2015 Recruiting and Beyond

[ucahogfan]

This article from Prep Baseball Report talks about the strength of the 2016 class in Wisconsin including C commit Ben Rortvedt:

http://www.prepbaseballreport.com/news/WI/Rortvedt-Wisconsin-Counterparts-Highlight-Strong-2016-Class-4197058362

[ucahogfan]

Jack Kenley ‏@jack_kenley  · 2h 
Blessed to say that I am officially committed to play baseball at The University of Arkansas. #neveryield @WinTheLastGame

The Hogs picked up a 2nd commitment from a class of 2016 player this weekend.  This time it was Memphis area SS Jack Kenley.  He recently attended the PG Ohio Valley Showcase and was named to the Top Prospect List after running a 6.77 60 and recording a top INF velo of 80.  We should get a better feel for the type of player he is after his report is released, but here is what PG had to say about him on the Top Prospect List:

Kenley shows plus athleticism and ran a 6.77 60 yard dash time. He also shows sound defensive actions on the infield, a strong arm and a quick right-handed stroke.

Here is the Top Prospect List link - http://www.perfectgame.org/events/Showcases/TopProspectList.aspx?event=2281

That makes 7 commitments in the class of 2016 from 7 different states.

[ucahogfan]

Jake Reindl ‏@jreindl24  · 1h 
Excited to announce my commitment to play baseball at the University of Arkansas! #WPS 🐗⚾️❤️

The Hogs pick up their 16th commitment of the 2015 class in Shiloh Christian RHP/SS Jake Reindl.  He is the 8th commitment from the state of Arkansas in the 2015 class for the Hogs.  7 of those commitments attend school in NWA which is awesome because that is a huge advantage for our coaches.  He is the first NWA kid that doesn't play at a 7A school though.

Reindl attended a PG Showcase in February where he topped out at 86.  Here is his PG profile:

http://www.perfectgame.org/Players/Playerprofile.aspx?ID=394943

[ucahogfan]

Mostly football related news but has baseball implications, Bret Bielema has offered Daniel Sprinkle a chance to walk on next year and will go on scholarship after two years, but could be put on one before then.  I'm thinking the delay in offering might have something to do with Sprinkle being a draft risk for the MLB and the SEC not allowing teams to over sign anymore, but I could be making that up.

http://www.wholehogsports.com/news/2014/aug/30/hogs-offer-state-prospect/

In terms of baseball, Sprinkle is a RHP who has a high ceiling.  He has a big frame at 6-4, 230 and has taken part in the PG National and East Coast Pro Showcases this summer topping out at 91 at ECP.  His future is much brighter on the baseball diamond compared to the football field.  Here is his PG profile:

http://www.perfectgame.org/Players/Playerprofile.aspx?ID=405026

[ucahogfan]

Article about Jake Reindl's commitment:

http://www.wholehogsports.com/news/2014/aug/30/reindl-commits-arkansas/

Good to see the velo is up and gives uu yet another NWA pitcher topping out at 90+.

[ucahogfan]

Prep Baseball Report will now cover Arkansas and the scout heading up Arkansas for PBR is Zac Bottoms who was a student manager on the Omaha team in 2009 according to this article:

http://www.prepbaseballreport.com/news/AR/Welcome-to-PBR-Arkansas-4213859706

[PintailKiller]

If his coverage is anything like his coaching style and personality, there will not be much quality coming forth.

[ucahogfan]

2015 Commitments
1.  Jacob Adams - 5-11, 155, SS, NR, N/A, Arkansas (committed to Crowder)
2.  Isaiah Campbell - 6-4, 230, RHP, 335, N/A, Kansas
3.  Eric Cole - 5-11, 170, OF, 500, 9, Texas
4.  Anthony Dahl - 6-3, 185, SS, 500, N/A, Texas
5.  Ty Harris - 6-2, 170, LHP, 500, 9, Arkansas
6.  Blaine Knight - 6-2, 160, RHP, NR, N/A, Arkansas
7.  Grant Koch - 6-0, 190, C, 500, 9, Arkansas
8.  Jacob Schlesener - 6-2, 170, LHP, NR, N/A, Missouri
9.  Weston Rogers - 6-4, 205, LHP, NR, N/A, Arkansas
10.  Cody Scroggins - 6-0, 170, SS, Top 1000, N/A, Arkansas
11.  Brendan Stanek - 6-1, 165, RHP, Top 1000, N/A, Kansas
12.  Drew Tyler - 6-0, 190, SS, 342, 8, Arkansas
13.  Kacey Murphy - 6-0, 180, LHP, NR, N/A, Arkansas
14.  Andrew Bolin - 6-2, 170, OF, NR, N/A, Oklahoma
15.  Kevin Kopps - 6-0, 175, RHP, NR, 8, Texas
16.  Barrett Loseke - 5-11, 150, RHP, NR, 8.5, Oklahoma
17.  Jake Reindl - 6-1, 175, RHP, NR, 8.5, Arkansas

