On Sunday, February 9th, the Prep Baseball Illinois staff hosted the O'Hare Preseason ID at Bo Jackson's Elite Sports in Bensenville, IL. This event is perennially one of our largest and most talented events on our winter calender, and this year was no different with 160 players in attendance. 

Today, we are starting our post-event rollout with a look at every single catcher from the day, with a breakdown of the top standouts, too. 

Some names we want to shine a light on before we get into it are Michael Thompson (Loyola, 2027), Tyler Phillips (St. Charles East, 2027), Jeremy Munoz (Fenwick, 2027) and Kenan Torlo (Maine South, 2028).

Thompson, a 6-foot-2, 196-pound sophomore, impressed with the bat on the day and also looks to have more strength to come in the near future. 

Phillips, a 6-foot, 160-pound right-handed hitter, looks to be a premium athlete with a 6.97 in the 60 - and he also impressed with a 95 mph peak EV. 

Munoz is a physical left-handed bat to know from the day, working on the barrel throughout his round with loud contact, also reaching up to 94 mph for his EV. 

Lastly, Torlo is a promising freshman to follow from the day, displaying an upside swing and clean actions behind the plate.

Top Catching Prospects 

1. Hunter Lockefeer, St. Viator (IL), 2028
Positional Profile: C/OF
Body: 5-9, 150 pounds. Athletic frame with room to fill in the future.
Hit: LHH. Wider setup, loads onto back leg with quiet hands.  Smooth, compact, shorter path to the ball.  68.9 mph bat speed with 11g of rotational acceleration.
Power: 93 mph max exit velocity (84 avg.); 362-foot max batted distance.
Arm: RH. C - 70 mph. OF - 82 mph. INF: Clean, quick arm action, 3/4 slot. C: Short compact arm action, high 3/4 slot.
Defense: 2.22-2.44 pop time range; INF: Athletic, quick mover, clean footwork, moves well to both sides. C: Athletic, quick out of crouch, clean release.
Athletic Testing: 7.30 runner in the 60-yard dash; 23.70-inch max vertical jump.
Vizual Edge:  Edge Score.

2. Jack McDaniel, Hinsdale South (IL), 2027
Positional Profile: C/3B
Body: 6-0, 173 pounds. Well-proportioned build.
Hit: LHH. Balanced, quiet setup, fluid pre-pitch load, quiet hands. Balanced, loose easy hands, stays on-plane, natural lift and gap to gap approach, flashed pull side power. 67.6 mph bat speed with 11g of rotational acceleration.
Power: 94 mph max exit velocity (87.8 avg.); 370-foot max batted distance.
Arm: RH. C - 71 mph. INF - 73 mph. INF: Fluid, easy arm with the ability to throw from multiple platforms. C: Clean, short arm action, over-the-top slot.
Defense: 2.12-2.19 pop time range; INF: Plays low to the ground, quality glove presentation, soft hands, smooth gather, clean transfer. C: One-knee setup, quiet receiver, works to present pitches in and around the zone. Clean and directional out of the crouch, smooth glove-to-hand release.
Athletic Testing: 7.60 runner in the 60-yard dash; 18.90-inch max vertical jump.
Vizual Edge: 79.83 Edge Score.

3. Jaythan Collazo, Oak Park-River Forest (IL), 2028
Positional Profile: C/OF
Body: 5-7, 170 pounds. Defined strength throughout.
Hit: RHH. Stock setup, quiet and minimal weight shift during load.  Simple, repeatable swing and worked on the barrel and back up the middle throughout his round. 68.5 mph bat speed with 14g of rotational acceleration.
Power: 89 mph max exit velocity (80.9 avg.); 309-foot max batted distance.
Arm: RH. C - 72 mph. Over the top slot, quick and clean arm action.
Defense: 2.16-2.29 pop time range; Quiet behind the plate, glove works up to receive, quick footwork, clean release.
Athletic Testing: 7.51 runner in the 60-yard dash; 19.70-inch max vertical jump.
Vizual Edge: 52.86 Edge Score.

