On Sunday, October 19th, the Prep Baseball Illinois staff hosted the Underclass Showcase at The Max in McCook, IL. This event wrapped up our fall circuit, and we went out in a big way with one of the more talented open events top-to-bottom we hosted all year.

Today, we are continuing our post-event content with a look at every single position player from the day, with a Top-10 ranking of who our staff thought showed the best in the workout.

A talented freshman to know from the day is INF Mason Nashif (Burlington Central, 2029). He’s a polished defender on the infield with crisp, clean actions and natural instincts for the position, and he looks to have the ability to stick on the dirt in the long run. He also showed an athletic right-handed swing with fluidity and the ability to work on the barrel with line-drives.

OF Drew Carlson (Plainfield North, 2029) is another freshman to follow moving forward as a fluid moving athlete with his best days still to come.

OF Colton Carpenter (Normal University, 2028) is an upside 5-foot-10, 150-pound right-handed hitter, and there’s more to dream on at the plate with an athletic/clean swing.

Top 2028 Position Players

1. Jenner Smith, Hersey (IL), 2028
Positional Profile: OF/RHP
Body: 6-2, 173.1 pounds. Highly projectable, high waisted with broad shoulders.
Hit: RHH. Slightly open, narrow setup, simple stride, some pre pitch rhythm. Loose hands, uphill path with length through the zone, creates extension through contact, ball jumps off barrel, utilizes the middle part of the field, balanced, repeatable. 69.5 mph bat speed with 15g of rotational acceleration.
Power: 95 mph max exit velocity (86.7 avg.); 334-foot max batted distance.
Arm: RH. OF - 85 mph. Easy arm, loose, 3/4 slot with arm-speed.
Defense: Athletic actions, steady hands, two-hand gather off the front foot.
Athletic Testing: 6.97 runner in the 60-yard dash; 23.80-inch max vertical jump.
Vizual Edge: 80.8 Edge Score.

2. Jacob Hite, St. Laurence (IL), 2028
Positional Profile: OF/RHP
Body: 6-0, 174.2 pounds. Lean, projectable frame with a high waist.
Hit: RHH. Stands tall, balanced, pre-pitch bat wiggle, slower stride. Loose, twitchy, balanced, looks to keep the ball on a line, uses the whole field, strong hands, flat, generates backspin at times. 71.8 mph bat speed with 15g of rotational acceleration.
Power: 97 mph max exit velocity (90.4 avg.); 349-foot max batted distance.
Arm: RH. OF - 81 mph. Full circle, some carry, 3/4 slot.
Defense: Fields off glove foot, one-hand gather.
Athletic Testing: 7.09 runner in the 60-yard dash; 25.00-inch max vertical jump.
Vizual Edge: 62.31 Edge Score.

3. Sam Steele, Naperville North (IL), 2028
Positional Profile: OF/OF
Body: 5-11, 165 pounds. Present strength in the upper-half, broad shoulders.
Hit: RHH. Wide base, balanced setup, pre-pitch rhythm, short stride. Loose hands, hands work on top of the ball, flashes bat speed, ball jumps off barrel, utilizes the middle part of the field, balanced. 73.3 mph bat speed with 11g of rotational acceleration.
Power: 97 mph max exit velocity (93.3 avg.); 362-foot max batted distance.
Arm: RH. OF - 85 mph. Gets behind the ball, strong arm, 3/4 slot.
Defense: Attacks the baseball, athletic mover.
Athletic Testing: 6.92 runner in the 60-yard dash; 26.70-inch max vertical jump.
Vizual Edge: 69.47 Edge Score.

