By Matt Huck
Area Scout

SS Clark Elliott (Barrington) recently committed to Michigan. Elliott is currently ranked No. 11 in the PBR Illinois Class of 2019 and No. 204 in the PBR Overall Ranks. This August Elliott represented Illinois at the PBR Future Games in Indiana, here is a report on him from the event.

Scouting Report: 2017 Future Games (8.2.17) - 6-foot, 165-pound, left-handed hitting infielder. Highly-athletic, lean build, plenty of room to add strength. High-ceiling prospect, who is on the rise following the Future Games. Offensively, took some of the best and most consistent at-bats for Team Illinois throughout the weekend. Advanced knowledge of the strike zone, rarely chases out of the zone and sees the ball deep. Controls the barrel, quick hands, stays extremely short to the ball, creates bat speed and makes consistent hard contact. Gap-to-gap, spray approach, can handle the pitch away and doesn’t try to do too much. 88 mph exit velocity from a tee. Well above-average runner, ran a 6.71 laser-timed 60 on workout day and was 4.10 down-the-line on an infield hit in the final game of the weekend. Defensively, has the ability to play all over the field but played the majority of the time on the infield. On the infield, quick feet, ranges well to both sides and flashed soft hands. Throws clocked at 75 mph across the infield and 85 from the outfield. One of the top uncommitted 2019 position players in Illinois.

PBR: What were your expectations about the recruiting process? Was it as expected? Easy/Difficult?

Elliott: To be honest, I didn't know what to expect. Thankfully, I had my parents as well as a great group of coaches and players who had been through the process to help me through it.  At times the whole thing was stressful but for the most part, I just tried to take it all in and enjoy every moment of it.

PBR: What were you looking for out of a college program to continue your baseball career at?

Elliott: I was mainly looking for the best balance between a great academic environment and a great baseball program. The University of Michigan is the best of both worlds. I also wanted a place where I could play at the highest level of competition possible.  The Big Ten is definitely on the rise in college baseball, not to mention Michigan also always plays a tough nonconference schedule.

PBR: Did location or distance from home play a factor in your decision?

Elliott: Distance from home was something I definitely took into consideration. My family has been able to see me play since I was small and I wanted them to be able to come and see me play in college.

PBR: When did the recruiting process really start to heat up for you? Was there a particular game or event that you feel turned the corner for you?

Elliott: This past summer is when things really took off for me. Our 29er organization does a great job of putting us in front of college coaches to give us the best opportunities possible. This summer capped off after the PBR Futures Games. Lots of colleges showed interest after the event.

PBR: Where did the college you chose first see you? How did your relationship develop with them?

Elliott: They first saw me in Indianapolis early on in the summer and continued to follow me the rest of the summer.

PBR: What do you like most about the college you committed to and what were the key factors in making your decision?

Elliott:  There are so many things I like about Michigan I don't know if I can narrow it down to one. Some key factors for me are the great academic environment along with a great baseball program that is committed to winning and developing players.

PBR: What other schools were on your short list before you made your final decision?

Elliott: Illinois state, Illinois, Michigan State, Purdue, West Virginia, and Missouri State.

PBR: Who is the best player you have faced in your state, and why?

Elliott: The best player I've faced in the state was probably RHP Michael Lasiewicz from McHenry. We faced him in the regional championship game this year and he dominated our team. He was controlling the strike zone and did a good job of setting up hitters. I think I went 1-3 that game but in total our team only got 3 hits.

PBR: At what point in your career did you realize you were a college caliber player and became serious about taking your game to the next level?

Elliott: I always knew that if I worked hard I could achieve my goal of playing college baseball, but it really hit me in the summer before my freshman year. I really began to focus on achieving my goal and baseball really became an obsession.

PBR: What advice would you give to young baseball players striving to get where you are?

Elliott: My best advice would be to have fun! After all it's a game and is meant to be enjoyed. As long as you work hard and take care of yourself on and off the field, you can can play college baseball.

PBR: What is the most memorable moment in your baseball career to this point?

Elliott: Most memorable baseball moment for me would definitely be turning an unassisted triple play in 3rd grade. The umpire was in shock of what happened and had to talk it over with the other umpires to get the call right. A close second would be representing Team Illinois at the PBR Future Games this summer.

PBR: Preview your high school season for us. How do you feel your team will be? What are your expectations and goals?

Elliott: Barrington High School should have a strong team this year. We have a lot of good new talent coming into the program this year who will definitely be making a big impact. I expect our team to make a deep run into the state tournament and come away with some hardware.

PBR: Where do you play in the summer? And what has been your most memorable experience with them?

Elliott: I play with the 29ers organization. My most memorable moment with them is going to Atlanta this summer and playing great baseball while also being able to spend time with some of my best friends.

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