4. Ryan Cisneroz, Notre Dame College Prep (IL), 2026
Positional Profile: C/OF
Body: 5-11, 190 pounds.
Hit: RHH. Quiet, athletic setup with relaxed tempo, toe tap trigger into swing. Simple, easy strength, looks to lift pull-side. 71.4 mph bat speed with 7g of rotational acceleration.
Power: 97 mph max exit velocity (86.9 avg.); 341-foot max batted distance.
Arm: RH. C - 77 mph. Loose and quick out of an over the top slot. Throws on a line.
Defense: 1.99-2.24 pop time range; One-knee setup, glove works up to receive the pitch, strong wrists.
Athletic Testing: 7.37 runner in the 60-yard dash
Vizual Edge: 74.5 Edge Score.

5. Jack Romsey, Downers Grove North (IL), 2026
Positional Profile: C/3B
Body: 6-0, 167 pounds.
Hit: RHH. Wide base setup with loose hands. Athletic, handsy swing, balanced finish, works flat through the zone. 65 mph bat speed with 6g of rotational acceleration.
Power: 93 mph max exit velocity (70.4 avg.); 335-foot max batted distance.
Arm: RH. C - 73 mph. Loose arm out of overhand slot, kept the ball low.
Defense: 2.08-2.20 pop time range; Quiet setup with little wasted movement. Moves with ease, clean and consistent transfers.
Athletic Testing: 7.50 runner in the 60-yard dash; 20.80-inch max vertical jump.
Vizual Edge: 74.83 Edge Score.

6. Emmit Collins, Marmion Academy (IL), 2026
Positional Profile: C/3B
Body: 5-9, 190.5 pounds.
Hit: LHH. Tall, open setup, controlled aggression. Compact, stronger hands with lift to the pull-side, works hard on the barrel with line-drives pull-side. 71.8 mph bat speed with 12g of rotational acceleration.
Power: 100 mph max exit velocity (87.8 avg.); 345-foot max batted distance.
Arm: RH. C - 74 mph. Quick arm out of a high 3/4 slot.
Defense: 2.05-2.25 pop time range; One knee setup with a wide base, quality feel for blocking, glove works up to receive the ball.
Athletic Testing: 7.47 runner in the 60-yard dash; 21.00-inch max vertical jump.
Vizual Edge: 51.74 Edge Score.

7. Luka Stojakovic, Maine South (IL), 2026
Positional Profile: C/OF
Body: 5-10, 188.7 pounds.
Hit: RHH. Relaxed setup, toe tap trigger, fluid and easy throughout. Strength and simple from launch, easy strength, balanced finish, intent to lift pull-side.  69.3 mph bat speed with 8g of rotational acceleration.
Power: 95 mph max exit velocity (85.8 avg.); 348-foot max batted distance.
Arm: RH. C - 74 mph. Quick arm action, over the top slot, kept the ball on a line.
Defense: 1.98-2.12 pop time range; Calm presence behind the plate, strong wrists, willing blocker, agile mover.
Athletic Testing: 7.05 runner in the 60-yard dash
Vizual Edge: 73.27 Edge Score.

8. Charlie Martin, York (IL), 2026
Positional Profile: C/OF
Body: 5-9, 171 pounds.
Hit: RHH. Quiet, upright setup, slow leg lift into stride. Simple, short, quick bat, flat path, works on top of the baseball, strong top hand, creates some whip at times. 65.9 mph bat speed with 13g of rotational acceleration.
Power: 92 mph max exit velocity (85.2 avg.); 347-foot max batted distance.
Arm: RH. C - 73 mph. Longer wind up out of a 3/4 slot. Quick release.
Defense: 1.96-2.10 pop time range; Deliberate movements, mature feel for receiving, quiet blocker.
Athletic Testing: 7.51 runner in the 60-yard dash; 20.40-inch max vertical jump.
Vizual Edge: 79.84 Edge Score.

