On Sunday, March 1st, our staff hosted the Joliet Preseason ID at Rhino Sports Academy in Shorewood, IL. This event was host to nearly 130 players from the area, and allowed our staff to get a good look at the gains these players have made in the off-season in a pro-style workout.

Today, we are continuing our post-event rollout with a look at every single catcher from the day, along with a Top-5 ranking of who our staff thought showed the best on the day. Below is a group of names that just missed a ranking, but still stood out.

Daniel Chopp (Oak Forest, 2026) is an uncommitted senior to know from the day that had a strong all-around showing.

Luke Hernandez (Oswego, 2027), Drew Kleinhans (Oswego, 2027), Ryan Pall (Naperville Central, 2027), Camren Campbell (Plainfield South, 2028) and Gavin Sauter (Downers Grove South, 2027) are a handful of physical catchers that took loud rounds of BP and deserve a mention.

Ryan Shroff (Wheaton North, 2028) is another one that impressed, showing a clean right-handed swing and quick release from the chute (1.95 pop-time).

For a look at the entire event page, click HERE.

TOP CATCHING PROSPECTS

1. Diego A Gutierrez, Metea Valley (IL), 2027
Positional Profile: C/SS
Body: 6-1.8, 195.8-pounds. Athletic frame with more physicality to come.
Hit: RHH. Narrow setup, fluid rhythm and toe-tap stride. Easy swing with a flat path, gets to the power easily, balanced throughout. 67.8 mph bat speed with 10g of rotational acceleration.
Power: 97 mph max exit velocity (89 avg.); 297-foot max batted distance.
Arm: RH. C - 79 mph. INF - 88 mph. High 3/4 release with life, arm plays.
Defense: 1.94-2.04 pop time range; Soft hands and fluid feet, plays with leverage, easy mover with natural actions, confident glove and transfers.
Athletic Testing: 7.95 runner in the 60-yard dash; 16.50-inch max vertical jump.
Vizual Edge: 68.31 Edge Score.

2. Adam Vogt, Marmion Academy (IL), 2027
Positional Profile: C/RHP
Body: 5-10.5, 203.7-pounds. Strong frame.
Hit: RHH. Balanced setup, short stride. Strong hands, hard contact to all fields. 68.8 mph bat speed with 6g of rotational acceleration.
Power: 98 mph max exit velocity (84.5 avg.); 353-foot max batted distance.
Arm: RH. C - 82 mph. Quick arm action, 3/4 release, throws play with carry.
Defense: 1.83-1.98 pop time range; Quick out of the crouch, clean transfers, soft blocker, natural actions.
Athletic Testing: 7.24 runner in the 60-yard dash; 23.90-inch max vertical jump.
Vizual Edge: 57.2 Edge Score.

3. Sebastian Urbanowski, Loyola Academy (IL), 2027
Positional Profile: C/OF
Body: 5-9.1, 198-pounds. Strong, athletic frame.
Hit: RHH. Confident presence in the box, pre-pitch fluidity. Strong with bat-speed, on the barrel with lift and line-drives up the middle/pull-side. 75.1 mph bat speed with 23g of rotational acceleration.
Power: 99 mph max exit velocity (88.5 avg.); 340-foot max batted distance.
Arm: RH. C - 78 mph. Short arm action, high 3/4 release.
Defense: 2.00-2.18 pop time range; One-knee receiver, clean transfers, soft glove and block.
Athletic Testing: 7.59 runner in the 60-yard dash; 20.70-inch max vertical jump.
Vizual Edge: 70.13 Edge Score.

4. Bryce Baxa, Yorkville (IL), 2028
Positional Profile: C/RHP
Body: 6-1.2, 228-pounds. Strong and durable frame.
Hit: RHH. Open setup, hands foot into short stride. Swing works uphill, pull-side intent, feel to lift the ball to the middle/pull-side. 73.2 mph bat speed with 18g of rotational acceleration.
Power: 102 mph max exit velocity (93.2 avg.); 356-foot max batted distance.
Arm: RH. C - 78 mph. Short arm action, high 3/4 release, throws play with some carry.
Defense: 2.01-2.10 pop time range; One-knee receiver, soft hands, works in-line to second.
Athletic Testing: 7.18 runner in the 60-yard dash; 22.90-inch max vertical jump.
Vizual Edge: 67.5 Edge Score.

