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Illinois Recruiting Roundup: In Depth Scouting Notes on Recent Illinois Commitments

January 16, 2015

By Ryan Quigley
Illinois Scouting Director

Every Friday National Scouting Supervisor Nathan Rode provides a roundup of recruiting information and commitments throughout the PBR 22-state 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.

Committed Player Scouting Reports

Kyle Yang, RHP, Lyons, 2015 - Knox College
Kyle Yang5-foot-10, 170-pound right-handed pitcher works from a long, loose, high ¾ arm slot, length in back of arm swing, slightly wraps wrist, some rhythm to delivery, toe down at balance point, lands square with lower half stride direction stays in line with home plate. Head pulls off towards first base at times, causing high and arm side misses. Fastball sat 78-80 mph. 61-68 mph slider flashed 11/5 shape when he stayed behind it, looks more like a curveball shape and velocity wise. 71-74 mph changeup flashed arm side run action.

 

 

Kevin Fitzgerald, MIF, Riverside-Brookfield, 2015 – Quincy
Kevin Fitzgerald6-foot, 170-pound middle infielder, athletic build, projects well. Left-handed hitter, open stance, short stride, collapses lower half, soft front side. Bat speed present, pull side approach, slight lift. 80 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively showed an athletic arm action, played well on the move, fluid footwork and hands played well. Arm was accurate with short action, 80 mph across the diamond. 7.74 runner in the 60.

 

 

Nick Brunson, INF, Champaign Central, 2015 – Kaskaskia
Nick BrunsonThe 5-foot-10, 165-pound junior shortstop enjoyed a memorable week back in the spring of 2014, one that cemented his name in the IHSA record book.

Over a stretch of four games, Brunson delivered nine consecutive hits, placing him fourth in Illinois high school baseball history. The state record is 13. Making his feat that much more impressive was most of his hits came against cross-town rival Champaign Centennial in a two-game series sweep that week.

For the week, Brunson finished 10-for-12 with four runs, three RBI and three stolen bases. Not bad for a team’s No. 7 hitter. For his efforts, Brunson was named the PBR Porsche Exchange Player of the Week for the week of April 30th.

Connor Hickey, OF, Benet, 2015 - University of Chicago
Connor Hickey5-foot-9, 150-pound left handed outfielder, smaller athletic frame. Offensively hits from the left side, slightly open stance, athletic setup, balanced, minimal loading action in hands, short stride. Projects as a contact type hitter, singles guy, middle to opposite field approach, short path to the baseball. Recorded 86 mph exit velocity off the tee. Defensively uses a short high ¾ arm action from the outfield, 70 mph arm strength. Showed the ability to play through the baseball, natural action, feet work well. 6.97 runner in the 60.

 

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