9. Ryan Pall, Naperville Central (IL), 2027
Positional Profile: C/1B
Body: 6-1, 185 pounds.
Hit: RHH. Slightly open, high hands, bat wiggle, quick leg kick/load. Flatter bat path, controlled aggression, works gap to gap, balanced throughout. 72.5 mph bat speed with 16g of rotational acceleration.
Power: 98 mph max exit velocity (86.8 avg.); 322-foot max batted distance.
Arm: RH. C - 72 mph. INF - 76 mph. High 3/4 release
Defense: 2.18-2.41 pop time range; Two handed gather, simple movements, clean transfer.
Athletic Testing: 7.36 runner in the 60-yard dash; 18.20-inch max vertical jump.
Vizual Edge: 66.36 Edge Score.

T10. Graham Stauber, Fremd (IL), 2027
Positional Profile: C/OF
Body: 6-1, 175 pounds.
Hit: RHH. Quiet, tall setup, high leg lift. Longer flat path, gets some extension out front, works line-drives to the whole field. 65.4 mph bat speed with 21g of rotational acceleration.
Power: 91 mph max exit velocity (82.7 avg.); 298-foot max batted distance.
Arm: RH. C - 77 mph. Short out of the glove, over the top slot, accurate and on a line.
Defense: 2.11-2.19 pop time range; Wider, flat footed crouch with loose movements throughout.
Athletic Testing: 7.36 runner in the 60-yard dash; 22.80-inch max vertical jump.
Vizual Edge: 50.06 Edge Score.

T10. Jack Kaplan, Loyola Academy (IL), 2027
Positional Profile: C/1B
Body: 5-10, 180 pounds.
Hit: RHH. Quiet setup, toe tap trigger. Flat path, creates some length through the zone, whip in the barrel out front at times, works to stay middle/pull-side.  65.8 mph bat speed with 14g of rotational acceleration.
Power: 93 mph max exit velocity (88 avg.); 338-foot max batted distance.
Arm: RH. C - 76 mph. Consistent accuracy, short path out of the glove, over the top slot.
Defense: 2.04-2.27 pop time range; Relaxed one knee setup, advanced feel for receiving the pitch with strong wrists.
Athletic Testing: 7.67 runner in the 60-yard dash; 19.20-inch max vertical jump.
Vizual Edge:  Edge Score.

BEST OF THE REST (LISTED ALPHABETICALLY) 

Alex Abraham, Geneva (IL), 2027
Positional Profile: C/RHP
Body: 6-1, 167 pounds.
Hit: RHH. Relaxed, stock setup, easy weight shift, toe tap trigger. Simple and easy from launch, works uphill. 66.9 mph bat speed with 12g of rotational acceleration.
Power: 95 mph max exit velocity (81.5 avg.); 336-foot max batted distance.
Arm: RH. C - 81 mph. High over the top slot, strong arm, on a line consistently.
Defense: 1.94-2.09 pop time range; Wide, one knee setup. Clean and consistent transfer into the throw, stays balanced throughout.
Athletic Testing: 7.43 runner in the 60-yard dash; 17.60-inch max vertical jump.
Vizual Edge: 67.67 Edge Score.

Nicholas Berndt, Notre Dame College Prep (IL), 2026
Positional Profile: C/RHP
Body: 5-11, 205 pounds.
Hit: RHH. Wide base, toe tap trigger, loose lower half. Physical bat, aggressive with intent to the pull-side. 67 mph bat speed with 5g of rotational acceleration.
Power: 92 mph max exit velocity (82.8 avg.); 334-foot max batted distance.
Arm: RH. C - 66 mph. Quick arm, over the top slot.
Defense: 2.04-2.23 pop time range; Quiet, standard setup, strong wrists, athletic and deliberate mover behind the plate, clean transfer.
Athletic Testing: 8.25 runner in the 60-yard dash; 12.70-inch max vertical jump.
Vizual Edge: 77.67 Edge Score.