2016 Commitments
1.  Jordan McFarland - 6-4, 220, 3B, 117, 9, Illinois
2.  Jaxon Williams - 5-7, 155, SS, 87, N/A, Texas
3.  Ben Rortvedt - 5-10, 185, C, NR, N/A, Wisconsin
4.  Matt Cronin - 5-11, 170, LHP, NR, N/A, Florida
5.  Jacob Kostyshock - 6-4, 160, RHP, NR, N/A, Missouri
6.  Dominic Fletcher - 5-9, 180, OF, 213, N/A, California
7.  Jack Kenley - 6-0, 170, SS, NR, N/A, Tennessee
8.  Matt Burch - 5-9, 155, SS, NR, N/A, Illinois
9.  Blake Lillis - 6-3, 175, LHP, NR, N/A, Kansas

[ucahogfan]

2015 State-by-State Breakdown
Arkansas - 8 (2 SS, 3 LHP, 1 C, 2 RHP)
Texas - 3 (1 SS, 1 OF, 1 RHP)
Kansas - 2 (2 RHP)
Missouri - 1 (1 LHP)
Oklahoma - 2 (1 OF, 1 RHP)

2016 State-by-State Breakdown
Illinois - 2 (1 3B, 1 SS)
Texas - 1 (1 SS)
Wisconsin - 1 (1 C)
Florida - 1 (1 LHP)
Missouri - 1 (1 RHP)
California - 1 (1 OF)
Tennessee - 1 (1 SS)
Kansas - 1 (1 LHP)

[ucahogfan]

I have found two new commitments for the class of 2016.  They are SS Matt Burch from the Chicago Metro and LHP Blake Lillis who attends St. Thomas Aquinas in the state of Kansas in the KC Metro.

PBR Illinois ‏@PBRIllinois  · Sep 7 
IL: Matt Burch, a 2016 MIF from Warren HS, commits to @ArkRazorbacks.  Burch is ranked No. 14 in IL, No. 79 overall.

Burch isn't a very big player as he is only 5-9, 155, but he has a cannon for a throwing arm and should be able to stick at SS.  He has hit 87 for an INF velo at a PBR event which is along the lines of what Brett McAfee and Keith Grieshaber threw at PG events while they were in HS.

http://www.prepbaseballreport.com/news/IL/2014-PBR-Future-Games-Stats-1374285609

Here is a spotlight on Matt Burch by PBR - http://www.prepbaseballreport.com/news/IL/Future-Games-Spotlight-Matt-Burch-0967183425

Here are a couple of more articles about his performance at the PBR Futures Game:

http://www.prepbaseballreport.com/news/IL/Illinois-Players-Shine-at-PBR-Future-Games-Positional-Workout-4786352019

[urlhttp://www.prepbaseballreport.com/news/IL/Illinois-Players-Shine-at-PBR-Future-Games-Positional-Workout-4786352019][/url]

Blake Lillis @Blake_Lillis08     ·   1h   

Thank not only God, but my family, friends and coaches for the support for helping me commit to University of Arkansas to play baseball!⚾️🐗

Prep Baseball Report @prepbaseball     ·   1h   

KS: @Blake_Lillis08 ('16 St Thomas Aquinas) commits to Arkansas. Athletic, projectable LHP @bldgchamps @Hovpen @sportsinkansas #OmaHogs