T5. Nathan Franks, Plainfield Central (IL), 2027
Positional Profile: C/1B
Body: 6-0.1, 214.1-pounds. Strong, athletic frame.
Hit: RHH. Narrow, balanced setup, long stride. Flat swing, natural backspin up the middle of the field and pull-side, loud results with bat-speed. 73.7 mph bat speed with 9g of rotational acceleration.
Power: 100 mph max exit velocity (86.1 avg.); 349-foot max batted distance.
Arm: RH. C - 76 mph. Short arm action, high 3/4 slot.
Defense: 2.07-2.12 pop time range; One-knee receiver, clean glove-to-hand transfer, works in-line to second.
Athletic Testing: 7.32 runner in the 60-yard dash; 19.40-inch max vertical jump.
Vizual Edge: 71.45 Edge Score.

T5. Gustav Crane, Highland Park (IL), 2027
Positional Profile: C/3B
Body: 5-11.6, 196.7-pounds. Well-proportioned with some strength present throughout.
Hit: RHH. Wide setup, knee-knock stride. Flat path, strong with aggressive intent, bat-speed with some whip, middle and pull-side with line-drives, flashed lift up the middle. 70 mph bat speed with 23g of rotational acceleration.
Power: 97 mph max exit velocity (91.2 avg.); 361-foot max batted distance.
Arm: RH. C - 79 mph. INF - 82 mph. Arm plays, standard release.
Defense: 2.01-2.13 pop time range; INF: Steady two-handed gather out front, moves well up the middle. C: Soft hands, quick glove-to-hand transfers, works in-line to second.
Athletic Testing: 7.31 runner in the 60-yard dash; 23.80-inch max vertical jump.
Vizual Edge: 79.34 Edge Score.

BEST OF THE REST (LISTED ALPHABETICALLY)

Sean Amsden, Marist (IL), 2029
Positional Profile: C/1B
Body: 6-2.4, 217.6-pounds. Physical build with some strength present throughout.
Hit: LHH. Wide base, toe-taps into a medium stride. Strong hands, easy strength, feel to drive the ball to all fields. 66.5 mph bat speed with 12g of rotational acceleration.
Power: 93 mph max exit velocity (80.3 avg.); 341-foot max batted distance.
Arm: RH. C - 71 mph. Short arm action, 3/4 release.
Defense: 2.26-2.41 pop time range; Soft glove, works down to up, replaces feet to second, steady blocker.
Athletic Testing: 8.07 runner in the 60-yard dash; 14.30-inch max vertical jump.
Vizual Edge: 72.29 Edge Score.

Sean Boyd, Bishop McNamara (IL), 2028
Positional Profile: C/OF
Body: 5-9.5, 150-pounds. Lean build.
Hit: RHH. Relaxed, upright setup, minimal wasted movement. Loose hands, direct swing, line-drive approach to all fields. 62.4 mph bat speed with 11g of rotational acceleration.
Power: 87 mph max exit velocity (79 avg.); 263-foot max batted distance.
Arm: RH. C - 72 mph. Longer out of the glove, high 3/4 release.
Defense: 2.12-2.27 pop time range; Steady glove, clean glove-to-hand, transfers, soft blocker.
Athletic Testing: 7.60 runner in the 60-yard dash; 20.70-inch max vertical jump.
Vizual Edge: 48.82 Edge Score.

Camren Campbell, Plainfield South (IL), 2028
Positional Profile: C/3B
Body: 5-8.1, 182.8-pounds. Well-proportioned frame.
Hit: RHH. Narrow, upright setup, long stride. Athletic with natural lift in the swing, looks to stay to the big parts of the field. 70.4 mph bat speed with 16g of rotational acceleration.
Power: 97 mph max exit velocity (88.6 avg.); 333-foot max batted distance.
Arm: RH. C - 73 mph. INF - 78 mph. Quick release, shorter 3/4 arm action
Defense: 2.08-2.13 pop time range; INF: Two-handed gather, steady hands, clean transfers. C: One-knee receiver, quick out of the crouch, clean glove-to-hand transfer, works in-line to second.
Athletic Testing: 7.72 runner in the 60-yard dash; 21.40-inch max vertical jump.
Vizual Edge: 66.16 Edge Score.

