On Nov. 12th, thousands of high school baseball players across the country signed to lock in their commitments to their respective schools, with hundreds of these signings hailing from Illinois.

Over the next few weeks, we will spend some time highlighting the names from Illinois that signed to play baseball at the Division I level. We’ll do so by breaking these names up by conference, continuing today with the BIG 12.

ARIZONA

The Wildcats added a premier talent in SS/RHP Jory Crocker (Willowbrook), who possesses one of the highest ceilings in the state. Currently ranked No. 9 in the state and No. 258 nationally, the 6-foot-1, 178-pound right-hander is a toolsy athlete that will continue to trend positively as he matures into his long-levered frame. At the plate, Crocker possesses an easy swing with the ability to lift the ball to all fields, topping out at a 101 mph max EV in-event. Defensively, he features clean actions with a strong arm across the diamond at 89 mph. He also provides intrigue on the mound with a clean arm and upper-80s fastball, showing a ton of ceiling there as well.

From 3/6/25: “INF Jory Crocker (Willowbrook, 2026; Arizona commit) has one of the higher ceilings in the state, and he has made some notable strides since our last look in the summer. Also an extremely high-level arm, Crocker only worked out as a position player over the weekend and was still highly impressive. The right-handed hitter has a relaxed and easy swing that stays balanced with the ability to lift up the middle of the field with ease, reaching up to 101 mph for his peak EV while averaging 90 mph - also launching his furthest ball 368’. He showed well on the infield with soft hands and natural actions, utilizing his levers well and showing easy range. His arm is plenty strong, topping out at 89 mph across. 6.83 runner in the 60.”

CINCINNATI

The state of Illinois continued to be a hot bed for the Bearcats, as they brought in a pair of high-level prospects in RHP Jack Slightom (Lyons Township) and SS Gavin Michaels (Normal Community). 

Slightom, the No. 4 ranked player in the state and No. 159 ranked player nationally, has been an arm that has consistently trended upward with each look in front of our staff. The right-hander displays a well-proportioned 6-foot-3, 194-pound frame with some strength throughout and additional room to fill in. Slightom possesses a firm high-80s to low-90s fastball that’s been up to 92 mph in-event. He also features a mid-70s curveball with sharp action, a low-80s changeup with gradual dive, and a mid-80s cutter with a 2,300 rpm+ plus spin rate.

From 4/21/25: “Uncommitted, currently ranked No. 9 in the state. 6-foot-3, 193-pound frame, some present strength in the lower-half, still has plenty of room to add strength, young look. Started on the mound and flashed four pitches, high upside with a starter profile. Hands work in sync with his leg-lift, high balance point, drop/drive lower-half, explosive down the mound, works in-line. Clean arm circle with a high ¾ release. Fastball played around 88-90 mph, touching 91 mph in the first inning, maintained velocity in the stretch still grabbing a 91, was more 87-90 in the second inning, collected swing/miss up in the zone and reached back for velocity when he needed to. Slider showed sharp action and 10/4 shape, 78-80 mph, flashed depth. Changeup is similar out of the hand to the FB, 79-83 mph, plays with gradual dive to the arm-side. Cutter flashed a short wrinkle, 85 mph, could be a quality fourth offering to play off the FB/SL. High-ceiling arm with his best days still ahead."

Michaels, a wiry, long-levered 5-foot-11, 167-pound athlete with more room to add strength, has steadily been one of the top defensive middle infielders in the state. Currently ranked as the No. 11 player in the state and No. 270 nationally, the former member of Team Illinois at the Future Games has shown quality tools on both sides of the ball.  At the plate, Michaels has shown above average bat-to-ball skills and feel for the barrel with a max EV of 102 mph and an average EV of 95.7 mph in-event. Defensively, Michaels has regularly showcased steady range up the middle with an accurate and strong arm across the diamond at 90 mph in-event. He’s also a weapon on the basepaths with aggressive instincts, always looking to take an extra 90 feet. 

From 6/7/25: “Cincinnati commit, currently ranked No. 11 in Illinois’ junior class. 5-foot-11, 167-pound frame, wiry, long levers with plenty more room for strength to come. Batted leadoff and played second base. Finished the week 3-for-7 with two runs scored. Right-handed hitter at the plate, showed a simple and direct swing, ball jumped off the barrel. Athlete, translates to the basepaths, recorded a 4.18 on a turn. Confident glove up the middle, easy range, clean actions and an accurate arm. High-level prospect that seemingly has plenty of untapped potential still to come. To add, on Monday June 9th, barreled a ball off the centerfield wall for a triple.”

TEXAS CHRISTIAN

Fort Worth will be getting a bulldog on the mound in RHP Anthony Eberlin (Edwardsville). The future Horned Frog has been a regular performer in a strong Edwardsville rotation since he was a freshman. Currently ranked No. 49 in the state, the right-hander possesses an athletic 6-foot, 175-pound frame with plenty of room to add on strength. Eberlin lives in the zone with his lively fastball that sits in the upper-80s and touches 90 mph. He also pairs that with a sharp two-plane slider in the upper-70s, and a fading changeup in the upper-70s with a 14.8” HM max.

From 5/23/25: “TCU commit. Currently ranked No. 30 in the state. Possesses a 6-foot, 175 pound frame with broad shoulders and room for added strength. Pitched four innings in relief for Edwardsville and ended up getting the win in Edwardsville’s 4-3 victory over Triad. Eberlin filled up the zone with a lively fastball that lived in the upper 80s, as well as a CB with sharp two-plane break. Features an easy, methodical delivery and does a great job staying balanced through the pitch. Finished the day with four innings pitcher, two walks, two hits, and a strikeout.”

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