Blake Lillis might be the third best pitching prospect on his high school team and that is definitely not a knock against him.  St. Thomas Aquinas will be heavily scouted each of the next two springs because of brand new #1 overall recruit in PG's class of 2016 Riley Pint.  Pint is a RHP who has hit 97 this summer.  They also have an elite 2015 RHP in Garrett Huston who has committed to Josh Holliday at Oklahoma State.  As for Lillis, he is a very projectable LHP currently throwing the mid 80s, but has the frame to see a huge velo bump and has good offspeed.  Here is an article about his performance at the PBR Kansas Underclass Games:

http://www.prepbaseballreport.com/news/KS/Kansas-Underclass-Games-Pitching-Analysis-5429073681

Lillis could be a potential 2 way player at Arkansas as he is also one of the best 2016 OF prospects in Kansas.  Here is an article about his performance in the OF:

http://www.prepbaseballreport.com/news/KS/Kansas-Underclass-Games-Outfield-Analysis-4368917025

[bulldog04]

Wow no 2016 commits from in state players.  Is the 2016 in state class a little down?

[ucahogfan]

Q&A with Lillis by PBR as he is the first 2016 from Kansas to commit:

http://www.prepbaseballreport.com/news/KS/Q-and-A-with-Arkansas-commit-Blake-Lillis-8659342170

[ucahogfan]

Wow no 2016 commits from in state players.  Is the 2016 in state class a little down?

I think the 2016 class is weaker than normal.  It doesn't have the depth of the 2015 class (but really, do we ever see it?) or a standout prospect like Blake Wiggins, Blake Baxendale, or Trey Killian.  I do think we will get a couple of commits, but the bulk of our class will be from out-of-state.

[ucahogfan]

PurpleDogBaseball @FayDogBaseball     ·   Sep 28   

Six seniors have committed to play baseball at Arkansas (2), Central Arkansas, K-State, Ole Miss, Southern Miss. #D1baseball

PurpleDogBaseball @FayDogBaseball     ·   Jul 29   

Congrats to @GrantK_23 and @drewtyler94 for being selected for national showcases Koch-East Coast Pro-Mets Tyler-Area Code Games White Sox

[A_R_K_A_N_S_A_S]

PurpleDogBaseball @FayDogBaseball     ·   Sep 28   

Six seniors have committed to play baseball at Arkansas (2), Central Arkansas, K-State, Ole Miss, Southern Miss. #D1baseball

PurpleDogBaseball @FayDogBaseball     ·   Jul 29   

Congrats to @GrantK_23 and @drewtyler94 for being selected for national showcases Koch-East Coast Pro-Mets Tyler-Area Code Games White Sox

Impressive.

[Amityvillehogger]

Just noticed the rankings for 2015 and I've seen his name on here before...Someone remind me if we are recruiting Gray Fenter from WM?

[lowandaway]

Don't know if we are or not.  Last I heard he had switched his commitment from Ole Miss to Miss State.

[ricepig]

Don't know if we are or not.  Last I heard he had switched his commitment from Ole Miss to Miss State.

Wow, figured he was an Ole Siss guy, his sister is a softball player there. As far as if we are/were recruiting him, I've never heard that we were, but usually in baseball you only hear after they commit.

[ucahogfan]

Razorback Baseball @RazorbackBSB     ·  10h 10 hours ago   

Congrats to Ty Harris, Drew Tyler, Isaiah Campbell, Eric Cole and Cody Scroggins who have all signed their NLI's and joined the #OmaHogs!

Razorback Baseball @RazorbackBSB     ·  3h 3 hours ago   

Congrats to Anthony Dahl, Blaine Knight, Grant Koch, Weston Rogers and Jacob Schlesener on becoming Hogs today! Class is up to 10! #WPS

Razorback Baseball @RazorbackBSB     ·  5h 5 hours ago   

Welcome to the family Drew! RT @ndddtyler: @drewtyler94 has officially signed with @RazorbackBSB WPS! Go Hogs!



Razorback Baseball @RazorbackBSB     ·  2h 2 hours ago   

Welcome Ty! #WPS RT @clhickscpa: Celebrated as @ty_harris_13 signs with @RazorbackBSB.



Razorback Baseball @RazorbackBSB     ·  1h 1 hour ago   

Welcome Grant! #WPS RT @FayDogBaseball: @GrantK_23 and his parents after signing with @razorbackbsb today.

