By Drew Locascio
Illinois Scouting Director

The PBR Illinois Scouting staff released the updated Class of 2017 rankings yesterday and it has been expanded to 250 this time around. Much has happened since the last rankings update and seniors from around the state have made strong impressions.

CLICK HERE for complete 2017 Illinois Rankings.

Today we take a look at a few big risers in the Illinois rankings. A handful of seniors rose significantly and now sit in the top 50. One in particular is third baseman Donivan Williams (Richards), who was featured in yesterday’s updated rankings story. Williams, an Illinois State recruit, continues to elevate his game and stood out at multiple events this fall; he now sits in the top 10.

Two right-handed arms who have risen over the fall are Noah Farmer (Massac County) and Matthew McCumber (Cary Grove).  Farmer, a Southern Illinois commit, was up to 90 mph from the outfield at the Capital City Open this fall but it was on the mound where he shined. The 6-foot-4, 185-pound, athletically built, projectable, right-hander sat 87-88 mph with late life and occasional hard run-and-sink. Farmer still has some rawness in the delivery and the arm but the ceiling is extremely high. 6-foot-3, 180-pound, McCumber, a Northern Illinois commit, continues to see his velocity climb and he was reportedly up to 91 mph this fall. Both now sit within the top 35.

Noah Farmer (Capital City Open 10.10.16) 

Two infielders, Sam Faith (St. Charles North) and Jeff Heinrich (Huntley) also made a big climb this time around and find themselves in the top 50. Faith, still uncommitted, has impressed all fall long, culminating at the WWBA in Jupiter, FL. He is an athletically built, 6-foot-3, 195-pound, switch-hitter who can play multiple positions on the infield, profiling best as a third baseman. Heinrich, a McHenry County College commit, is a physical, right-handed hitting third baseman with athleticism and tools; runs a 6.73 60, 84 mph infield arm and 96 mph exit velocity. He proved this fall he could also handle velocity at the plate.

Sam Faith (Future Games 7.30.15)

A couple other risers worth noting are C Michael Bieterman (Aurora Central Catholic), OF Sean Cummins (Lake Park) and RHP Brett Taucher (Elk Grove).

Stayed tuned for another look inside the Illinois Class of 2017 Rankings coming soon. We will take a look at a number of the top newcomers to the rankings. With the 2017 class expanding to a Top 250 there will be plenty of prospects worth noting.

CLICK HERE  for a look at the updated rankings.

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