Now that the fall tournaments, events, camps, etc. have concluded we have updated and expanded our 2018 Illinois rankings. Much has happened since the last update but the top of the class remains the same. OF Alek Thomas (Mount Carmel), who is committed to play baseball and football at Texas Christian, once again sits at the top of the class. Thomas continued to elevate his stock at national events all summer long and capped it off this Septmeber when he helped lead Team USA to a gold medal at the World Cup. Thomas led the team in hitting, going 13-for-36 (.361) over the course of the event. Immediately following the World Cup Thomas jumped right into football which was already under way. The dynamic QB hit the ground running and has the 7A Caravan sitting at 9-3 with an elite 8 matchup against East St. Louis (10-1) on Saturday.

Zaid Walker (Homewood-Flossmoor), another highly-athletic outfielder, comes in at No. 2 once again. Walker, a Michigan State commit, has one of the most impressive frames in the class and tools that jump off the charts. Walker runs a 6.46 laser-timed 60, is 92 from the outfield and flashes electric bat speed at the plate.

Illinois commit, SS Branden Comia (Sandburg) jumps up a spot to No. 3 in Illinois. Comia who has long been one of the top defensive shortstops in the class, has continued to rise as a prospect over the last year. Comia trimmed up his frame, added quality muscle and went from running a 7.27 laser-timed 60 to a 6.65. The talented middle infielder also plays the game with energy, instincts and is poised for a big senior season for Sandburg, who made a Class 4A Super-Sectional last spring.

 

Branden Comia (9.17.17: PBR Fall Championship)

The biggest move at the top of the rankings was made by 3B Cam McDonald (Hall). McDonald, an Illinois commit, jumped more than 40 spots and now sits at No. 10. The 6-foot-4, 187-pound, highly-projectable prospect, has really grown into his frame this past year. At the PBR Fall Championships and multiple other fall tournaments, McDonald barrelled up everything in sight. The right-handed hitter stays within himself, sees pitches deep into the zone, creates easy whip and has sneaky strength in his swing. Overall, McDonald is only beginning to scratch the surface of his potential. 

UPDATED TOP 10

RANK	NAME	STATE	SCHOOL	CLASS	POS	COMMITMENT
1	Alek Thomas	IL	Mount Carmel	2018	OF	Texas Christian
2	Zaid Walker	IL	Homewood-Flossmoor	2018	OF	Michigan State
3	Branden Comia	IL	Sandburg	2018	SS	Illinois
4	Jacob Maton	IL	Chatham-Glenwood	2018	RHP	Coastal Carolina
5	Steven Sanchez	IL	Mundelein	2018	LHP	Arkansas
6	Caden Monke	IL	Mount Olive	2018	LHP	Arkansas
7	James Kulak	IL	Neuqua Valley	2018	LHP	Purdue
8	Danny Zimmerman	IL	Lincoln-Way East	2018	LHP	Louisville
9	Nathan Lavender	IL	El Paso	2018	LHP	Illinois
10	Cam McDonald	IL	Hall	2018	SS	Illinois

 

The 2018 Rankings added 50 more prospects in this addition, expanding the ranking to 225. Stay tuned over the next few days as we look at some of the top risers and newcomers.

CLICK HERE for complete 2018 Illinois Rankings.

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