By Sean Duncan

News and notes around Illinois:

LHP Ryan Borucki, who’s the No. 1-ranked Class of 2012 prospect in Illinois, signed with the Toronto Blue Jays on Tuesday night. The 6-foot-4, 180-pound Borucki, who was selected in the 15^th round, will report to rookie ball on Monday. His signing is a big blow to the University of Iowa’s recruiting class.

Borucki has enjoyed – and at times endured – a whirlwind two years. He experienced a big growth spurt, followed by a significant velocity spike. When Borucki first participated in the Prep Baseball Report Fall Prospect Program as a sophomore, he was 5-foot-9 with a fastball in the 70s. At the Super 60 Pro Showcase last February, Borucki stole the show with his loose 91-93 mph fastball, coupled with a sharp breaking ball and changeup.

This spring, however, Borucki suffered an elbow injury, which at first was thought to require Tommy John surgery. Borucki held off from having surgery, and toward the back end of the season he began throwing, still showing the impressive 90-plus velocity – enough to keep several teams interested despite the injury.

♦ Three more Class of 2013 prospects are off the board: Simeon INF Robert Fletcher, Simeon C/RHP Elbert Dunnigan and LHP Marcellus Sneed have all committed to Alcorn State. Last year, SS Chris Stevens and Shaquille Cockrell, both from Walther Lutheran HS, signed with Alcorn State.

♦ The top unsigned bat is off the board when Burlington Central catcher Tanner Scott committed to John A. Logan JC. Scott earned PBR third-team All-State honors this spring. As one of the state's most decorated hitters, Scott delivered another statistically phenomenal season. The senior blasted 13 homers, 12 doubles and tallied 48 RBI while batting .433. He walked 28 times and slugged at an .875 clip. He finished with 40 career home runs.

Send all recruiting information to Sean Duncan at [email protected]