Jules Hoecker, St. Francis (IL), 2027
Positional Profile: C
Body: 5-10, 180 pounds.
Hit: RHH. Tall setup, toe tap trigger with aggression. Flatter path with intent to lift, aggressive hands through the zone. 69.4 mph bat speed with 11g of rotational acceleration.
Power: 94 mph max exit velocity (78.7 avg.); 302-foot max batted distance.
Arm: RH. C - 74 mph. Loose arm, over the top slot.
Defense: 2.16-2.33 pop time range; Quiet setup, quick out of the crouch, strong wrists while receiving.
Athletic Testing:  runner in the 60-yard dash; -inch max vertical jump.
Vizual Edge: 69.96 Edge Score.

Jeremy Munoz, Fenwick (IL), 2027
Positional Profile: C/1B
Body: 6-0, 200 pounds.
Hit: LHH. Narrow and open stance, fluid leg kick load. Strong, controlled aggression, generates pop, works pull side gap. 64.2 mph bat speed with 9g of rotational acceleration.
Power: 94 mph max exit velocity (77.9 avg.); 348-foot max batted distance.
Arm: RH. C - 76 mph. INF - 84 mph. INF: Full arm circle, high ¾ slot. C: Compact arm action, over the top slot.
Defense: 2.00-2.26 pop time range; INF: Athletic movements, has feel around bag. C: One-knee setup, flashes loose wrists, quick transfers.
Athletic Testing: 8.08 runner in the 60-yard dash; 16.30-inch max vertical jump.
Vizual Edge: 49.9 Edge Score.

Tyler Phillips, St. Charles East (IL), 2027
Positional Profile: C/OF
Body: 6-0, 165 pounds.
Hit: RHH. Starts narrow, higher leg kick load, pre-pitch rhythm in the hands. Loose and athletic, flatter through the zone, flashed backspin to pull-side. 67 mph bat speed with 9g of rotational acceleration.
Power: 95 mph max exit velocity (82.5 avg.); 293-foot max batted distance.
Arm: RH. C - 68 mph. INF - 70 mph. High 3/4 release.
Defense: 2.20-2.43 pop time range; INF: Plays low, works around the ball, two-hand gather out front, separates hands high.
Athletic Testing: 6.97 runner in the 60-yard dash; 24.10-inch max vertical jump.
Vizual Edge: 82.46 Edge Score.

Jasper Reeves, Glenbard West (IL), 2026
Positional Profile: C
Body: 5-10, 196 pounds.
Hit: RHH. Narrow, slightly crouched setup, quick stride and explodes into swing. Aggressive but controlled swing, pull side approach while looking to lift. 72 mph bat speed with 20g of rotational acceleration.
Power: 96 mph max exit velocity (83.2 avg.); 327-foot max batted distance.
Arm: RH. C - 72 mph. Quick arm, overhand slot.
Defense: 2.26-2.50 pop time range; Wide setup on one knee, short and deliberate movements to receive, strong base.
Athletic Testing: 7.50 runner in the 60-yard dash
Vizual Edge: 77.29 Edge Score.

Emmett Schulze, Oak Park-River Forest (IL), 2028
Positional Profile: C/3B
Body: 5-6, 151 pounds.
Hit: RHH. Upright setup, long stride, loose movements throughout. Flat path, compact finish, finishes on front foot. 61.8 mph bat speed with 4g of rotational acceleration.
Power: 79 mph max exit velocity (69.9 avg.); 279-foot max batted distance.
Arm: RH. C - 67 mph. Loose arm, overhand slot.
Defense: 2.26-2.44 pop time range; Quiet and compact behind the plate, quick mover with a quality feel for the glove.
Athletic Testing: 7.80 runner in the 60-yard dash; 17.20-inch max vertical jump.
Vizual Edge: 77.02 Edge Score.