[ucahogfan]

2015 Commitments
1.  Jacob Adams - 5-11, 155, SS, NR, N/A, Arkansas (committed to Crowder)
2.  Isaiah Campbell - 6-4, 230, RHP, 500, 9, Kansas
3.  Eric Cole - 5-11, 170, OF, 500, 9, Texas
4.  Anthony Dahl - 6-3, 185, SS, 500, N/A, Texas
5.  Ty Harris - 6-2, 170, LHP, 261, 9, Arkansas
6.  Blaine Knight - 6-2, 160, RHP, NR, N/A, Arkansas
7.  Grant Koch - 6-0, 190, C, 500, 9, Arkansas
8.  Jacob Schlesener - 6-2, 170, LHP, 500, N/A, Missouri
9.  Weston Rogers - 6-4, 205, LHP, NR, N/A, Arkansas
10.  Cody Scroggins - 6-0, 170, SS, Top 1000, N/A, Arkansas
11.  Brendan Stanek - 6-1, 165, RHP, 500, N/A, Kansas
12.  Drew Tyler - 6-0, 190, SS, 500, 8, Arkansas
13.  Kacey Murphy - 6-0, 180, LHP, NR, N/A, Arkansas
14.  Andrew Bolin - 6-2, 170, OF, NR, N/A, Oklahoma
15.  Kevin Kopps - 6-0, 175, RHP, NR, 8, Texas
16.  Barrett Loseke - 5-11, 150, RHP, NR, 8.5, Oklahoma
17.  Jake Reindl - 6-1, 175, RHP, NR, 8.5, Arkansas

2016 Commitments
1.  Jordan McFarland - 6-4, 220, 3B, 117, 9, Illinois
2.  Jaxon Williams - 5-7, 155, SS, 87, N/A, Texas
3.  Ben Rortvedt - 5-10, 185, C, NR, N/A, Wisconsin
4.  Matt Cronin - 5-11, 170, LHP, NR, N/A, Florida
5.  Jacob Kostyshock - 6-4, 160, RHP, NR, N/A, Missouri
6.  Dominic Fletcher - 5-9, 180, OF, 213, N/A, California
7.  Jack Kenley - 6-0, 170, SS, NR, N/A, Tennessee
8.  Matt Burch - 5-9, 155, SS, NR, N/A, Illinois
9.  Blake Lillis - 6-3, 175, LHP, NR, N/A, Kansas
10.  Evan Lee - 6-0, 160, LHP, NR, N/A, Arkansas


Signed Players

[Oklahawg]

UCA, the commits who didn't sign...is that a bad indication? Or, are they just waiting until spring? Or??

[Kevin]

stanek's brother has signed

[ricepig]

UCA, the commits who didn't sign...is that a bad indication? Or, are they just waiting until spring? Or??

I'm not sure he has updated it, we had some sign Thursday, and it goes until the 19th, I believe.

[A_R_K_A_N_S_A_S]

I'm not sure he has updated it, we had some sign Thursday, and it goes until the 19th, I believe.

Yep, I'm sure uca will get it updated tough. Think I heard he is doing some traveling around the country or something. 

[ucahogfan]

Razorback Baseball @RazorbackBSB 
  ·   Nov 13   
#Legacy > RT @rstanek_55: Congrats to my little bro @Bstanek45 on signing day! I love you man and very proud of you.



Razorback Baseball @RazorbackBSB 
  ·   Nov 13   
And the #OmaHogs keep coming! RT @isaiah_campbell: Officially signed to play baseball at the University of Arkansas!



Razorback Baseball @RazorbackBSB 
  ·   Nov 13   
Looking good Weston #WPS > RT @HarBerWildcats: Congrats to Weston Rogers, his family, and the @HarberBaseball team! 



Razorback Baseball @RazorbackBSB 
  ·   Nov 13   
We would agree! Welcome! #WPS RT @criceole9: Nothing better in life than signing to be a @RazorbackBSB player



Razorback Baseball @RazorbackBSB 
  ·   Nov 13   
Welcome to the program! #OmaHogs RT @JacobSchlesener: Officially a Razorback #WPS

[ucahogfan]

UCA, the commits who didn't sign...is that a bad indication? Or, are they just waiting until spring? Or??

Like rice said, the early signing period goes through the 19th.  DVH should introduce the class sometime next week and I expect more players will have signed before then.

