By Sean Duncan

The Prep Baseball Report Prospect Identification Showcase at Normal West HS on Sept. 25 unveiled several impressive prospects in several different classes. The Class of 2013 was especially well-represented at the event, with a handful of players who established themselves as prospects to pay close attention to in the coming years.

The top prospect at the event was Ryan Dunne, a junior RHP/3B from Peoria Richwoods HS. A few Class of 2014 players also emerged as premier prospects, namely Monmouth-Roseville RHP Dalton Hottle and Glenwood RHP/3B Brian Hobbie.

Dustin Detweiler, a RHP from Normal West HS, was the top Class of 2012 prospect at the event.

A look at the top players at the event:

Top Class of 2013 Prospects

1. Ryan Dunne, RHP/3B, Peoria Richwoods HS, Class of 2013
At 6-foot-2, 195 pounds, Dunne is an extremely projectable right-hander who looks to be one of the more impressive Class of 2013 prospects in the state. Dunne has wide shoulders, strong lower half and a quick arm. Operating from a high-3/4 arm slot, Dunne’s fastball topped at 85 mph, sitting at 84, with late life. Dunne’s 71-73 mph curveball has the potential to be a legitimate out-pitch at the next level. His curveball has late hard bite, and when down in the zone, it is a swing-and-miss pitch. Dunne, who’s the son of former first-round draft pick, Mike Dunne, also throws a 72-74 mph changeup in which he turns over.  As a position player, Dunne showed good arm strength at third base (83 mph) and solid hands. A left-handed hitter, Dunne showed left-handed power potential. Also a standout football player, Dunne’s velocity should steadily increase as he gets in baseball  shape.

2. Colin Brennan, RHP, Glenwood HS, Class of 2013
Brennan is a long and lanky 6-foot-3, 155-pound right-hander who shows considerable upside. Brennan’s arm works quickly, and he showed the ability to command three pitches. He showed rhythm and tempo on the mound. His fastball sat at 81-82 mph. Brennan’s curveball can be a swing-and-miss pitch, as it had late two-plane break at 66-68 mph. Brennan, who operates from a high-3/4 slot, also showed feel for a 68-70 mph changeup, which had slider-like action.

3. Jeff Thompson, RHP, Metamora HS, Class of 2013
Thompson has a projectable, athletic 6-foot-2, 182-pound frame. Coming from a high-3/4 arm slot, his arm works free and easily. Thompson’s fastball sat at 82 mph, topping at 83, and showed excellent hand acceleration. His 62-65 mph curveball showed some two-plane break with depth. Thompson also deomonstrated feel for his 73-75 mph changeup. With his size, athleticism, and arm quickness, Thompson should see his velocity climb in the coming years.

4. Jayden Thompson, SS/RHP, Bloomington HS, Class of 2013
Thompson is an athletic 6-foot-1, 175-pound two-way talent who showed well in all aspects. A standout quarterback in football, Thompson showed some arm strength (82 mph) at shortstop, in addition to athletic feet. Offensively, Thompson has a balanced approach and demonstrated good rhythm and barrel whip through the zone. Thompson, who ran a 7.32 60, also showed well on the mound. Coming from an over-the-top arm slot, he delivered consistent 81 mph fastballs.

5. Sean Coonan, RHP/SS, Bloomington Central Catholic HS, Class of 2013
The 5-foot-9, 170-pound Coonan showed well both as a pitcher and as a position player. On the mound, Coonan commands the strike zone with three pitches. He has smooth mechanics and his arm works with little effort. Coonan’s fastball topped at 84 mph, sitting at 82, while his 64 mph curveball had 12/6 shape. Coonan also threw his 72-75 changeup for strikes. Defensively, Coonan demonstrated good rhythm and tempo, plays through the ball well and has soft hands. At the plate, Coonan has a balanced approach with a short, easy swing.