Daniel Chopp, Oak Forest (IL), 2026
Positional Profile: C/SS
Body: 5-9.5, 165.1-pounds. Lean, athletic build.
Hit: RHH. Balanced setup, fluid pre-pitch load with short stride. Clean and athletic, simple swing with a flat path, balanced, middle of the field intent. 66.5 mph bat speed with 11g of rotational acceleration.
Power: 93 mph max exit velocity (87 avg.); 310-foot max batted distance.
Arm: RH. C - 81 mph. Short, compact 3/4 arm action, accurate throws to the bag.
Defense: 1.94-1.96 pop time range; One-knee receiver, soft hands, quick transfers, natural feel for the position.
Athletic Testing: 7.15 runner in the 60-yard dash; 25.50-inch max vertical jump.
Vizual Edge: 63.98 Edge Score.

LUCAS GAWRYS, Plainfield North (IL), 2028
Positional Profile: C/OF
Body: 6-0, 183.9-pounds. Athletic build with some present strength.
Hit: RHH. Balanced setup, pre-pitch hand rhythm. Steep path, natural lift up the middle and pull-side, easy and balanced. 66.6 mph bat speed with 15g of rotational acceleration.
Power: 94 mph max exit velocity (80.6 avg.); 348-foot max batted distance.
Arm: RH. C - 73 mph. Quick, high 3/4 arm, plays with carry.
Defense: 2.12-2.27 pop time range; One-knee receiver, natural actions, quick feet, works in-line to second.
Athletic Testing: 7.60 runner in the 60-yard dash; 19.40-inch max vertical jump.
Vizual Edge: 61.63 Edge Score.

Luke Hernandez, Oswego (IL), 2027
Positional Profile: C/SS
Body: 5-11.1, 196-pounds. Present strength.
Hit: RHH. Balanced setup, pre-pitch rhythm in hands, hangs foot into longer stride. Strong hands, flat swing, flashed backspin up the middle with line drives, intentful and aggressive. 71 mph bat speed with 23g of rotational acceleration.
Power: 103 mph max exit velocity (91.4 avg.); 306-foot max batted distance.
Arm: RH. C - 73 mph. Over the top, quick/short action.
Defense: 1.97-2.08 pop time range; Quick out of the crouch, quick transfers, active blocker.
Athletic Testing: 7.40 runner in the 60-yard dash; 23.90-inch max vertical jump.
Vizual Edge: 75.2 Edge Score.

Jules Hoecker, St. Francis High School Wheaton (IL), 2027
Positional Profile: C/OF
Body: 5-10.8, 166.2-pounds. Athletic frame.
Hit: RHH. Narrow, balanced setup, slight leg-lift trigger. Loose wrists with a fluid swing, middle and pull-side intent while working on top of the baseball, flashed lift up the middle. 65.7 mph bat speed with 12g of rotational acceleration.
Power: 92 mph max exit velocity (85.5 avg.); 333-foot max batted distance.
Arm: RH. C - 75 mph. Loose, high 3/4 slot.
Defense: 2.01-2.38 pop time range; One-knee receiver, steady glove, works in-line.
Athletic Testing: 7.70 runner in the 60-yard dash; 21.00-inch max vertical jump.
Vizual Edge: 71.38 Edge Score.

Eli Kaufman, Wheaton Academy (IL), 2027
Positional Profile: C/OF
Body: 5-11.3, 186.1-pounds. Long-levered, athletic build.
Hit: RHH. Wide setup, sinks into backside. Steep path, works on top of the baseball, flashed lift up the middle, twitchy and athletic. 71.9 mph bat speed with 17g of rotational acceleration.
Power: 97 mph max exit velocity (87.9 avg.); 358-foot max batted distance.
Arm: RH. C - 72 mph. Short out of the glove, 3/4 arm slot.
Defense: 2.19-2.32 pop time range; One-knee receiver, steady hands, works in-line to second.
Athletic Testing: 7.57 runner in the 60-yard dash; 19.60-inch max vertical jump.
Vizual Edge: 75.67 Edge Score.

