The Underclass Trials took place on Wednesday, June 5 at Symonds-Puckett field on the campus of Triton College. This annual event provided those who attended an opportunity to showcase their skills in front of the PBR Illinois staff. With over 65+ athletes in the 2021, 2022, and 2023 classes in attendance, the event itself was full of young talent.

Shortly after the events' conclusion, we published our statistical analysis and quick hits pieces from the showcase. This positional breakdown will highlight the pitchers at the event. The crop of pitchers were the highlight of the event, as a number of underclassmen emerged as follows in their respective classes.  

Toledo-Cumberland HS, located in Southeastern Illinois, featured two of the top right-handed arms of the event, Brennyn Cutts and Brayson Shew. Cutts has an advanced frame, clean quick arm and sat comfortably in the upper-80’s with feel for a three-pitch mix. Shew has a long, projectable frame and threw a spotless pen, commanding all three pitches while sitting 82-85 mph, touching 86.

2022 RHP Hunter Pudlo (Lakes) emerged as a high-follow in the state as he features one of the strongest arms we have seen to date. Pudlo, an extra-large, imposing 6-foot-4 220-pound right-handed pitcher sat 87-88 mph, touching 89 in his bullpen setting. The secondary stuff is still developing but the arm strength and physical frame is undeniable.

Make sure to keep an eye out for the top overall prospects from the day which will be rolled out in the coming days.

TOP PITCHING PROSPECTS

1. Brennyn Cutts, Toledo-Cumberland, 2021
Positional Profile: RHP. One of the top uncommitted 2021 arms in the state.
Body: 6-foot-3, 200-pounds. Strong, wide-shouldered, athletic build.
Delivery: Starts from the third base side of the rubber, rocker step wind up, slightly uptempo pace throughout and works with rhythm. Delivery works in line, lands square, athletic finish, repeatable with smooth rhythm and minimal effort.
Arm Action: RH. Loose and clean arm action, quick out front; high ¾ slot.
FB: T89, 88-89 mph. Plays straight, late jump through the hitting zone, thrown for strikes.
CB: 71-72 mph. 11/5 shape, thrown near fastball arm speed, depth and tight spin at times.
CH: 77-79 mph. Maintains arm speed, sink and fade action, swing-and-miss offering.

2. Hunter Pudlo, Lakes, 2022
Positional Profile: RHP/1B. Emerged as a high-follow 2022 prospect.
Body: 6-foot-4, 220-pounds. Extra-large, imposing, physical frame.
Delivery: Starts from the third base side of the rubber, side step initiates tall/fall delivery, works in line with his target, lands square, finishes towards first base side.
Arm Action: RH. Long, loose, quick arm action, out of a high ¾ slot.
FB: T89, 87-88 mph. Jumps out of the hand, late life.
CB: 74-78 mph. Thrown aggressively, tendency to miss up in the zone.
CH: 84-84 mph. Thrown with fastball arm speed, plays straight.

3. Brayson Shew, Toledo-Cumberland, 2021
Positional Profile: RHP
Body: 6-foot-4, 185-pounds. Long-limbed frame with plenty of room for continued physical development.
Delivery: Drop and drive delivery, works in line with his target, lands square, repeatable.
Arm Action: RH. Short, quick arm action. High 3/4 slot.
FB: T86, 82-85 mph. Clean out of the hands, spotted up at the bottom of the zone. Mostly straight action, slight arm-side-run at times.
CB: 68-71 mph. 12/6 shape, maintains arm speed, occasional depth and showed feel for the zone.
CH: 72-76 mph. Feel, fastball arm speed and slight fade action.

4. Tom Egan, Mount Carmel, 2021
Positional Profile: RHP/OF
Body: 6-foot-1, 175-pounds. Strong, well-proportioned build.
Delivery: Tall/Fall delivery, slight drop in backside, works in line with his target, lands closed, some effort present in delivery.
Arm Action: RH. Long, quick arm action, over-the-top slot.
FB: T87, 82-86 mph. Plays straight, late life at times, occasional downhill tilt, thrown for strikes.
CB: 67-67 mph. 12/6 shape, sharp spin, depth and thrown for strikes.
SL: 73-75 mph. Thrown aggressively, sharp, tight spin, 11/5 shape, late action, 73-75 mph.  
CH: 69-72 mph. Mostly straight action.