And a couple of players might not have their names released as signed because it might mean they are invited walk-ons or something like that.  Mark Hammel and Darien Simms are examples of players who signed in the early period last year, but never had their name released because they might have been invited walk-ons or something like that.

[ucahogfan]

Story of the 6 out-of-state recruits to sign a LOI with Arkansas in the early period - http://www.arkansasrazorbacks.com/news/razorbackbsb-signs-six-out-of-state-players-11-19-2014

Story of the 8 in-state recruits to sign a LOI with Arkansas - http://www.arkansasrazorbacks.com/news/razorbackbsb-inks-eight-in-state-players-to-nlis-11-17-2014

[ucahogfan]

2015 State-by-State Breakdown
Arkansas - 8 (2 SS, 3 LHP, 1 C, 2 RHP)
Texas - 3 (1 SS, 1 OF, 1 RHP)
Kansas - 2 (2 RHP)
Missouri - 1 (1 LHP)
Oklahoma - 2 (1 OF, 1 RHP)

2016 State-by-State Breakdown
Illinois - 2 (1 3B, 1 SS)
Texas - 1 (1 SS)
Wisconsin - 1 (1 C)
Florida - 1 (1 LHP)
Missouri - 1 (1 RHP)
California - 1 (1 OF)
Tennessee - 1 (1 SS)
Kansas - 1 (1 LHP)
Arkansas - 1 (1 LHP)

[ucahogfan]

The Hogs have recently picked up their 10th commitment of the class of 2016 and the first in-state commitment in Bryant HS LHP/OF Evan Lee.  Don't know much about Lee, but I figure someone can shed some light on him.  He joins teammate RHP Blaine Knight who recently signed with the Hogs for the class of 2015.  That now makes three programs in-state with multiple players committed/signed to be Razorbacks in Bryant, Fayetteville, and Heritage.

[ucahogfan]

BIG COMMITMENT ALERT

The Hogs have picked up another stud in the class of 2016.

Tyler Benninghoff @TBenninghoff 
  ·  11h 11 hours ago   
I am proud to say I have committed to play baseball at the University of Arkansas! Thank you to everyone who supported me! #OmaHogs

Kendall Rogers @KendallRogersD1 
  ·  8h 8 hours ago   
.@RazorbackBSB got a nice commitment from 2016 RHP/INF Tyler Benninghoff. Friends at @PerfectGameUSA have him ranked 66 nationally. #WPS

Jheremy Brown ‏@JBrownPG  · 7h7 hours ago 
.@RazorbackBSB receives a big time commitment from 2016 RHP Tyler Benninghoff (Overland Park, KS) big CB w + projectability, ranked #66 #WPS

If the last name seems familiar, his older brother is in fact freshman OF Jack Benninghoff.  Tyler is a stud pitcher.  At 6-4, he has the ideal height for a pitcher.  While he hasn't hit much higher than 88 this summer, he might have the best curveball in his class and it isn't hard to see him throwing in the mid 90s in the near future.  Hope he makes it to campus to spend at least one more year playing with his older brother.

[ucahogfan]

2015 Commitments
1.  Jacob Adams - 5-11, 155, SS, NR, N/A, Arkansas (committed to Crowder)
2.  Isaiah Campbell - 6-4, 230, RHP, 500, 9, Kansas
3.  Eric Cole - 5-11, 170, OF, 500, 9, Texas
4.  Anthony Dahl - 6-3, 185, SS, 500, N/A, Texas
5.  Ty Harris - 6-2, 170, LHP, 261, 9, Arkansas
6.  Blaine Knight - 6-2, 160, RHP, NR, N/A, Arkansas
7.  Grant Koch - 6-0, 190, C, 500, 9, Arkansas
8.  Jacob Schlesener - 6-2, 170, LHP, 500, N/A, Missouri
9.  Weston Rogers - 6-4, 205, LHP, NR, N/A, Arkansas
10.  Cody Scroggins - 6-0, 170, SS, Top 1000, N/A, Arkansas
11.  Brendan Stanek - 6-1, 165, RHP, 500, N/A, Kansas
12.  Drew Tyler - 6-0, 190, SS, 500, 8, Arkansas
13.  Kacey Murphy - 6-0, 180, LHP, NR, N/A, Arkansas
14.  Andrew Bolin - 6-2, 170, OF, NR, N/A, Oklahoma
15.  Kevin Kopps - 6-0, 175, RHP, NR, 8, Texas
16.  Barrett Loseke - 5-11, 150, RHP, NR, 8.5, Oklahoma
17.  Jake Reindl - 6-1, 175, RHP, NR, 8.5, Arkansas

