Recruiting Roundup: Who's Heading Where?

September 16, 2016

By Matt Huck
Area Scout

Every Friday National Scouting Supervisor Nathan Rode provides a roundup of insider recruiting information and commitments throughout the PBR coverage area: The Buzz. CLICK HERE to take a look at this week’s National Buzz. With that in mind, let’s take an in depth look at the Illinois prospects who have committed to colleges, with detailed scouting information.

Anthony Herron, 1B, Simeon, 2018
North Carolina

Future Games 2016 - 6-foot-1, 235-pound right-handed hitting first baseman, extra-large frame, extremely strong lower half, wide shoulders; possesses overall man-strength. Highly athletic and nimble for size. Ran a 7.11 laser-timed 60, runs bases aggressively, stole a few bags during Future Games. His carrying tool, however, is his right-handed power. Generates advanced bat speed with minimal load, maintains balance through contact, stays strong through the ball, natural loft in swing; has legitimate pull-side power. Registered 96-mph exit velocity. Defensively, is overall excellent first baseman. Handles himself well around the bag; nimble feet, soft hands, big target, picks throws in the dirt, even nearly did the splits in game action. Knows the nuances of the position. Quiet competitor, plays hard.

Zaid Walker, OF, Homewood-Flossmoor, 2018
Michigan State

Future Games 2016 - 6-foot-1, 200-pound right-handed hitting outfielder, athletic build, proportional strength with room for continued growth; strong quick-twitch athlete. During Thursday’s positional workout, separated himself with his high-level tools and offensive prowess. Offensively, generates elite bat speed with his hands, maintains excellent balance throughout, level, line-drive swing with power potential; had one of the top overall BP rounds during the positional workout. Registered 96 mph exit velocity and ran a 6.76 laser-timed 60, powerful strider, speed has steadily improved over the years. Defensively, relatively new to the outfield, still figuring out the nuances of the position after transitioning from third base. Possesses plus arm strength, 92 mph from the outfield. Overall, should become a high-follow draft prospect in the 2018 class.

Robert Archbold, OF, Warren, 2017
Illinois-Springfield

6.21.16 - Uncommitted prospect. Solidly built 6-foot-1, 195-pound left-handed hitting outfielder. Offensively, shows pullside power potential. Aggressive, rotational approach, uses pronounced leg kick, shows looseness in the hands, uphill path with extension through contact. Registered 89-mph exit velocity. In game, went 1-for-2 with a single. Defensively profiles as a corner outfielder, clocked at 84 mph, tendency to work uphill. Ran a 7.39 laser-timed 60.

Gavin Lovesky, 3B, Lockport, 2017
Missouri

Gavin Lovesky 6.16.16 - 6-foot-2, 185-pound, infielder, strong, athletic build. Continues to show he is one of the top uncommitted right-handed hitters still available in the 2017 class. Offensively, flashed explosive bat speed and consistent loud, hard contact; registered a 100 mph exit velocity at the event. Present pull power and a long path through the zone. Narrow setup, slight leg-lift trigger and good balance. Defensively, profiles as a corner infielder. Soft hands, athletic fielding position out in front of body. Exchange gets long at times, makes up for it with above-average arm strength across the diamond; clocked at 85 mph. Long arm action from an over-the-top slot. 7.05 runner in the 60, laser-timed.

Shakur Jackson, SS, Rock Island, 2017
Heartland CC

Shakur Jackson 7.15.15 - 5-foot-8, 168-pound strong and athletic middle infielder. Defensively throws from right side with short loose arm action, high ¾, some accuracy, and carry on ball. Showed soft hands, fluid footwork, quick clean exchange, and plays thru. Threw 82 mph across infield. Offensively hits from right side with athletic and open setup, smooth load back, short stride, and good balance. Showed quick bat speed, fair approach, and power/pull type. Exit velocity, 85 mph. Ran a 6.96 60 yard dash.

Tyler Woynerowksi, 1B, St. Rita, 2017
Benedictine University

Tyler Woynerowski 6/16/16 - 6-foot-2, 200-pound right-handed hitting infielder. Offensively, open set up, short, leg kick stride, balance on follow through. Fluid rhythm, bat speed, line drive approach. Recorded an exit velocity of 84 mph. Defensively, soft hands, fluid footwork. Short arm action, high ¾ slot, flashed accuracy and carry. Clocked at 78 mph across the infield. 7.26 runner in the 60.

Connor McCormick, C, Manteno, 2017
McKendree University

6.16.16 - Lean lanky frame, 5-foot-11, 155-pound catcher/outfielder. Shows a big arm defensively, short over the top action, loose and lively, carried well, 79 mph out of the crouch, 91 mph from the outfield. Pop times ranged, 2.00-2.07. Above average runner, could translate in the outfield, 7.07 in the 60, laser timed. Right-handed hitter, balanced stance, reverse knee knock trigger, average balance. Path has some length, flashes sneaky pop. 89 mph exit velocity from the tee.

Kevin Lane, RHP, Sandburg, 2017
Wisconsin-Milwaukee

6.16.16 - 6-foot-4, 230-pound right-handed pitcher. Tall and fall delivery, simple and works down the hill. Arm action is loose, high ¾ slot. Showed ability to pound the zone. Fastball sat 80-81 mph, cut action with good control. Slider has 10/4 shape, flashed sharp sweeping action, 70-73 mph, swing and miss potential. Changeup has feel, fading action, 75-76 mph.

Blake Begner, LHP, Peoria Heights, 2017
Illinois Central JC

Blake Begner 2/14/16 - 5-foot-11, 155-pound left-handed pitcher. Delivery works with regular effort, high front side, squared landing. Arm action is quick, short and loose, over the top slot. Showed an ability to command his fastball, slight arm side run and sink, worked down with surprising tilt for his size. Curveball has 1/7 shape, thrown with arm speed, 64-66 mph. Good feel for his changeup, flashed advance sink and run to arm side, 70-74 mph.

Jonah Smith, LHP, Mount Zion, 2018
Illinois State

Jonah Smith 8/16/16 - 6-foot-2, 150-pound left-handed pitcher with a lanky frame. Works from a high 3.4 arm angle with a short, quick arm action. Tall and fall online delivery with some rhythm. Fastball is straight at 82-83 topping out at 84 mph. Features a curveball and a slider. Slider projects better with sharp breaking action and 2-8 shape at 71-73 mph. Curveball has 1-7 shape with gradual action at 62-63 mph. Changeup sat 68-71 mph.

Alexander Pup, 2B, Fenwick, 2018
Air Force

Recruiting Roundup: Who's Heading Where?

Related Content