5. Logan Petersen, LeRoy, 2021
Positional Profile: RHP/1B
Body: 6-foot-4, 179-pounds. HIgh-waisted, long-limbed, highly-projectable frame.
Delivery: Tall and fall delivery, shoulders closed, creates deception, works across body and lands square.
Arm Action: RH. Long, loose arm action, works quick out front, high ¾ slot.
FB: T84, 80-83 mph. Velocity plays up, thrown for strikes, creates tilt and sink. .
CB: 67-72 mph. 11/5 shape, occasional late bite.
CH: 73-77 mph. Plays straight.

5. Ben Plumley, Lane Tech, 2021
Positional Profile: SS/RHP
Body: 6-foot, 170-pounds. Athletic build with present strength throughout frame.
Delivery: Drop and drive delivery, lands square, easy effort, smooth rhythm.
Arm Action: RH. Loose, live arm action works out of a high ¾ slot.
FB: T84, 81-83 mph. Plays straight, heavy at times, thrown for strikes.
CB: 72-74 mph. 11/5 shape, sharp, late-biting action.
CH: 74-76 mph.

Best of the Rest (Listed Alphabetically)

Jason Akers, Schaumburg, 2021
Positional Profile: OF/RHP
Body: 5-foot-6, 130-pounds.
Delivery: Works from the first base side of the rubber, tall and fall delivery, lands square.
Arm Action: RH. Short arm action, high ¾ slot.
FB: T76, 74-74 mph. Plays straight.
CB: 64-66 mph.
CH: 69-69 mph. Flashed sink and fade action.

Noah Baker, Marist, 2021
Positional Profile: RHP/1B
Body: 6-foot-4, 215-pounds. Strong, thick build.
Delivery: Tilt and topple delivery, works in line with his target, lands square and finishes upright. Clean delivery.
Arm Action: RH. High 3/4 slot, loose arm action.
FB: T80, 74-78 mph. Plays mostly straight, flashed glove side cut. Heavy.
CB: 58-63 mph. 10/4 shape, gradual action, near fastball arm speed.
CH: 71-72 mph.

Austin Bean, Kenosha Christian Life, 2021
Positional Profile: RHP/C
Body: 6-foot-3, 180-pounds. Wiry, athletic frame.
Delivery: Side rocker step, tall and fall delivery. Smooth rhythm, works in line, lands square, athletic finish.
Arm Action: RH. Long, loose, quick arm action, high ¾ slot.
FB: T82, 79-81 mph. Heavy action with sinking action.
CH: 71-74 mph. Maintains fastball arm speed, straight movement.
KN: 66-69 mph. Knuckle-curve, 11/5 shape, maintains arm speed.

Brett Berry, St. Patrick, 2021
Positional Profile: RHP/3B
Body: 5-foot-10, 175-pounds.
Delivery: Slight side step initiates delivery, works in line with his target, closed landing.
Arm Action: RH. Long arm action comes out of a high 3/4 slot.
FB: T80, 78-79 mph. Plays straight.
CB: 63-68 mph. 12/6 shape, thrown with fastball arm speed, thrown for strikes.

Peyton Burgh, Prospect, 2022
Positional Profile: SS/RHP
Body: 5-foot-10, 155-pounds.
Delivery: Tall and fall delivery, lands open.
Arm Action: RH. Long arm action, over-the-top slot.
FB: T73, 72-72 mph. Plays straight.
CB: 58-60 mph. 12/6 shape.
CH: 58-59 mph. Occasional sink.

Noah Campbell, East Peoria, 2021
Positional Profile: SS/2B
Body: 5-foot-10, 155-pounds. Athletic frame.
Delivery: Side rocker step, athletic tall and fall delivery, smooth rhythm, lands closed.
Arm Action: RH. Loose arm action, high 3/4 arm slot.
FB: T79, 74-78 mph. Run and sink, thrown for strikes.
CB: 60-62 mph. 11/5 shape.
KN: 63-65 mph. Thrown for strikes.

