Landen
Looper

Louisville commit, currently ranked No. 66 in the Illinois’ 2021 class. 6-foot-3, 205-pound, broad-shouldered, well-proportioned right-handed pitcher. Got the start for Lincoln-Way East and was in cruise control for much of the game. Attacked the strike zone throughout his outing at an above-average clip, landing 68% of his 93 pitches for strikes. He worked behind a fastball that topped at 86 mph, routinely going to a swing-and-miss curveball to keep hitters off balance. One of the more impressive things that stood out about Looper was the way he attacked hitters and the plan he seems to have on the mound. Routinely sinks his fastball when trying to go down in the zone, will work it to both sides of the plate (not afraid to go in on RHH’s) and has the ability to throw a true four-seamer at the top of the zone that plays straight with ride and jump at times. He also showed advanced feel for his curveball that he has the ability to manipulate depending on the hitter and the count. Looper would routinely land a 72-74 mph curveball in the zone for strikes and then would tighten it up with two strikes. His putaway pitch starts in the zone as a strike and ends up off the plate, inducing a number of swings and misses while sitting 75-78 mph. Looper, who got the win, ended up going 6.1 innings pitched, scattering five hits, two runs, one earned, striking out 11 and walking two. Polished, high-pitchability right-hander.

Louisville recruit. There is a lot to like about what Looper brings to the mound including a quick, strong arm, physical frame, and the ability to create a downward plane with his fastball. The big right-hander is an imposing presence on the mound, especially given his age, and worked 83-85 effortlessly with his fastball. He steps slightly across his body when driving to the plate which allows him to create some deception while also enhancing his ability to sink the ball to his arm side, which he does effectively for strikes. Looper throws over a slightly higher front side and gets extension out front making it seem like he is almost touching the catcher’s mitt. While he had some difficulty commanding his curveball throughout his outing, the pitch was thrown at 72-73 taking 11/5 shape with multi-tier break. There were times when he was able to get on top of the pitch to give it proper spin, and I think he is going to have a chance to really rip it off in the future with high spin rates probable. Because he is tall and naturally strong, it is easy to forget how young Looper is, but the sky is the limit on the possibility of what the young right-hander may become in the future.

Athletically-built right-handed pitcher. On the mound, athletic arm action from a high ¾ slot. Confident, smooth rhythm in delivery and stays on-line with home plate. Fastball, kept down in the zone, 79-81 mph, touching 82. Curveball, 11/5 shape, 69-70 mph.