Luke
Landrus

Illinois signee. Currently ranked No. 17 in the state’s senior class. Started on the mound and batted second for the Spartans. Finished the day 1-for-4 with a double, one RBI and one run scored. A right-handed hitter, Landrus’ approach is simple with minimal pre-pitch movement into a short and direct bat path with above-average bat speed, takes good at-bats and is a tough out for opposing pitchers. Also threw four innings on the mound and struck out seven, showed a fastball that was mostly in the low-80s and touched 85 mph throughout.

Illinois commit. Currently ranked No. 17 in the state’s senior class. Started at second base and batted second for the Spartans. Stands in a projectable 6-foot-2, 180-pound frame with athleticism throughout. Impressed during his round of IO, showing athletic actions with soft hands, showing range to both sides and clean, quick transfer with a quality arm. He’s a right-handed hitter at the plate with a short and direct path to the ball. Finished the day 2-for-3 with two RBIs, two runs scored and two walks. Also threw 4.1 innings in relief, struck out six, walked three, allowed three runs and three hits. His fastball sat 81-85 mph, topping out at 86 mph, with mostly straight actions. He mixed in a curveball with 11/5 shape that sat 69-71 mph.

Illinois commit, currently ranked No. 17 in the state, impressed in his first start of the year tossing four scoreless innings; allowing two hits, one walk, and striking out four. The lanky 6-foot-2, 180-pound righty attacked hitters (66% first pitch strikes) throughout his outing using a heavy mix of all three of his pitches. His fastball sat 87-89 mph (T90) with more of a 4-seam feel to it. His primary offspeed pitch was a gradual breaking curveball that had 11/5 shape at 68-70 mph. Landrus also mixed in a changeup that missed barrels at 79-82 mph. He also went 1-for-2 at the plate with two walks, two runs scored, and two stolen bases. On Wednesday, Landrus showed as one of the top backstops in the state’s senior class. Athletic behind the plate with flexible hips, drops deep into a one knee stance when receiving. Soft hands, works down-to-up and gets around the baseball on inner-half pitches. Clear arm strength from the chute; natural carry to the bag with accuracy, popped a 1.99 in game. Has the makings to be an impact defensive backstop at the collegiate level early on in his career.

Verbally committed to Illinois.

Uncommitted. Currently slotted at No. 60 in the state. Highly projectable, 6-foot-2, 170-pound frame. Advanced catch/throw operation, consistently working around 1.90 seconds for his pop-time while even reaching slightly lower at times. The right-handed hitter has a fluid load with a simple and short stride. He fires through the zone with a loose and uphill path, power should continue to rise as he fills out and matures. Showed the ability to work the ball to the whole field with authority. 

Another catcher who was hard not to notice behind the plate was Luke Landrus (St. Joseph-Ogden, 2024). Landrus has a 6-foot-2, 170-pound, lean, wide-shouldered frame with plenty more physical development to come. He is highly-athletic behind the plate with one of the best glove-to-hand releases of the event. Landrus was 1.92-2.00 during the workout but flashed a 1.85 in between innings with his arm playing true and with carry. Offensively, he took a highly-intriguing round of BP showing loose, easy hands and plenty of whip and bat speed through the zone while staying balanced throughout. 

Positional Profile: C/SS
Body: 6-2, 170-pounds. Athletic, long-limbed frame with projection.
Hits: RHH. Squared setup, quiet pre-pitch actions, stays within himself and balanced overall swing. Loose, whippy hands, creates easy bat speed and stays on plane.
Power: 93 max exit velocity, averaged 83.7 MPH. 348' max distance.
Arm: RH. C-78 mph. Loose, athletic arm plays compact and over-the-top.
Defense: 1.93-2.00 pop times. Easy hands, athletic and light on his feet. Quick transfer and above-average flexibility.
Run: 7.00 runner in the 60.
Vizual Edge: 72.23 Edge Score

Positional Profile: C/SS
Body: 6-0, 170-pounds.
Hit: RHH. Balanced open stance. Loose, athletic, short, level swing.
Power: 86.35 max exit velocity, averaged 77.25 mph. 303’ max distance.
Arm: RH. C - 75 mph. INF - 83 mph. Strong arm, Long arm action, high 3/4 slot.
Defense: 1.95-2.13 pop times. Soft hands, quick exchange, quick feet, athletic.
Run: 7.40 runner in the 60.