Ryne
Roper

2013 Illinois Player of the Year ... Also earned Illinois Gatorade Player of the Year ...

Committed to the University of Illinois in August of his junior year. Earned MVP of the PBR Midwest Future Games ... Earned third-team All-State honors as a sophomore after he tallied 11 homers, 6 doubles, 45 runs and 45 RBI. On the mound, Roper posted an 8-2 record with a 2.66 ERA. ... In two varsity seasons, he's 18-3. The little brother of 2010 All-State SS/RHP Reid Roper, Ryne enjoyed a monster freshman year in which he tallied 17 doubles, 6 home runs and 35 RBI at the plate as a freshman on Harrisburg's 40-1 squad. On the mound he was equally impressive, going 10-1 behind his mid-80s fastball. The only Class of 2013 prospect at the event and judging by the way he swings the bat, Roper has to be one of the top incoming freshman in the state. With a clean, compact stroke from the right side and an approach well beyond his years, Ryan was the second-best hitter at the event, behind his older brother, Reid. In time, he showed the potential to also be up to par with his brother in the field. A top-level prospect. The 6-foot-1, 175-pound Roper (right) is the most impressive Class of 2013 prospect weve seen in the state. Fundamentally sound and athletically built, Roper is a standout both as a position player and as a pitcher. At the plate, Roper has an extremely quiet setup, quick hands and bat control, as he laced line drives all over the field. As a freshman at Harrisburg, he tallied 17 doubles, 6 HRs and 35 RBI. Defensively, he has advanced infield actions with excellent footwork and arm strength. On the mound, Roper, who was 10-1 on varsity, was even more impressive. His arm works effortlessly and showed feel for three pitches, including an easy 83-84 mph fastball that had late movement.