6. Kyle Matthews, RHP, Winchester HS, Class of 2013
Matthews is an athletic 5-foot-11, 165-pound right-hander who has a quick arm and clean mechanics. Matthews’ 80-81 mph fastball had some late run, while his 65-67 mph curveball displayed 12/6 shape and had late bite.  He also showed feel for a 73-75 mph changeup.  Matthews easy arm action and acceleration lead us to believe he will continue to see his fastball climb in the coming years.

7. Samuel Reuter, RHP/OF, Illinois Valley Central HS, Class of 2013
The 6-foot-2, 190-pound Reuter has a strong lower half and showed solidly both in the outfield and on the mound. From the outfield, Reuter showcased the event’s best positional arm strength (84 mph). Reuter, who ran a 7.19 60, also exhibited some power potential at the plate. On the mound, the right-hander sat at 80 mph with his fastball from an over-the-top arm slot.  He also threw a 67-68 mph slider that had some late two-plane break.

8. Dennis Jenkins, RHP/OF, Olympia HS, Class of 2013
The 5-foot-11, 180-pound right-hander has a strong lower half and showed some arm acceleration from a three-quarter arm slot. His fastball sat at 81-82 with some arm-side sink. Jenkins also throws a 67-68 mph slurve and a 68-69 mph changeup. Jenkins has solid mechanics and showed an ability to fill up the strike zone with three pitches.

9. Will Schneider, OF/3B, Riverton HS, Class of 2013
The 6-foot, 160-pound Schneider showed the ability to play both the outfield and third base adeptly. A 7.3 runner, he moves athletically and showed solid arm strength (82 mph) with some carry and accuracy. At third base, he demonstrated lateral quickness and sound fielding mechanics while playing through the ball well. At the plate, Schneider proved to be one of the event’s more polished hitters, demonstrating solid bat speed with some power potential.

10. Jacob Hargis, 1B, Metamora HS, Class of 2013
At 6-foot-3, 155 pounds, Hargis is an athletically built left-handed hitting first baseman. Hargis, who ran a 7.36 60, has a balanced swing who takes a short path to the baseball. Hargis is a line-drive hitter who showed the potential to hit for some more power as he physically develops. At first base, Hargis demonstrated soft hands and good footwork around the bag.

Other Class of 2013 Prospects

Cord Church, OF, Rantoul HS, Class of 2013
Church is an athletically built 6-foot-2, 180-pound outfielder who ran a 7.07 60. Church moves well in the outfield and was clocked at 74 mph. Offensively, he showed some barrel whip through the zone and had a balanced swing throughout his swing.

Jack Dellostritto, SS, St. Charles East HS, Class of 2013
The 5-foot-10, 160-pound Dellostritto showed smooth defensive actions at shortstop. He takes good routes to the ball, fields it in rhythm, plays through the ball well and showed solid arm strength (78 mph). Offensively, Dellostritto hits with an open approach, and consistently squared up line drives.

Jake Evans, OF, Normal West HS, Class of 2013
Evans is an athletically built 6-foot-1, 160-pound left-handed hitting outfielder. Offensively, Evans exhibited swing looseness and barrel whip through the zone. Evans hits with and balanced open setup and gets good extension through contact. Evans ran a 7.37 60.

Matt Hunsaker, INF/OF, Normal West HS, Class of 2013
Hunsaker showed off his athleticism by running a 7.12 60. Offensively, he demonstrated the ability to make consistent hard contact as he sprayed line drives.  Hunsaker also can play the outfield and middle infield positions.

Tyler Ort, OF/3B/RHP, Normal West HS, Class of 2013
Ort is a 5-foot-9, 160-pounder who can play several positions. From the outfield, he was clocked at 77 mph. Ort, who ran a 7.59 60, also demonstrated some actions at third base. On the mound, Ort comes from a three-quarter arm slot; his fastball topped at 76 mph. Ort also throws a curveball and changeup.

