Prep Baseball Report

Several ranked prospects name their schools



By Sean Duncan
Executive Director

Another top-level Class of 2015 prospect is off the board. Trent Johnson, a hard-throwing RHP from Metamora HS, has verbally committed to the University of Arizona.

The 6-foot-3, 230-pound Johnson is one of the premier power arms in the Midwest. He is the No. 2-ranked prospect in Illinois’ 2015 class, and ranked No. 15 overall. In September, Johnson came off from an injury to show an 87-89 mph fastball, topping at 90 in a short stint.

Johnson’s commitment continues the accelerated recruiting trend in Illinois. Already, six players in Illinois’ 2015 class have verbally committed.

In other recruiting news …

Jeremiah Figueroa, an OF/RHP from Clemente HS, has committed to the University Arkansas-Pine Bluff. Figueroa, who’s ranked No. 38 in Illinois’ 2013 class and 175 overall, recently put on a show at the PBR Unsigned Senior Showcase. All Figueroa did was top at 96 mph from the outfield, run a 7.03 60, and showcase an 86-89 mph fastball.

Derek Bangert, a 6-foot-3, 225-pound C/3B from Lockport HS, has committed to Heartland CC. Bangert, who’s ranked No. 31 in Illinois’ 2013 class, had originally committed to South Alabama before re-opening his recruitment. Bangert earned third-team PBR All-State honors as a junior.

Gunnar Kay, a 6-foot-2 RHP from St. Viator HS, has committed to Dallas Baptist University. Kay, who is ranked No. 73 in Illinois’ 2013 class, went 7-1 with a 1.70 ERA as a junior. Gunnar is the third Kay brother to play Division 1 baseball, joining Brett (Illinois State) and Cory (University of Houston).

For a complete list of Illinois’ 2013 commitments, Click Here

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