Noah Chase, Illinois Valley Central, 2022
Positional Profile: SS/RHP
Body: 5-foot-11, 170-pounds.
Delivery: Starts on first base side of the rubber, side step initiates delivery, closed landing, some rhythm present.
Arm Action: RH. Long arm action, high 3/4 slot.
FB: T77, 76-76 mph. Flashed sink.
CB: 61-63 mph. 11/5 shape.
CH: 67-69 mph. Plays straight.

Coby Crafton, Lutheran School Association, 2021
Positional Profile: C/RHP
Body: 6-foot-4, 208-pounds. Long, athletic frame.
Delivery: Tall and fall delivery, stays in line, lands square.
Arm Action: RH. High 3/4 arm slot, short arm action.
FB: T80, 75-79 mph. Sinking, two seam fastball, thrown for strikes.
CB: 68-70 mph. 11/5 shape, thrown for strikes.
SL: 69-71 mph. 10/4 shape, tight spin at times.

Jase Daley, Chatham-Glenwood, 2022
Positional Profile: RHP/1B
Body: 6-foot-3, 195-pounds. Athletic build.
Delivery: Starts in the middle of the rubber, works in line with his target, lands slightly closed, athletic finish.
Arm Action: RH. Long arm action, high 3/4 slot.
FB: T79, 77-78 mph. Occasional late cutting action.
CB: 61-64 mph. 11/5 shape.
SL: 64-67 mph. 10/4 shape, tight spin at times.

Drew Dykstra, Fulton, 2022
Positional Profile: OF/LHP
Body: 5-foot-11, 145-pounds. Lanky, athletic build.
Delivery: Side rocker step, high leg-lift at balance point, lands square, smooth rhythm, tall and fall delivery.
Arm Action: LH. Long arm action, high 3/4 slot.
FB: T74, 71-74 mph. Occasional sinking action.
CB: 61-64 mph. 1/7 shape.
CH: 66-69 mph. Mostly straight action, occasional sink.

Gabe Flynn, Stevenson, 2022
Positional Profile: OF/RHP
Body: 5-foot-10, 150-pounds. Lanky, lean frame.
Delivery: Tall and fall delivery, works in line, lands square.
Arm Action: RH. Short draw, over-the-top slot, loose out front.
FB: T73, 69-72 mph. Straight movement.
CB: 63-66 mph. 10/4 shape, gradual action.
CH: 67-70 mph. Flashed cut.

Evan Jones, Normal University, 2022
Positional Profile: RHP/SS
Body: 6-foot-1, 160-pounds. Athletic build.
Delivery: Tall and fall delivery, lands slightly closed.
Arm Action: RH. Loose arm action, high 3/4 slot.
FB: T77, 75-76 mph. Plays straight.
CB: 60-65 mph. 11/5 shape.
CH: 72-74 mph. Maintains arm speed, occasional sink, thrown down in the zone.

Evan Kochel, Normal University, 2022
Positional Profile: 3B/RHP
Body: 6-foot-1, 230-pounds. Strong overall frame, defined lower half.
Delivery: Side step initiates delivery, works in line with his target, some rhythm throughout.
Arm Action: RH. Short, loose arm action, high 3/4 slot.
FB: T81, 79-80 mph. Slight run.
CB: 65-68 mph. 10/4 shape.
CH: 74-78 mph. Thrown near fastball arm speed, flashed arm side run, thrown for strikes.

Ryan Kudia, Lyons Township, 2021
Positional Profile: OF/LHP
Body: 5-foot-10, 155-pounds.
Delivery: Tall and fall delivery, lands closed.
Arm Action: LH. Long, firm arm action, high 3/4 slot.
FB: T77, 75-76 mph. Arm side run action.
CB: 62-63 mph. 1/7 shape, thrown for strikes.
CH: 69-70 mph. Near fastball arm speed, sink and fade movement, feel.