Drew Kleinhans, Oswego (IL), 2027
Positional Profile: C/2B
Body: 5-11.7, 197.8-pounds. Athletic frame.
Hit: RHH. Balanced, wide setup, short stride. Steep path that works on top of the baseball, flashed lift pull-side. 68.4 mph bat speed with 23g of rotational acceleration.
Power: 102 mph max exit velocity (91.1 avg.); 351-foot max batted distance.
Arm: RH. C - 76 mph. Short arm action, 3/4 release.
Defense: 2.11-2.28 pop time range; Clean glove-to-hand transfer, reliable hands, soft blocker.
Athletic Testing: 7.29 runner in the 60-yard dash; 26.60-inch max vertical jump.
Vizual Edge: 73.29 Edge Score.

Brandon Lamps, La Salle-Peru (IL), 2027
Positional Profile: C/OF
Body: 5-7.9, 168.7-pounds. Compact build with some strength present throughout.
Hit: RHH. Balanced base, longer stride with control. Compact swing, direct path with strong hands, works on top of the baseball. 62.9 mph bat speed with 18g of rotational acceleration.
Power: 88 mph max exit velocity (72.1 avg.); 279-foot max batted distance.
Arm: RH. C - 66 mph. Whippy over the top slot.
Defense: 2.25-2.34 pop time range; Clean transfers, replaces feet towards second, soft blocker.
Athletic Testing: 7.95 runner in the 60-yard dash; 21.90-inch max vertical jump.
Vizual Edge: 81.29 Edge Score.

Braxton Nelle, Marquette Academy (IL), 2027
Positional Profile: C/3B
Body: 5-4.3, 188.5-pounds. Compact frame.
Hit: RHH. Balanced, wider setup, minimal pre-pitch movement. Works on top of the baseball, looks to stay middle/away, line-drive intent. 62.4 mph bat speed with 12g of rotational acceleration.
Power: 87 mph max exit velocity (80.2 avg.); 287-foot max batted distance.
Arm: RH. C - 67 mph. Compact 3/4 arm action.
Defense: 2.19-2.34 pop time range; Quick out of the crouch, steady hands, soft blocker.
Athletic Testing: 7.80 runner in the 60-yard dash; 19.10-inch max vertical jump.
Vizual Edge: 71.22 Edge Score.

Ryan Pall, Naperville Central (IL), 2027
Positional Profile: C/1B
Body: 6-0.1, 220.9-pounds. Strong frame.
Hit: RHH. Balanced, upright setup, short stride. Steep path, strong hands with aggressive intent, natural lift to the big parts of the field. 74.2 mph bat speed with 12g of rotational acceleration.
Power: 101 mph max exit velocity (92.1 avg.); 376-foot max batted distance.
Arm: RH. C - 73 mph. INF - 73 mph. Short arm circle, true 3/4 release.
Defense: 2.07-2.21 pop time range; INF: Quick hands, two-handed gather, awareness around the bag. C: Steady glove, quick transfers, replaces feet to second.
Athletic Testing: 7.35 runner in the 60-yard dash; 19.60-inch max vertical jump.
Vizual Edge: 69.17 Edge Score.

Chase Maher, Beecher (IL), 2027
Positional Profile: C/RHP
Body: 5-9, 189.8-pounds. Strong lower half.
Hit: RHH. Balanced, slightly crouched setup, minimal load and stride. Steep path, flashed lift pull-side and up the middle, strong hands. 65.4 mph bat speed with 13g of rotational acceleration.
Power: 93 mph max exit velocity (86.2 avg.); 337-foot max batted distance.
Arm: RH. C - 75 mph. Compact 3/4 arm action.
Defense: 1.97-2.18 pop time range; Quick out of the crouch, clean transfers, active footwork.
Athletic Testing: 7.65 runner in the 60-yard dash; 18.40-inch max vertical jump.
Vizual Edge: 74.75 Edge Score.

