Brian Kost, a physical 6-foot-5, 195-pound RHP from New Trier HS, has committed to the University of Illinois.  After having a relatively quiet junior season, Kost opened a lot of eyes at the Prep Baseball Report Top Prospect Showcase in June, where he displayed an 84-86 mph fastball with late life. He also showed command of a curveball and a developing changeup. ?

The second Class of 2012 prospect is officially off the board when Devin Pickett from Marian Catholic HS verbally committed to the University of Iowa. Pickett is an athletic 6-foot-1, 170-pound 3B/SS who has quick hands and impressive defensive actions. Pickett joins Oak Park-River Forest C Jack Picchiotti (Purdue) as the only junior commitments in the state thus far. ?

Adam Kunkel, an athletic infielder from Red Bud HS, has committed to John A. Logan JC. Kunkel is a strong addition to the Volunteers? already loaded class that includes Harrisburg 3B/OF Keelin Rasch and Teutopolis LHP Derek Thompson, who are both ranked in the top 12 in the senior class.

Former Crystal Lake South ace Ian Gardeck is making big waves at Angeline JC in Texas. The strong-bodied right-hander, who had previously attended Dayton, has opened a lot of eyes with a fastball that has climbed as high as 97 mph, according to Baseball America. Gardeck, who just committed to the University of Alabama,  is now being projected as a high-round draft pick. ?

Charlie Apfelbach, an OF from Glenbrook North HS, has committed to Denison University.

Please send all recruiting information to [email protected]