4. JD Farkas, Hersey (IL), 2028
Positional Profile: LHP/OF
Body: 5-8, 175 pounds. Compact, athletic build with some present strength, proportionate.
Hit: LHH. Slightly open, weight shifted back, simple stride, some pre-pitch rhythm. Loose swing, flat path, line drive approach, generates natural loft on the ball, backspins the ball, middle/pull-side approach, balanced, repeats. 67.1 mph bat speed with 15g of rotational acceleration.
Power: 96 mph max exit velocity (86.5 avg.); 329-foot max batted distance.
Arm: LH. OF - 86 mph. Quick, athletic arm, clean circle, 3/4 slot.
Defense: Athletic with bounce in the feet, soft hands, one-hand gather.
Athletic Testing: 7.59 runner in the 60-yard dash; 18.90-inch max vertical jump.
Vizual Edge: 72.14 Edge Score.

5. Bronx Debergh, Marian Catholic (IL), 2028
Positional Profile: 2B/SS
Body: 5-7, 152 pounds. Trim, athletic build, room to add strength.
Hit: RHH. Wider base, low setup, short stride, quiet pre-pitch. Flatter path with length through the zone, line drive approach, utilizes the middle of the field, simple, balanced, repeatable. 64.5 mph bat speed with 12g of rotational acceleration.
Power: 89 mph max exit velocity (80.6 avg.); 277-foot max batted distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 82 mph. Clean and compact, 3/4 slot, full arm circle.
Defense: Two hand gather out front, athletic actions, plays through the ball, moves well up the middle, clean double play turn, natural feel for the position.
Athletic Testing: 7.48 runner in the 60-yard dash; 19.20-inch max vertical jump.
Vizual Edge: 67.97 Edge Score.

6. Aden Gutierrez, St. Rita (IL), 2028
Positional Profile: 2B/OF
Body: 5-10, 155 pounds. Athletic , present strength throughout, broad shoulders.
Hit: RHH. Wide base, quick leg kick, balanced base, weight slightly shifted back. Loose, twitchy swing, athletic, line drive oriented, balanced, swing works slightly uphill, uses the whole field. 68.4 mph bat speed with 14g of rotational acceleration.
Power: 93 mph max exit velocity (75.3 avg.); 322-foot max batted distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 81 mph. OF - 84 mph. OF: Strong arm, 3/4 slot, plays true. INF: 3/4 slot, full arm circle, plays true.
Defense: OF: Attacks the ball, one hand gather, true defender. INF: Athletic feet, plays through the ball, quick release, soft hands, moves well up the middle, clean double play turn.
Athletic Testing: 7.22 runner in the 60-yard dash; 21.30-inch max vertical jump.
Vizual Edge: 54.15 Edge Score.

7. Keegan Crabtree, Lincoln-Way East (IL), 2028
Positional Profile: SS/2B
Body: 6-1, 155 pounds. Athletic, trim build, projects.
Hit: RHH. Open setup, lower hands, quiet pre pitch, balanced, fluid stride. Longer path, line drive approach, balanced, uses the middle/pull-side parts of the field, intent to elevate at times. 51.4 mph bat speed with 5g of rotational acceleration.
Power: 88 mph max exit velocity (79.1 avg.); 254-foot max batted distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 78 mph. Half arm circle, 3/4 slot, plays with some carry.
Defense: Two-hand gather into body, quick release, moves well up the middle, clean double play feed, some feel for the position.
Athletic Testing: 7.46 runner in the 60-yard dash; 21.40-inch max vertical jump.
Vizual Edge: 70.33 Edge Score.

8. Waylon Marko, Hononegah (IL), 2028
Positional Profile: C/OF
Body: 6-0, 183 pounds. Strong build, compact with proportionate strength.
Hit: RHH. Balanced setup, heavy leg kick, quiet pre pitch, balanced. Bat speed, strong hands, longer path through the zone, hands work on top of the ball at times, has jump off the barrel, uses the middle/opposite parts of the field. 69.7 mph bat speed with 13g of rotational acceleration.
Power: 99 mph max exit velocity (89.4 avg.); 309-foot max batted distance.
Arm: RH. C - 79 mph. Plays with some carry, high 3/4 slot, uses one hop.
Defense: 2.14-2.20 pop time range; Works in line to second, transfers at ear, soft block.
Athletic Testing: 7.23 runner in the 60-yard dash.
Vizual Edge: 67.34 Edge Score.

