When thinking of players that took full advantage of the State Games and the opportunity it presents, LHP Devin De Loach (Crystal Lake South, 2026) is one of the first that comes to mind. The big southpaw dominated opposing hitters with a tough and deceptive look, pounding the zone with an upper-80s carry fastball while pairing with a tight slider to keep hitters off balance, coming away as one of the event’s biggest winners. De Loach would go on to commit to Northern Illinois not long after the event, and is now primed to help lead a talented Crystal Lake South club this coming spring. 

The jumps De Loach made from the winter are easy to see, looking to have added a couple ticks to the fastball with athletic, loose movement patterns. The arm works free and easy, pairing with a flexible lower-half, and there looks to be even more in the tank for the southpaw in the near future.

We recently had the chance to talk to Devin about his recruitment process and much more, below. 

Our Q&A 

Prep Baseball: What were your expectations about the recruiting process? What were you looking for out of a college program to continue your baseball career at?

Devin: When I started my recruitment process, I was not expecting a lot, I heard almost nothing from coaches until after my junior high school season. When coaches did start reaching out, I started to look for places that had good reputations or were strong in rebuilding. I wasn’t necessarily targeting any special schools but I was looking for a school that would provide me with opportunities.

PB: Did location or distance from home play a factor in your decision?

D: Yes, 100%. I went on visits to places 4-5 hours away that I absolutely loved. I just didn’t feel anything was quite as right as being close to home. 

PB: When did the recruiting process really start to heat up for you? Where did the school you committed to first see you play?

D: I played Top Tier Americans for my first game in summer and after that I started getting texts from coaches. I had a pretty good game with some help from my defense. I was able to come out with 6.2 innings and a win. NIU wasn’t actually a school I saw watching me until I was at my second Grand Park tournament. However, they did see me at their camp in winter 2024-2025.

PB: What do you like most about the program you chose, and what were the key factors in making your decision?

D: NIU was one of the schools that I absolutely loved the pitching coach even before I went on a visit. When I went to their camp in the winter, Coach Peacock actually made me want to play and learn the mechanics behind pitching more. Besides that, I love the culture coach Cope and Kelch have instilled in their players and are wanting to turn around a program that hasn’t been known for greatness. I also really liked the distance from home. I have family that would love to see me play and NIU is almost in the middle of all of them.

PB: What other schools were on your short list before you made your final decision?

D: Quincy, UW-Parkside, Harper and Winona.

PB: Who is the best player you have faced in your state? What about them makes for a tough opponent?

D: Ethan Bass. The first time I ever saw him play was the game before I had to pitch against him, where he casually poked one over the fence with what looked like one hand. I may have had a good day against him but he hits and he hits really hard. He’s also phenomenal in the field.

PB: At what point in your career did you realize you were a college-caliber player and became serious about taking your game to the next level?

D: I always have wanted to say I am D1 to everyone I knew, and honestly I said it since freshman year that I was going to be. I feel like that was hollow though and honestly I didn’t feel like I really was going to be a college caliber player until this year. In Fall of 2024 I really started to think I could play college ball.

PB: What advice would you give to young baseball players striving to get where you are?

D: Be you, don’t let others' opinions on you affect you. Also don’t drive because others look down on you, but drive on because you want to prove to yourself that you can make it to where you want to be. I always thought it was me against others but really it was Me against Me.

PB: What is the most memorable moment in your baseball career to this point?

D: Top Tier Americans vs GRB Rays Green. Maybe one of the greatest first games I’ve ever participated in on a team. My first game on the mound, in the pouring rain, playing the No. 1 team in the state, I found myself surrounded by my true brothers. I got along with every single kid even though I was slightly unsure with some names due to limited practices I was able to make during the winter and a long high school season. If it’s not that game, it’s most definitely spending my last real season with my brothers.

PB: Preview your high school team's season for us. How do you feel your team will be?

D: I am very high on my high school team this year. Carson Trivellini, Jackson Lee, Julian Redmond, Nick Stowasser, Dane Chock, Nolan Dabrowski and so many other names to support what could be a very good team this year. Having the best shortstop in the FVC behind me and maybe the best second baseman as well makes me feel super secure. Not to mention Nick in center and Dane at first who can both get it done at a high level. My catcher Jackson who as a sophomore took the starting spot and had one of the hottest bats all year long. Julian and I also work together constantly to get better at pitching and I look forward to us together as a pitching duo this year.

PB: How did the Future Games and the Illinois State Games affect your recruitment process? Did you receive more attention following the events?

D: State games boosted me to get a call from coach Peacock and eventually get me on a visit with NIU. State games gave me many different coaches who texted me about visits. Probably one of the best experiences I have ever had.

PB: If you could steal any tool or quality from another player in the state, what would it be and who would it be from?

D: I would steal Drew Borkowski’s or Kaden Wasniewski’s velocity/arm talent. Both of these kids just absolutely chuck and I know them both personally and think they’re amazing. I would just love to have that velo or arm talent.

PB: Who is the next talented young player to keep an eye on out of your high school or travel program?

D: Ryan Tucker, I may be biased because I grew up with him but he is one of the most athletic kids I know. He grew up as an amazing gymnast, quarterback, and baseball player. He has an unreal work ethic and he is one of the best kids I know, always hyping me up.

PB: Did Prep Baseball assist in your recruiting? Whether it be through a showcase, tournament coverage, tweets, etc? If yes, please explain. 

D: Yes, I was retweeted, posted, and even seen on podcasts because of them. All of the guys at PBR really put me out there for coaches to see me.

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