By Sean Duncan

Blake Hickman, a 6-foot-4, 180-pound junior catcher from Simeon HS, has verbally committed to the University of Iowa. Hickman is currently ranked No. 7 in the Class of 2012 and has drawn a lot of pro interest because of his athletic frame and plus arm behind the plate.

Hickman marks the third top 25 Class of 2012 prospect the Hawkeyes have landed in Illinois. Last week, Iowa landed a commitment from Mundelein LHP Ryan Borucki, who?s one of the most projectable arms in the class. Devin Pickett, an athletic 6-foot-2, 190-pound infielder from Marian Catholic HS, has also committed to Iowa.

Hickman has been earmarked as a top-level prospect since his freshman year. He possesses impressive arm strength behind the plate (84 mph from crouch at Super 60). As a sophomore, Hickman batted .406, and he?s a big reason why Simeon is ranked No. 9 in the state currently.

In other recruiting news:

Two Bulington Central standouts have picked their schools: RHP/3B Nick Hahn is heading to Illinois Wesleyan University, while RHP/INF Sam Klein has committed to North Central College.

Nick Lampen, a RHP/INF from Highland HS, has committed to Lincoln Land CC.

McHenry County College landed another prospect when it received a commitment from Joe Ross, a 6-foot-3 LHP from Jacobs HS.

Jim Miller, a RHP/C from Bremen HS, has committed to Prairie State.

Email Sean Duncan at [email protected] with all recruiting news.