9. Lacey Rogers Jr., Marian Catholic (IL), 2028
Positional Profile: 1B/3B
Body: 6-0, 181 pounds. Durable, strong build, proportionate strength.
Hit: RHH. Slightly open, simple stride, front foot coiled back, pre pitch rhythm. Bat speed, elevates, ball jumps off barrel, strong hands, uses the whole field, uphill path. 66.7 mph bat speed with 15g of rotational acceleration.
Power: 91 mph max exit velocity (82 avg.); 286-foot max batted distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 76 mph. Full circle, 3/4 slot, feel.
Defense: Two hand gather out front, quick release, short shuffle step to target, has feel for the position, athletic footwork.
Athletic Testing: 7.71 runner in the 60-yard dash; 21.90-inch max vertical jump.
Vizual Edge: 74.51 Edge Score.

T10. Nolan Blackburn, Lincoln-Way West (IL), 2028
Positional Profile: OF/LHP
Body: 5-10, 160 pounds. Wiry, athletic build.
Hit: LHH. Stands tall, hands set low, open setup. Loose, athletic swing, line drive approach, uses the whole field, flatter path with some length through the zone. 68.1 mph bat speed with 12g of rotational acceleration.
Power: 94 mph max exit velocity (84 avg.); 321-foot max batted distance.
Arm: LH. OF - 77 mph. 3/4 slot, plays true, compact.
Defense: Fluid mover, clean action, steady hands.
Athletic Testing: 7.07 runner in the 60-yard dash; 23.40-inch max vertical jump.
Vizual Edge: 72.36 Edge Score.

T10. Quinn Sutherland, Marist (IL), 2028
Positional Profile: OF
Body: 6-0, 150.6 pounds. Projectable, high-waisted frame, long-levered.
Hit: LHH. Open setup, simple stride, pre-pitch bat wiggle, fluid action. Longer path, hands work on top of the ball, creates extension through contact, middle of the field approach. 65.7 mph bat speed with 8g of rotational acceleration.
Power: 88 mph max exit velocity (75.6 avg.); 286-foot max batted distance.
Arm: RH. OF - 80 mph. 3/4 slot, full circle, accurate.
Defense: Long crow hop, gets behind ball, fluid mover, steady hands.
Athletic Testing: 7.29 runner in the 60-yard dash; 20.70-inch max vertical jump.
Vizual Edge: 66.99 Edge Score.

BEST OF THE REST (LISTED ALPHABETICALLY)

Tyson Adrianopoli, New Trier (IL), 2029
Positional Profile: OF/RHP
Body: 5-11, 148 pounds. Wiry, projectable build.
Hit: RHH. Wide base, slightly open, shorter stride, gets low during stride. Intentful swing, line drive approach, loose hands, flashes bat speed, uses the middle of the field, ball jumps off barrel at times. 57.6 mph bat speed with 14g of rotational acceleration.
Power: 89 mph max exit velocity (81 avg.); 294-foot max batted distance.
Arm: RH. OF - 81 mph. Longer action, full arm circle, 3/4 slot.
Defense: One hand gather, athletic movements.
Athletic Testing: 7.77 runner in the 60-yard dash; 18.70-inch max vertical jump.
Vizual Edge: 53.78 Edge Score.

Chase Bautista, Vernon Hills (IL), 2029
Positional Profile: C/RHP
Body: 5-8, 145 pounds. Trim, wiry build, wide shoulders.
Hit: RHH. Two tap stride, pre pitch rhythm, short stride, slightly open, weight shifted on back leg. Loose hands, slightly uphill path, flashes twitch in the swing, hands work on top of the ball, opposite field approach. 59.7 mph bat speed with 14g of rotational acceleration.
Power: 86 mph max exit velocity (73.2 avg.); 281-foot max batted distance.
Arm: RH. C - 70 mph. 3/4 slot, uses one hop.
Defense: 2.06-2.25 pop time range; Works in line, low to high, lower transfer.
Athletic Testing: 7.52 runner in the 60-yard dash; 19.20-inch max vertical jump.
Vizual Edge: 74.72 Edge Score.

