Big 10 Recruiting Classes (East)
December 11, 2018
Indiana
Total Commits: 13
National Top 500: 3
Immediate Impact Player: Ethan Vecrumba
Class Sleeper: Reese Sharp
OVERVIEW:
First year head coach, Jeff Mercer, was able to keep a strong 2019 class, relatively, in tact as he took over the reigns of the Hoosier baseball program in June. A collection of high-upside prospects with a chance to make big jumps while on campus is seen throughout the class.
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Ethan Vecrumba OF / Edgewood, IN / 2019OF Ethan Vecrumba may ultimately play himself into the top rounds of the 2019 MLB Draft throughout the spring, but has the tools and athleticism to be a force in the Big 10. At 6-foot-4, 210-pounds, he is clearly advanced physically with defined strength throughout a thick frame. He combines his big power with elite speed (6.38 60-yard dash), to check all of the boxes as a prospect. There is a some rawness to Vercrumba’s all-around game, but he has a chance to be an immediate impact player on campus, and could eventually provide a marquee, middle-of-the-order bat for Coach Mercer. |
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Jack Walker LHP / New Palestine, IN / 2019LHP Jack Walker saw his velocity climb up as high as 92 mph this fall, and with a 6-foot-6, 210-pound frame that is still developing strength, that number may climb even higher in the spring and beyond. The long-limbed left-hander has some present strength throughout his frame, and exhibits the athleticism necessary to find a consistent, high ¾ release point that allows him to create a downward plane with his fastball. HIs curveball has some multi-tier break to it, and shows signs of developing into a future out pitch. As a potential, future weekend starter, Walker is a big piece of this class. Given his size, velocity, and the fact that he is a southpaw, Walker will likely get plenty of draft looks throughout the spring. |
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Blayne Deaton RHP / Tates Creek, KY / 2019RHP Blayne Deaton has seen a steady rise as prospect on the mound, and given his current trajectory, he may continue to blossom into one of the better arms in the Big 10 during his time on campus. Still growing into his long, 6-foot-5, 190-pound frame, Deaton will likely make significant jumps in Bloomington, and given his feel for both a fading changeup and sharper curveball, he has the potential to become an ace at some point. |
GUT FEEL:
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Jo Wilkinson RHP / Providence, IN / 2019Rankings StateRank: 8 / POS: 4
RHP Jo Wilkinson was a later add to the class, and has the potential to become a vital piece of the Hoosier pitching staff. A power-armed right-hander, Wilkinson has a shorter arm stroke that makes his 91 mph heater appear to jump on the plate even quicker. Athletic with lean strength throughout, his continued progress after coming back from injury will be important for the Hoosiers in returning to CWS-form. |
FINAL THOUGHTS:
Hanging onto an impact position player like Vecrumba is really important for this class as he has a chance to develop into a top 50 pick, and will make those around him better. The state of Indiana produces an impressive number of tall, hard-throwing pitchers, and RHP Reese Sharp emerge as another one of those in Bloomington. He has the physical build at 6-foot-3, 210-pounds of a workhorse starter, and his hard, sharp slider may ultimately elevate him as a prospect. Keep an eye on New Jersey-product RHP John Modugno as well. The 6-foot-6, 190-pounder has been up to 89 mph, and still has plenty of developing to do.
COMMITS:
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IN |
Munster |
2019 |
OF |
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WI |
Greendale |
2019 |
SS |
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IN |
Bloomington North |
2019 |
RHP |
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OH |
Kings |
2019 |
OF |
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IN |
Providence |
2019 |
RHP |
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OH |
Walsh Jesuit |
2019 |
3B |
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NJ |
Don Bosco Prep |
2019 |
RHP |
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IN |
Noblesville |
2019 |
RHP |
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FL |
Lake Brantley |
2019 |
OF |
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KY |
Tates Creek |
2019 |
RHP |
#433 |
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IN |
Edgewood |
2019 |
OF |
#85 |
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IN |
New Palestine |
2019 |
LHP |
#320 |
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CA |
Simi Valley |
2019 |
C |