This week at PBR Illinois we updated and expanded the Class of 2020 rankings, took a look at a few unsigned seniors and recapped the verbal commitments that took place over the week. Jaylen Patterson, one of the unsigned seniors that we spotlighted early in the week, has committed to Carl Albert State JC in Oklahoma. 

Below is a look at all of the Illinois news from December 4th - December 10th:

ILLINOIS CLASS OF 2020 RANKINGS UPDATED

By Drew Locascio
Illinois Scouting Director

Over the past few weeks we have updated the Illinois rankings, starting with the 2018 class. Today we unveil the updated and expanded class of 2020 rankings. The No. 1 in the class stays the same and the only changes in the top 10 come from two infielders who had impressive falls.

RHP/SS Jack Mahoney (St. Viator), a South Carolina commit, remains the top player in Illinois. The two-way standout has been at the top of the class ever since his scintillating performance at the Future Games. Mahoney attended the event as a shortstop but had all the coaches in attendance buzzing over his one-inning stint on the mound. Mahoney pounded the strike zone with a fastball that sat 86-88 mph, touching 89 and flashed a 75 mph slider that is a true out pitch.

View the full story here >> 

INSIDE THE RANKINGS: 2020 RISERS AND NEWCOMERS

By Illinois Scouting Staff

The Illinois 2020 rankings were updated and expanded yesterday and the overall rankings will be released soon. Today we take an inside look at some of the notable risers and newcomers to the updated list.

In yesterday’s updated rankings story we touched on two of the top risers in the rankings, both of whom now sit in the top five, INF Christian Knapczyk (Joliet Catholic) and INF/RHP Alec Gonzalez(Mount Carmel).

The next prospect to take a big step forward this fall was Tre Hondras (Homewood-Flossmoor), who climbed almost 10 spots. Hondras, who started on varsity as a freshman, took his game to a new level this fall. The determined, 6-foot, 180-pounder showed improved foot speed, running a 6.80 60 at the Underclass Showcase and can play almost any position on the diamond. The right-handed hitter has confidence in the box, works both gaps and projects as a middle of the order type of bat.

View the full story here >>

ILLINOIS RECRUITING ROUNDUP

Matt Huck
Midwest Area Scout/JUCO Wire Editor

Every Friday National Scouting Supervisor Nathan Rode provides a roundup of insider recruiting information and commitments throughout the PBR coverage area: The Buzz. Click Here to take a look at this week’s National Buzz. With that in mind, let’s take an in depth look at the Illinois prospects who have committed to colleges, with detailed scouting information.

Luke Seidel, OF, Fremd, 2018
Triton JC
10.8.17 - 5-foot-10, 160-pound, lean, athletic, multi-positional prospect. Ran an event-best 6.56 laser-timed 60. At the plate, right-handed hitter, open tall setup, toe-tap stride, utilizes lower half and maintains balance through contact. Fluid rhythm, flashes loose, athletic hands, creates bat speed and gap-to-gap approach; 84 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively, profiles best in the outfield. Quick feet, plays through the baseball, clean transfer, short arm action from an over-the-top slot, effort in throws at times, clocked at 83 mph. On the infield, reliable hands and throws clocked at 76 mph.

Read about the rest of the commitments from around the state >>

MORE HEADLINES...

News and Notes From Around the Country
John A. Logan (IL) uncommitted spotlight, Houston Champions Classic, and more

2019 Right-Handed Pitchers
Uncommitted arms to follow in the 2019 class

2018 Multi-Sport Athletes
These prospects excel in sports other than baseball

The College Calendar: Part I - Summer & Fall
Players and families should understand the college calendar for development on the field and off. With an understanding, the development program at schools and with coaches can be defined leading to finding that perfect fit.

Chris Burke Tip of the Week
Chris Burke focuses on one of the several different loading triggers being used in today's game, the leg kick..

College Prospect Mailbag
David Seifert takes questions from readers on college prospects