Bryce Bohnhoff, Dieterich (IL), 2028
Positional Profile: SS/3B
Body: 6-3, 175 pounds. Long-levered, room too add strength.
Hit: RHH. Hands set low, balanced base, two tap stride, quiet pre-pitch. Loose hands, hands work on top of the ball, longer path, flashes jump off the barrel, middle of the field approach. 66.4 mph bat speed with 11g of rotational acceleration.
Power: 93 mph max exit velocity (77.8 avg.); 218-foot max batted distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 82 mph. OF - 86 mph. OF: 3/4 slot, plays true, accurate, strong arm. INF: Whippy, longer action, 3/4.
Defense: OF: Gets behind ball, two hand gather, fluid. INF: Two-hand funnel into body, moves well up the middle, clean double play feed, short shuffle step to target.
Athletic Testing: 7.31 runner in the 60-yard dash; 21.90-inch max vertical jump.

Drew Carlson, Plainfield North (IL), 2029
Positional Profile: OF/C
Body: 5-9, 135 pounds. Athletic, high-waisted frame.
Hit: RHH. Balanced base, quick stride, quiet actions, weight slightly shifted back. Loose swing, has some twitch, uses the middle/pull-side parts of the field, intent to elevate at times, athletic. 65.7 mph bat speed with 6g of rotational acceleration.
Power: 86 mph max exit velocity (79.1 avg.); 318-foot max batted distance.
Arm: RH. OF - 77 mph. 3/4 slot, accurate, quick arm.
Defense: Athletic mover, gets behind ball, sure hands.
Athletic Testing: 7.18 runner in the 60-yard dash; 20.80-inch max vertical jump.
Vizual Edge: 61.16 Edge Score.

Colton Carpenter, Normal University (IL), 2028
Positional Profile: LHP/OF
Body: 5-11, 151 pounds. Wiry, proportionate frame.
Hit: RHH. Wide base, balanced setup, some pre-pitch bat wiggle, short stride. Loose hands, uphill path, athletic, intent to lift, uses the middle of the field. 61.5 mph bat speed with 16g of rotational acceleration.
Power: 88 mph max exit velocity (74.8 avg.); 260-foot max batted distance.
Arm: LH. OF - 84 mph. 3/4 slot, plays true. strong arm, accurate.
Defense: Athletic mover, gets to spot quick, steady hands.
Athletic Testing: 7.20 runner in the 60-yard dash; 24.10-inch max vertical jump.
Vizual Edge: 59.28 Edge Score.

Blake Harris, El Paso-Gridley (IL), 2028
Positional Profile: RHP/1B
Body: 6-6, 209.8 pounds. Long-levered, strong build, physical.
Hit: RHH. Wide base, weight slightly shifted back, minimal stride, pre pitch bat wiggle. Uphill path with length through the zone, middle of the field approach, strong hands, flashes barrel strength. 67.5 mph bat speed with 5g of rotational acceleration.
Power: 95 mph max exit velocity (75.6 avg.); 262-foot max batted distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 80 mph. Some carry, 3/4 slot, clean.
Defense: Two hand gather out front, short shuffle step to target, athletic actions, has feel for the position.
Athletic Testing: 7.57 runner in the 60-yard dash; 21.30-inch max vertical jump.
Vizual Edge: 51.3 Edge Score.