Gavin Sauter, Downers Grove South (IL), 2027
Positional Profile: C/3B
Body: 6-2.5, 217.4-pounds. Physical frame with strength present throughout.
Hit: LHH. Wide base, sits into back hip, medium stride. Strong hands, intent to elevate to the pull-side with loud results, easy power. 64.2 mph bat speed with 12g of rotational acceleration.
Power: 93 mph max exit velocity (84.3 avg.); 305-foot max batted distance.
Arm: RH. C - 76 mph. High 3/4 slot, throws play with some carry.
Defense: 2.01-2.11 pop time range; One-knee receiver, quick out of the crouch, replaces feet towards second.
Athletic Testing: 7.63 runner in the 60-yard dash; 21.80-inch max vertical jump.
Vizual Edge: 72.68 Edge Score.

Grant Seppelfrick, Oswego East (IL), 2028
Positional Profile: C/RHP
Body: 5-8.6, 208.1-pounds. Compact frame, present strength.
Hit: RHH. Crouched, quiet setup, slight leg-lift trigger. Looks to elevate up the middle and pull-side, clear bat-speed, strong hands. 65.7 mph bat speed with 9g of rotational acceleration.
Power: 93 mph max exit velocity (86.1 avg.); 343-foot max batted distance.
Arm: RH. C - 71 mph. Quick, high 3/4 arm action.
Defense: 2.12-2.22 pop time range; One-knee receiver, steady hands, quick out of the crouch, soft blocker.
Athletic Testing: 7.74 runner in the 60-yard dash; 19.40-inch max vertical jump.
Vizual Edge: 83.29 Edge Score.

Ryne Shroff, Wheaton North (IL), 2028
Positional Profile: C/3B
Body: 6-1.9, 187.6-pounds. Athletic frame.
Hit: RHH. Balanced, relaxed setup, toe-tap stride. Easy hands with control, natural lift up the middle. 63.3 mph bat speed with 6g of rotational acceleration.
Power: 89 mph max exit velocity (80.7 avg.); 288-foot max batted distance.
Arm: RH. C - 71 mph. INF - 75 mph. Quick arm action, 3/4 release.
Defense: 1.95-2.22 pop time range; INF: Steady two-handed gather and funnel into the body, shuffles through to target. C: Athletic actions, quick out of the crouch, clean transfers, works in-line to second.
Athletic Testing: 7.39 runner in the 60-yard dash; 19.80-inch max vertical jump.
Vizual Edge: 69.32 Edge Score.

Travis Skole, Joliet West (IL), 2027
Positional Profile: C/3B
Body: 5-7, 176.2-pounds. Compact build.
Hit: RHH. Wide base, longer stride, simple and repeats. Strong hands, some intent to elevate up the middle, line-drives up the middle on the barrel. 71.7 mph bat speed with 18g of rotational acceleration.
Power: 95 mph max exit velocity (85.6 avg.); 346-foot max batted distance.
Arm: RH. C - 78 mph. Short arm action, 3/4 slot.
Defense: 2.04-2.15 pop time range; Steady glove, quick glove-to-hand transfer, replaces feet to second.
Athletic Testing: 7.32 runner in the 60-yard dash; 24.30-inch max vertical jump.
Vizual Edge: 64.64 Edge Score.

Josiah Sykes, West Chicago D33 ELC Winfield Primary Annex (IL), 2029
Positional Profile: C/OF
Body: 5-9, 174.6-pounds. Athletic, defined build.
Hit: RHH. Athletic, open setup, stride works back to even. Athletic hands with bat-speed, line-drive intent. 63.5 mph bat speed with 7g of rotational acceleration.
Power: 88 mph max exit velocity (71 avg.); 318-foot max batted distance.
Arm: RH. C - 68 mph. Short arm action, 3/4 slot.
Defense: 2.25-2.38 pop time range; One-knee receiver, quick out of the crouch, replaces feet toward second.
Athletic Testing: 8.04 runner in the 60-yard dash; 15.30-inch max vertical jump.
Vizual Edge: 47.28 Edge Score.