Brayden Sher, Stevenson (IL), 2027
Positional Profile: C/3B
Body: 5-10, 170 pounds.
Hit: RHH. Longer leg kick, stands tall, narrow setup, feet are square, bat wiggle.  Easy effort, flat path, balanced finish, looks to use the whole field. 62.3 mph bat speed with 9g of rotational acceleration.
Power: 89 mph max exit velocity (79.7 avg.); 275-foot max batted distance.
Arm: RH. C - 68 mph. INF - 77 mph. High 3/4 slot
Defense: 2.15-2.26 pop time range; Stays low, easy movements, quick first step, two hand gather.
Athletic Testing: 7.92 runner in the 60-yard dash; 20.60-inch max vertical jump.
Vizual Edge: 52.89 Edge Score.

Tyler Stroiman, Oak Park-River Forest (IL), 2028
Positional Profile: C/2B
Body: 5-5, 115 pounds.
Hit: LHH. Upright setup, loose movements, slow leg-lift trigger. Uphill path, pull-side approach. 54.7 mph bat speed with 11g of rotational acceleration.
Power: 77 mph max exit velocity (72.9 avg.); 282-foot max batted distance.
Arm: RH. C - 62 mph. High 3/4 slot, quick arm.
Defense: 2.39-2.70 pop time range; Low, one knee setup. Stays quiet until the pitch, quality receiver, deliberate mover.
Athletic Testing: 7.87 runner in the 60-yard dash; 19.00-inch max vertical jump.
Vizual Edge: 64.83 Edge Score.

Zach Surowiec, Downers Grove North (IL), 2027
Positional Profile: C/OF
Body: 5-10, 175 pounds.
Hit: LHH. Tall, open setup. High leg lift into stride, rhythmic tempo, easy.  Flatter path, balanced finish, works to stay on top of the ball, on the barrel some to pull-side.  69.8 mph bat speed with 12g of rotational acceleration.
Power: 91 mph max exit velocity (75.4 avg.); 335-foot max batted distance.
Arm: RH. C - 70 mph. Over the top arm slot, quick arm, throws with ease.
Defense: 2.05-2.22 pop time range; Standard setup, quiet glove, quick and agile getting out of the crouch.
Athletic Testing: 7.14 runner in the 60-yard dash; 23.30-inch max vertical jump.
Vizual Edge: 75.04 Edge Score.

Michael Thompson, Loyola Academy (IL), 2027
Positional Profile: C/3B
Body: 6-2, 195 pounds.
Hit: RHH. Upright setup, quiet hands, wide base. Strong hands, balanced finish, bat-speed through the zone with a flat path, pull-side approach.  66 mph bat speed with 20g of rotational acceleration.
Power: 92 mph max exit velocity (78.1 avg.); 333-foot max batted distance.
Arm: RH. C - 74 mph. Longer wind up, overhand slot, throws kept low.
Defense: 2.11-2.32 pop time range; Starts on one knee, strong wrists, springy out of the crouch.
Athletic Testing: 8.15 runner in the 60-yard dash; 17.50-inch max vertical jump.
Vizual Edge: 74.02 Edge Score.

Kenan Torlo, Maine South (IL), 2028
Positional Profile: C/3B
Body: 5-9, 165 pounds.
Hit: RHH. Crouched setup with wide base, quick leg lift into stride. Long, flat path through the zone, works to stay up the middle of the field.  61.7 mph bat speed with 11g of rotational acceleration.
Power: 85 mph max exit velocity (74.9 avg.); 291-foot max batted distance.
Arm: RH. C - 69 mph. Quick arm with accuracy out of an overhand slot, consistent.
Defense: 2.16-2.32 pop time range; Standard setup, quiet behind the plate, strength in wrists. Mature feel for the position.
Athletic Testing: 8.10 runner in the 60-yard dash; 18.50-inch max vertical jump.
Vizual Edge: 53.03 Edge Score.

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