Blake Heilicser, Plainfield North (IL), 2029
Positional Profile: SS/2B
Body: 5-8, 145 pounds. Skinny, proportionate frame.
Hit: RHH. Narrow base, stands tall, longer stride, lower hands. Loose hands, slightly uphill path, uses the middle of the field, looks to keep the ball on a line, hands get on top of the ball at times. 56.9 mph bat speed with 6g of rotational acceleration.
Power: 77 mph max exit velocity (63.4 avg.); 216-foot max batted distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 72 mph. High 3/4 slot, full circle.
Defense: Stays behind the ball, reliable two-hand gather out front, clean double play feed, quick release.
Athletic Testing: 7.86 runner in the 60-yard dash; 20.20-inch max vertical jump.
Vizual Edge: 63.03 Edge Score.

Maxwell Martin, Richmond-Burton (IL), 2028
Positional Profile: C/3B
Body: 5-9, 164.9 pounds. Compact with some strength, broad shoulders.
Hit: RHH. Wide base, pre pitch bat wiggle, shorter stride, open setup, balanced. Uphill path, hands work on top of the ball, pull-side approach. 61.8 mph bat speed with 10g of rotational acceleration.
Power: 86 mph max exit velocity (72.4 avg.); 257-foot max batted distance.
Arm: RH. C - 68 mph. 3/4 slot, plays true.
Defense: 2.17-2.39 pop time range; Works low to high, stays in line to second, lower transfer.
Athletic Testing: 7.96 runner in the 60-yard dash; 18.60-inch max vertical jump.
Vizual Edge: 67.5 Edge Score.

Mason Nashif, Burlington Central (IL), 2029
Positional Profile: 2B/SS
Body: 5-6, 130 pounds.
Hit: RHH. Slightly open, some knee bend, longer stride, pre-pitch rhythm. Line drive oriented, flatter path with length through the zone, middle/pull-side approach, intentful swing, balanced, has some polish. 56.1 mph bat speed with 9g of rotational acceleration.
Power: 88 mph max exit velocity (81.8 avg.); 323-foot max batted distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 75 mph. Half arm circle. 3/4 slot, multiple angles, compact.
Defense: Athletic feet, stays behind the ball, two-hand gather out front, soft hands, athletic actions, has natural feel for the position, clean double play turn.
Athletic Testing: 7.41 runner in the 60-yard dash; 19.40-inch max vertical jump.
Vizual Edge: 46.97 Edge Score.

Carl Pedersen, Hinsdale Central (IL), 2028
Positional Profile: 2B/SS
Body: 5-5, 153.2 pounds.
Hit: SH. Stands tall, slightly open, hands coiled back, two tap stride. Loose, balanced, twitch in the swing, simple, line drive approach, uses the middle of the field, backspins balls, repeats. 61 mph bat speed with 9g of rotational acceleration.
Power: 87 mph max exit velocity (75.3 avg.); 269-foot max batted distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 72 mph. 3/4 slot, compact, half circle, plays true.
Defense: Two-hand gather into body, clean release, short shuffle step to target, clean double play feed.
Athletic Testing: 7.89 runner in the 60-yard dash; 17.70-inch max vertical jump.
Vizual Edge: 75.28 Edge Score.

Jaden Quesada, Yorkville (IL), 2029
Positional Profile: SS/OF
Body: 5-5, 130 pounds. Compact, athletic build.
Hit: RHH. Open setup, heavy leg kick, long stride, some pre-pitch rhythm. Loose, uphill swing with length through the zone, looks to elevate, pull-side approach, balanced. 62.4 mph bat speed with 8g of rotational acceleration.
Power: 80 mph max exit velocity (67.6 avg.); 257-foot max batted distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 65 mph. Full arm circle, can throw from multiple angles, 3/4 slot.
Defense: Attacks the ball, two-hand gather out front, soft hands, moves well up the middle, clean double play feed, short shuffle step to target, athletic actions.
Athletic Testing: 7.46 runner in the 60-yard dash; 20.50-inch max vertical jump.
Vizual Edge: 77.4 Edge Score.

