Jesse
Courtney

Illinois State commit. Ranked No. 86 in the state of Illinois. Stands at a strong 6-foot-2, 200-pounds. Started on the mound for the Wildcats and retired the first nine batters of the game. In seven innings of work, Courtney struck out nine, walked two, allowed five hits, and three runs. Simple delivery, small leg lift into balance point, drop and drive lower half, toe is in-line at footstrike. Worked with quality pace. Long arm draw out of the glove, loose out of a ¾ slot. Fastball sat 85-87 mph, topping at 88 mph with some cutting action, spin rate was in the 2,300 RPM range. Spun a curveball at 72-75 mph with 11/5 shape, thrown for strikes, resulting in a lot of weak contact.

Illinois State commit, strong 6-foot-2, 200-pound frame. Came out of the ‘pen for Normal West and impressed with a heavy fastball; working 84-87 mph through the zone. Also showcased an 11/5 curveball at 70 mph, playing off his fastball effectively. Courtney also doubled in the contest to the opposite field gap; with a physical right-handed swing that works level through the zone.  

Illinois State commit; currently ranked No. 22 in the Illinois’ 2023 class. 6-foot-2, 200-pound, strong-bodied, two-way prospect. Started game one on the mound and took a no decision going five innings, scattering four hits, one earned run while striking out eight and walking one. Clean and easy arm with seemingly much more in the tank. Commanded the zone with the fastball, especially in the early goings; works mostly straight, creates angle at times, occasional cut to the glove side, sat 83-85 mph early on. Mixed in a 66-67 mph curveball with 11/5 shape that he looks to land for strikes. Was also one of the more impressive bats on the day. Hits in the middle of the lineup. Fast bat and present bat strength. Bat is loud at contact and ball jumps off the barrel. Power bat type of profile with pull-side tendencies. Finished game one 2-for-3 with an RBI double, single and scored a run. Impressive two-way talent in the 2023 class. 

6-foot-2, 200-pound, right-handed hitting multi-positional talent. Possesses one of the stronger arms in the class on the mound. Also, a physical right-handed hitter who has a chance to be a middle-of-the-order power threat at the next level.