Owen VanDusen, Hampshire (IL), 2029
Positional Profile: C/2B
Body: 5-7.4, 160.5-pounds. Trim build with some strength present in the lower half.
Hit: RHH. Wide and spread out base, simple and minimal stride, short hand load. Direct swing, used the whole field with line-drive intent. 59.1 mph bat speed with 12g of rotational acceleration.
Power: 82 mph max exit velocity (67.2 avg.); 260-foot max batted distance.
Arm: RH. C - 65 mph. Short 3/4 arm action.
Defense: 2.34-2.56 pop time range; Soft hands, replaces feet to second, steady blocker.
Athletic Testing: 7.53 runner in the 60-yard dash; 19.90-inch max vertical jump.
Vizual Edge: 55.18 Edge Score.

Aaden VerStraete, Annawan (IL), 2027
Positional Profile: C/OF
Body: 5-7.9, 156.5-pounds. Compact, high-waisted build.
Hit: RHH. Narrow setup, toe-taps into a longer stride. Hands work on top of the baseball, some lift to the pull-side at times, easy effort with some balance. 69.4 mph bat speed with 15g of rotational acceleration.
Power: 94 mph max exit velocity (81.8 avg.); 329-foot max batted distance.
Arm: RH. C - 71 mph. Compact 3/4 arm action.
Defense: 2.07-2.20 pop time range; Steady hands, clean transfers, works in-line to second.
Athletic Testing: 7.38 runner in the 60-yard dash; 20.50-inch max vertical jump.
Vizual Edge: 69.3 Edge Score.

Andrew Wegrzyn, Glenbard North (IL), 2027
Positional Profile: C/OF
Body: 5-8.9, 194-pounds. Durable build.
Hit: RHH. Balanced setup, coils into load with minimal stride. Easy with strength, balanced, looks to lift pull-side, flashed line-drives up the middle. 66.3 mph bat speed with 9g of rotational acceleration.
Power: 90 mph max exit velocity (79.6 avg.); 313-foot max batted distance.
Arm: RH. C - 68 mph. Short arm action, high 3/4 release.
Defense: 2.23-2.30 pop time range; One-knee receiver, quiet glove, works in-line to second.
Athletic Testing: 7.72 runner in the 60-yard dash; 17.20-inch max vertical jump.
Vizual Edge: 65.1 Edge Score.

Sam Widloe, Neuqua Valley (IL), 2028
Positional Profile: C/3B
Body: 5-10.1, 227.1-pounds. Durable build.
Hit: RHH. Balanced setup, minimal pre-pitch load. Bat-speed with strong hands, pull-side intent with line-drives, flashed lift up the middle. 66.9 mph bat speed with 9g of rotational acceleration.
Power: 94 mph max exit velocity (87.8 avg.); 320-foot max batted distance.
Arm: RH. C - 72 mph. INF - 78 mph. INF: Arm plays from multiple angles, has upside. C: Short arm action, high 3/4 slot.
Defense: 2.33-2.39 pop time range; INF: Two-handed gather into body, clean footwork, steady glove. C: One-knee receiver, soft glove, works in-line to second.
Athletic Testing: 8.05 runner in the 60-yard dash; 15.50-inch max vertical jump.
Vizual Edge: 77.73 Edge Score.

Canon Ziegler, Crystal Lake South (IL), 2029
Positional Profile: C/1B
Body: 5-11, 194.9-pounds. Strong lower half.
Hit: RHH. Balanced setup, toe-tap stride. Short and direct swing, looks to keep the ball on a line, used the whole field. 58.3 mph bat speed with 10g of rotational acceleration.
Power: 75 mph max exit velocity (66.7 avg.); 236-foot max batted distance.
Arm: RH. C - 65 mph. Short 3/4 arm action.
Defense: 2.37-2.51 pop time range; Steady glove, works in-line to second, soft blocker.
Athletic Testing: 9.13 runner in the 60-yard dash; 13.00-inch max vertical jump.
Vizual Edge: 73.58 Edge Score.

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