Nick Panzica, SS, Fieldcrest HS, Class of 2013
The 5-foot-9, 160-pound Panzica ran a 7.3 60 and exhibited reliable hands at shortstop. He was clocked at 76 mph across the infield. Offensively, Panzica is a line-drive hitter.

Jason Priest, C, Pontiac HS, Class of 2013
Priest is a strong-bodied 6-foot, 195-pound catcher who showed some arm strength behind the plate (77 mph). He registered pop times of 2.09, 2.09 and 2.10; he also received well in the bullpen. Offensively, Priest hits with an open stance and showed some pop at the plate.

Logan Spangler, RHP/MIF, Midwest Central HS, Class of 2013
Spangler is a long-limbed 6-foot, 165-pound right-hander who operates from an over-the-top arm slot. Spangler’s fastball topped at 74 mph, and he also threw a 61-62 mph curveball and changeup. Offensively, Spangler hits with an open approach from the right side, and showed some pullside power potential.

Top Class of 2012 Prospects

1. Dustin Detweiler, RHP, Normal West HS, Class of 2012
Detweiler is an athletically built 6-foot-1, 185-pound right-hander who showed the ability to command three pitches for strikes. His fastball sat at 82-83 mph, and showed above-average hand acceleration. He throws a firm changeup in the 76-77 range, which had some arm-side sink. Detweiler, who operates from an over-the-top arm slot, also throws a 67-69 mph curveball which demonstrated occasional sharp 12/6 bite.

2. Tanner Schofield, C, East Peoria HS, Class of 2012
Schofield is a solidly built 6-foot, 215-pound catcher with a strong lower half. Schofield showed solid hands and overall good receiving skills during bullpens. His best pop time was a 2.07, followed by a 2.14. Offensively, he hits from an open position, and he uses his strong lower half and hand quickness to hit the ball with some authority, showing some pullside power potential.

3. Mac Byrd, RHP, Normal West HS, Class of 2012
At 6-foot-3, 170 pounds, Byrd has a projectable frame and showed some arm quickness. The right-hander comes from an over-the-top arm slot with a fastball that topped at 80 mph. Byrd also showed feel for a 62-64 mph curveball that had 12/6 shape and good depth when he got extension. Byrd’s changeup, in the 73-74 mph range, had occasional sink.

4. Caleb Harris, MIF, Springfield Southeast HS, Class of 2012
The 5-foot-8, 145-pound Harris was one of the event’s better athletes, running a 7.09 60. Harris also showed athletic actions in the infield, as he played through the ball well and had solid carry across the infield (78 mph). He also exhibited a clean exchange and fundamental footwork. Offensively, he showed a short path to the baseball and made solid contact.

5. Joey Klinger, C, Marian Central Catholic HS, Class of 2012
The 5-foot-11, 165-pound Klinger is a solid all-around receiver who demonstrated fundamental footwork and reliable hands in the bullpen. Klinger’s top pop time was 2.26. Offensively, he consistently made hard contact and showed occasional pull-side pop.

Other Class of 2012 Prospects

Nick Barnhill, RHP, Normal West HS, Class of 2012
Barnhill is a 6-foot-1, 190-pound right-hander whose fastball topped at 75 mph. He also throws a 60-61 mph curveball, changeup and forkball.

Kyle Doubet, OF/1B, Peoria Christian HS, Class of 2012
Doubet is an athletically built 6-foot-2, 175-pound outfielder who proved to be one of the event’s top athletes by running a 7.06 60. The left-handed hitter also showed some swing looseness and barrel whip through the zone.

 Nick Huber, RHP, Elmwood HS, Class of 2012
The 6-foot-1, 165-pound Huber is a right-hander who comes from an over-the-top arm slot. His fastball topped at 80 mph, sitting 78-79. He also threw a 71-73 mph slider and a 71-72 mph changeup, which he located well.

Justas Sadaunikas, INF, Peoria Christian HS, Class of 2012
Sadaunikas is an athletically built 6-foot-1, 188-pound infielder who ran a 7.28 60. He was clocked at 75 mph across the infield. Offensively, he showed the ability to make solid contact.

