Edward
Howard IV

Oklahoma commit. Currently the top ranked prospect in the IL 2020 class and one of the top prospects in the country. 6-foot-2, 185-pound right-handed hitting infielder, uber athletic frame, chiseled and loose; continues to add efficient strength. Plays the game at a very high level; Knack to slow it down and looks smooth on all sides of the ball, dynamic actions. Hit leadoff and played short in the Regional Semifinal game against Kenwood, four quality at-bats with an offensive line: 2-for-3, HR, 2B, 4R, 2RBI, BB. Athletic stance, minimal movement pre-pitch, smooth load and short stride, maintains balance through contact. Quick twitch swing, direct path with rhythm through contact, gets easy extension through the ball, generates quick bat speed. Impressive showing on the HR, inside pitch, kept his hands in and drove it just inside the left field foul pole. Hit his double past the shortstop, 4.49 on the turn. Repeatedly puts barrel to baseball. Easy and natural actions on defense, ranges with ease, floats to and through the baseball, stays low, efficient footwork through the ball. Comfortable around the bag, soft and confident hands, quick and clean to release, short, multi-slot arm action, ball carries across. Personally, the best prospect I have seen to date. A must watch come draft time next year.

Oklahoma commit, currently ranked No. 1 in the Illinois’ 2020 class. 6-foot-2, 175-pound, right-handed hitting infielder; highly-athletic, wiry frame and continues to add quality strength. Is one of top prospects and shortstops in the country. Stands out on defense. Plays the game with ease and confidence. Soft, receptive hands, natural and athletic on the move. Quick, clean release, plus arm across the infield, plays true, accurate and has finish. Made multiple difficult plays look routine throughout the evening. Continues to impress every time we see him. Offensively, finished 0-for-2 with a run scored.

Oklahoma commit, currently ranked No. 1 in the Illinois’ 2020 class and No. 32 overall. 6-foot-2, 175-pound, athletically-built, wiry-strong, projectable, right-handed hitting shortstop. Highly-advanced defender that has all the tools to excel at shortstop. Makes everything he does look easy. Confident, smooth actions, advanced body control on the move, can make all the throws needed. Arm works loose, accurate and easy carry across the infield. Continues to make big strides with the bat. Quick-twitch and bat speed is evident. Starting to drive the baseball with authority. Hands work on top of the baseball, stays flat through the zone, creates backspin. Becoming more of a gap-to-gap hitter and flashed pull-power. Had a big final day of the event. Roped two singles in the morning game, one to left field and one right back up the middle, 4.62 on the turn. In the Championship game, doubled to right center field and was robbed of a double later in the game on a full-extension grab by the right fielder. In his final at-bat, flew out to the warning track in left field, just missed what would have been a game-tying, three-run home run. Just scratching the surface of what he could ultimately become as a hitter.

Oklahoma commit. 6-foot-1, 175-pound shortstop, lanky frame, long levers, slender build, projects. Rangy athlete, plus feet defensively, showed in range at shortstop, occasionally plays tall and will look to transfer before securing the baseball. Arm plays plus for age across the diamond, easy carry, quick efficient release, short over the top and accurate. True shortstop profile. Right-handed hitter, loose levers, path stays on top of the baseball, will create backspinning contact. Showed he can spray hard contact to all fields, added strength will make him a tru gap to gap hitter. Went 2-for-4, F8, 1B, L7, 1B.

5-foot-11, 156-pound, projectable, lean, athletic build, right-handed hitting, infielder. Continues to solidify himself as one of the top 2020’s in Illinois. Highly-advanced and projectable defensive middle infielder. Plays with extreme confidence, poise and never seems to be in a hurry. Athletic actions, soft, receptive hands, fluid footwork, ranges well to both sides, maintains body control on the move. Plays through the baseball, clean transfer, short, quick arm action, flicks it across the diamond, throws are accurate and carry, clocked at 78 mph. Offensively, balanced setup, short stride, good balance, fluid rhythm and overall simple approach. Quick twitch, creates bat speed, controls the barrel, uses the middle of the field and line-drive approach. 89 mph exit velocity off a tee. Ran a 4.68 home-to-first in game. High-follow 2020 prospect.

4.24.17 - 5-foot-10, 160-pound, wiry right-handed hitting infielder with plenty of room for continued physical development. Freshman, started at second base for perennial power Mount Carmel. Defensively, has advanced actions for his age; confident, smooth defender, sure hands, clean transfer. Athletic, loose arm action, accurate, carries some. Chance to be an elite defender at the next level. Has gotten a start or two at shortstop this season. Offensively, balanced, athletic, even setup. Simple approach, minimal pre-pitch movement. Currently lacks strength but stays short to the ball and has feel for barrel. High-follow 2020 prospect.