Dylan Ryan, Jacobs (IL), 2029
Positional Profile: 2B/RHP
Body: 5-8, 135 pounds. Long-levered, room too add strength.
Hit: LHH. Balanced base, quiet pre-pitch, some knee bend. Loose hands, uphill path, intent to lift, generates backspin at times, middle/pull-side approach. 45.9 mph bat speed with 10g of rotational acceleration.
Power: 80 mph max exit velocity (68.5 avg.); 256-foot max batted distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 57 mph. Compact, 3/4 slot, half circle, plays true.
Defense: Stays back on the ball, two-hand gather into body, quick release, clean double play turn, some natural feel for the position.
Athletic Testing: 7.75 runner in the 60-yard dash; 20.20-inch max vertical jump.
Vizual Edge: 52.82 Edge Score.

Will Steffens, Barrington (IL), 2028
Positional Profile: 1B/OF
Body: 6-3, 194.5 pounds. Athletic build with some present strength throughout, lean.
Hit: LHH. Wide base, quiet actions pre-pitch, weight slightly back. Loose hands, uphill path, flashes jump off the barrel, intent to lift, flashes barrel strength. 59.1 mph bat speed with 8g of rotational acceleration.
Power: 95 mph max exit velocity (81.5 avg.); 369-foot max batted distance.
Arm: LH. INF - 78 mph. Half circle, 3/4 slot, plays true.
Defense: Two hand gather out front, shuffle step to target, has some feel around the bag.
Athletic Testing: 7.35 runner in the 60-yard dash; 22.80-inch max vertical jump.
Vizual Edge: 81.84 Edge Score.

Ben Sutphen, New Trier (IL), 2029
Positional Profile: 1B/RHP
Body: 6-3, 170 pounds. Wiry and athletic build, room to add strength.
Hit: RHH. Closed setup, pre-pitch rhythm, short stride, balanced base. Loose hands, pull-side approach, hands work on top of the baseball, intent to lift. 65.8 mph bat speed with 13g of rotational acceleration.
Power: 92 mph max exit velocity (80 avg.); 348-foot max batted distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 75 mph. Compact arm, 3/4 slot, plays true.
Defense: Two-hand gather out front, funnels into body, quick release, clean double play turn.
Athletic Testing: 7.80 runner in the 60-yard dash; 20.50-inch max vertical jump.
Vizual Edge: 64.45 Edge Score.

Jack Wieczorek, Jacobs (IL), 2029
Positional Profile: 1B/OF
Body: 6-3, 210 pounds.
Hit: LHH. Balanced base, weight shifted back, stands tall, higher hands. Longer path, hands work on top of the ball, uphill, ball jumps off the barrel at times. 69.7 mph bat speed with 9g of rotational acceleration.
Power: 95 mph max exit velocity (77.1 avg.); 346-foot max batted distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 76 mph. 3/4 slot, half circle.
Defense: Two hand gather into body, short shuffle step to target, has some feel around the bag.
Athletic Testing: 7.67 runner in the 60-yard dash; 15.90-inch max vertical jump.
Vizual Edge: 47.45 Edge Score.

Raul Sebastian Zarco, Oak Park-River Forest (IL), 2029
Positional Profile: 2B/SS
Body: 5-5, 125 pounds. Athletic, compact frame.
Hit: RHH. Closed setup, stands tall, simple stride, fluid. Loose, athletic, slightly uphill path, line drive oriented, middle of the field approach, simple. 57 mph bat speed with 7g of rotational acceleration.
Power: 81 mph max exit velocity (71.9 avg.); 251-foot max batted distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 70 mph. Half arm circle, 3/4 slot, can throw from multiple angles.
Defense: Gets around the ball, plays through the baseball, athletic actions, clean double play turn, has feel for the position.
Athletic Testing: 7.49 runner in the 60-yard dash; 18.70-inch max vertical jump.
Vizual Edge: 87.61 Edge Score.

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