Charles Lee, Stevenson, 2022
Positional Profile: RHP/1B
Body: 5-foot-10, 150-pounds.
Delivery: Level shoulders, works in line with his target, lands square, works with rhythm.
Arm Action: RH. 3/4 arm slot, long and firm arm action.
FB: T71, 69-70 mph. Slight arm-side-run, thrown for strikes.
CB: 61-63 mph. 10/4 shape.
CH: 64-66 mph. Near fastball arm speed, plays mostly, straight, flashed cut movement.

Frank Lynch, Notre Dame, 2021
Positional Profile: LHP/1B
Body: 6-foot-3, 185-pounds. Strong, well-proportioned build.  
Delivery: Tall and fall delivery, lands slightly open, fluid delivery.
Arm Action: LH. Long, easy arm action, high 3/4 slot.
FB: T76, 73-76 mph. Thrown for strikes with advanced downhill tilt.
CB: 65-67 mph. 1/7 shape.
CH: 69-72 mph.

Evan May, Yorkville, 2021
Positional Profile: SS/RHP
Body: 5-foot-10, 135-pounds. Wiry frame with plenty of room for added strength.
Delivery: Smooth, tall and fall delivery, lands square, simple and balanced delivery.
Arm Action: RH. Short, quick, loose arm action, ¾ slot.
FB: T78, 75-77 mph. Arm-side-run, thrown for strikes.
CB: 62-65 mph. 11/5 shape, feel.
CH: 66-69 mph. Maintains arm speed, fade movement, thrown for strikes.

Dominic McKevitt, Saint Viator, 2022
Positional Profile: RHP/3B
Body: 6-foot-1, 160-pounds. Lean, athletic frame.
Delivery: Deliberate side step delivery, tall and fall, high front side and lands square.
Arm Action: RH. Loose arm action, high 3/4 slot.
FB: T78, 75-77 mph. Flashed run and sink.
CB: 58-62 mph. 11/5 shape.
CH: 69-72 mph. Maintains arm speed, sinking action.

Chris Rooney, Mundelein, 2021
Positional Profile: OF/RHP
Body: 6-foot, 160-pounds. Lanky, athletic frame.
Delivery: Tall and fall delivery, works in line with his target, lands square, athletic finish and easy effort.
Arm Action: RH. Short and loose arm action, high 3/4 slot.
FB: T79, 71-75 mph. Slight running action.
CB: 62-64 mph. 11/5 shape, depth.
CH: 65-68 mph. Plays mostly straight with occasional cut.

Tommy Sotiropoulos, Munster, 2021
Positional Profile: LHP/1B
Body: 5-foot-10, 145-pounds.
Delivery: Smooth drop and drive delivery, regular effort throughout.
Arm Action: LH. Long arm action, high 3/4 slot.
FB: T72, 69-71 mph.
CB: 54-57 mph. 1/7 shape, sweeping action.
SL: 55-58 mph. Sweeping shape.

Aidan Trusky, Antioch, 2021
Positional Profile: 3B/RHP
Body: 6-foot, 155-pounds. Lanky frame.
Delivery: Stretch only, tall and fall delivery, lands open, smooth rhythm.
Arm Action: RH. Long arm action, over-the-top slot.
FB: T74, 73-73 mph. Plays straight.
CB: 55-57 mph. 12/6 shape.
CH: 68-70 mph. Near fastball arm speed, mostly straight, flashed fade.

Mason Weckler, Belvidere North, 2022
Positional Profile: RHP/3B
Body: 5-foot-11, 170-pounds.
Delivery: Starts in the middle of the rubber, drop/drive delivery, works on-line.
Arm Action: RH. Long loose arm action, high 3/4 slot.
FB: T79, 76-78 mph. Cut action at times.
CB: 68-72 mph. 10/4 shape, slight wrinkle.
CH: 72-79 mph. Plays straight.

Robert Woods, Moline, 2021
Positional Profile: CF/LHP
Body: 5-foot-8, 132-pounds. Lanky frame
Delivery:  Smooth, tall and fall delivery, lands square.
Arm Action: LH. Loose arm action from a high ¾ to ¾ slot.
FB: T74, 70-73 mph. Fastball shows sink, creates angle and thrown for strikes.
SL: 61-63 mph. 1/7 shape, sweeping action.
CH: 65-68 mph. Works mostly straight, occasional cut.

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