.
Hit: RHH. Open setup, weight sits on backside, short stride. Short swing, path works uphill, peak hand speed of 25.0 MPH, gap-to-gap approach.
Power: 87.66 max exit velocity, averaged 78.82 mph. 294’ max distance.
Arm: RH. C - 72 mph. OF - 80 mph. Short arm action, over-the-top arm slot.
Defense: 2.37-2.50 pop times. Catcher: gives a low target when receiving, gains ground on throw downs, clean exchange. Outfield: steady hands, clean transfer, plays through ball.
Run: 7.08 runner in the 60. 

Sam Wampler, Nazareth Academy (IL), 2022
Positional Profile: C
Body: 6-1, 160-pounds. Long frame.
Hit: RHH. Balanced, slightly open setup, short stride, simple pre-pitch actions. Short swing, path works uphill, gap-to-gap approach, occasional line drives.
Power: 82.52 max exit velocity, averaged 74.03 mph. 281’ max distance.
Arm: RH. C - 72 mph. Short arm action, high 3/4 arm slot.
Defense: 2.19-2.22 pop times. Solid hands receiving, quick exchange, fluid feet.
Run: 7.42 runner in the 60. 

Michael Zedak, St. Laurence (IL), 2022
Positional Profile: OF/C
Body: 5-10, 180-pounds.
Hit: RHH. Crouched, open setup, short stride. Short swing, mostly level path, max bat speed of 69.5 MPH, gap-to-gap approach, line drives.
Power: 92.25 max exit velocity, averaged 80.77 mph. 335’ max distance.
Arm: RH. C - 70 mph. Short arm action, over-the-top arm slot.
Defense: 2.29-2.35 pop times. Advanced blocker, steady hands, clean exchanges.
Run: 7.05 runner in the 60. 

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