Top Class of 2014 Prospects

1. Dalton Hottle, RHP, Monmouth-Roseville HS, Class of 2014
Hottle is an extremely projectable 6-foot-2, 160-pound right-hander who showed impressive arm quickness and ability to three pitches for strikes. Hottle has a lanky, athletic frame, one that will continue to fill out as he physically develops. He operates from an over-the-top arm slot, and showed excellent hand acceleration as he delivered 80-81 mph fastballs with some late life. Hottle also impressed with his changeup, in the 71-72 range, which had arm side sink down in the zone. His 65-67 mph curveball showed true 12/6 shape. In all, Hottle looks to be one of the more promising Class of 2014 prospects we’ve seen in the state thus far. 

2. Brian Hobbie, RHP/3B, Glenwood HS, Class of 2014
At 6-foot-4, 190-pounds, Hobbie is a physically advanced Class of 2014 prospect who possesses considerable upside. The right-hander comes from an over-the-top arm slot, and showed some arm acceleration. His fastball topped at 82 mph, sitting at 80-81. Hobbie demonstrated feel and command for three pitches. His curveball, in the 68-70 range, had 11/5 shape, and he also threw a 71-72 mph changeup down in the zone with some arm-side sink. Hobbie, who ran a 7.37 60, also showed well as a position player at third base. He showed some arm strength (77 mph) across the infield and solid defensive actions. Offensively, Hobbie is extremely physical for his age, as he demonstrated pull-side power potential.  No doubt, though, his future will be on the mound. With a few minor mechanical adjustments, Hobbie has the potential to be one of the premier recruits in the Class of 2014.

3. Zach Barnhart, SS, Springfield HS, Class of 2014
Barnhart is an athletic 5-foot-9, 145-pound middle infielder who exhibited advanced defensive actions. His hands and feet work fluidly together, and showed a quick, clean exchange. Barnhart, who ran a 7.12 60, plays through the ball well and was clocked at 75 mph across the infield. Offensively, Barnhart showed some hand quickness.

4. Travis Auer, RHP/MIF, University HS, Class of 2014
Auer is a 5-foot-10, 155-pound two-way player who showed some arm strength on the mound. The right-hander comes from an over-the-top arm slot and is short on the backside; his fastball topped at 80 mph, sitting at 77-78 mph. Auer also throws a 65-67 mph slurve that had gradual action. Auer also ran a 7.2 60.

5. Tanner Rutledge, INF, Normal West HS, Class of 2014
Rutledge is a 5-foot-11, 160-pound infielder who ran a 7.33 60 and was clocked at 71 mph across the infield.

Other Class of 2014 Prospects

Christian Arjona, C, Normal Community HS, Class of 2014
Arjona is a 5-foot-10, 181-pound catcher who exhibited soft hands and solid footwork while receiving bullpens. Arjona’s pop times registered at 2.32, 2.33 and 2.36. Arjona has a stronger lower half, which he used to hit the ball with some authority.

Dillon Frieden, MIF, Monmouth-Roseville HS, Class of 2014
Frieden is a 5-foot-9, 145 middle infielder who demonstrated reliable hands and an accurate arm across the infield, clocking at 69 mph.

Adam Hoerner, 1B, Normal West HS, Class of 2014
Hoerner is a 6-foot-2, 160-pound left-handed hitter who showed some swing looseness at the plate.

Blake Parker, OF/1B, Normal West HS, Class of 2014
Parker has an athletic 6-foot-2, 167-pound frame. From the outfield, he was clocked at 69 mph and he ran a 7.73 60.

Austin Tabeling, RHP, Saint Thomas HS, Class of 2014
Tabeling is a 6-foot, 215-pound right-hander who topped out at 75 mph on the mound. Tabeling also threw a 56-57 curveball and a 67 mph changeup.