By Sean Duncan
Executive Director

Purdue University landed a major coup when it received verbal commitments from two of Illinois’ top Class of 2015 prospects, RHP Joe Uvelli and RHP/C/OF Nick Dalesandro.

Uvelli, a physical 6-foot-3, 185-pounder from Elmwood Park HS, is ranked No. 2 in Illinois’ 2015 class; Dalesandro, an athletic do-it-all talent from Joliet Catholic Academy HS, is ranked No. 3 in the state.  The only question surrounding Dalesandro is what position he will ultimately end up at, as the 6-foot-1 athlete can be a standout on the mound, behind the plate, or in the outfield. Wherever he plays, his arm strength will always factor. Dalesandro made a big impact on varsity as a freshman for JCA, which spent a good chunk of the season perched at No. 1 in the state.

Uvelli is a wide-shouldered right-hander who impressed at the Black and Silver in September with a fastball that touched 89 mph, sitting at 86-88. He also flashed a tight 73-75 mph slider.

Uvelli and Dalesandro’s verbal commitments continue an alarmingly accelerated trend in Illinois. Last week, Tyler Halas, a Class of 2015 INF/RHP from St. Rita HS, verbally committed to Tennessee.

In all, five sophomores in Illinois have verbally committed. Top-ranked Charlie Donovan, a left-handed hitting SS from Westmont HS, was the first when he verballed to Michigan. Brandon Krennrich, a C from Johnsburg HS, has committed to Kentucky.