By Sean Duncan
Executive Director

Austin Peay State landed a major coup when it received verbal commitments from two top 20 prospects in Illinois’ loaded Class of 2014 on Saturday.

St. Rita LHP Mike Costanzo, who’s ranked No. 8 in Illinois; and St. Laurence C T.J. Marik, who’s ranked No. 20, both made their pledges to the Ohio Valley Conference power.

The 6-foot-1 Costanzo became one of the hottest names in the fall, as the left-hander showed an electric 87-88 mph fastball, a sharp curveball and 79-80 mph changeup at the PBR Class of 2014 Showcase to earn top prospect honors. Costanzo, who’s ranked No. 39 in the overall PBR rankings, was one of the most coveted uncommitted left-handed prospects in the Midwest.

Marik is arguably the best defensive catcher in Illinois’ 2014 class; certainly he was the top uncommitted backstop in the state. The 5-foot-11, 205-pound Marik is a top-level catch-and-throw receiver. He was clocked at 80 mph from the crouch and showed a top pop time of 1.92 recently. Marik is currently ranked No. 96 in the PBR overall rankings.

To view Illinois’ Class of 2014 rankings and commitments, Click Here.