2016 Commitments
1.  Jordan McFarland - 6-4, 220, 3B, 117, 9, Illinois
2.  Jaxon Williams - 5-7, 155, SS, 87, N/A, Texas
3.  Ben Rortvedt - 5-10, 185, C, NR, N/A, Wisconsin
4.  Matt Cronin - 5-11, 170, LHP, NR, N/A, Florida
5.  Jacob Kostyshock - 6-4, 160, RHP, NR, N/A, Missouri
6.  Dominic Fletcher - 5-9, 180, OF, 213, N/A, California
7.  Jack Kenley - 6-0, 170, SS, NR, N/A, Tennessee
8.  Matt Burch - 5-9, 155, SS, NR, N/A, Illinois
9.  Blake Lillis - 6-3, 175, LHP, NR, N/A, Kansas
10.  Evan Lee - 6-0, 160, LHP, NR, N/A, Arkansas
11.  Tyler Benninghoff - 6-4, 180, RHP, 66, 9.5, Kansas (high school in Missouri)
12.  Brenden Heiss - 6-1, 210, RHP, 45, N/A, Illinois


Signed Players

[ucahogfan]

2015 State-by-State Breakdown
Arkansas - 8 (2 SS, 3 LHP, 1 C, 2 RHP)
Texas - 3 (1 SS, 1 OF, 1 RHP)
Kansas - 2 (2 RHP)
Missouri - 1 (1 LHP)
Oklahoma - 2 (1 OF, 1 RHP)

2016 State-by-State Breakdown
Illinois - 3 (1 3B, 1 SS, 1 RHP)
Texas - 1 (1 SS)
Wisconsin - 1 (1 C)
Florida - 1 (1 LHP)
Missouri - 1 (1 RHP)
California - 1 (1 OF)
Tennessee - 1 (1 SS)
Kansas - 2 (1 LHP, 1 RHP)
Arkansas - 1 (1 LHP)

[bulldog89]

Wow no 2016 commits from in state players.  Is the 2016 in state class a little down?

I don't really think it is down, there are some out there in the 2016 class.

[ucahogfan]

BIG COMMITMENT ALERT

DVH and Vitello keep up the steam on the recruiting trail and land yet another big time RHP stud in the class of 2016.  This time it is Illinois RHP Brenden Heiss.  Heiss is only 6-1, but brings serious heat and has hit 95 this past summer.

Jheremy Brown ‏@JBrownPG  · 7h7 hours ago 
.@RazorbackBSB picks up 2nd elite arm in '16 class w/in past week, adding RHP Brenden Heiss (Lake in the Hills, IL) up to 94 mph, #45 in '16

Prep Baseball Report ‏@prepbaseball  · 21h21 hours ago 
IL: RHP Brenden Heiss (Jacobs HS), No. 9 overall 2016 prospect, commits to Arkansas. Up to 95 at PBR Future Games >> http://www.prepbaseballreport.com/profiles/IL/Brenden-Heiss-7286430519-7680192354 ...

Lake in the Hills, IL is near Chicago and was wanted by a lot of the elite programs in the country.  This is a huge recruiting coup by DVH and Vitello and hopefully he makes it to campus.  This marks the 3rd prospect the Hogs have out of Illinois in the class of 2016 along with big time 3B Jordan McFarland and SS Matt Burch.

Vitello is doing work in the class of 2016 landing I assume at least 4 top 100 prospects in Tyler Benninghoff in Kansas, Brenden Heiss in Illinois, Jaxon Williams in Texas and Dominic Fletcher in California.  Just imagine a weekend rotation with Benninghoff and Heiss in it and a lineup with Williams and Fletcher at the top.

Here is an article about his performance at a PBR event this summer:  http://www.prepbaseballreport.com/news/IL/Future-Games-Team-Illinois-Pitching-Staff-Highlights-0641589237

[ucahogfan]

I don't really think it is down, there are some out there in the 2016 class.

Who is out there that DVH, Vitello, and Jorn would target?

The 2015 class is deep and something we might not see again in a long time.  The 2014 class had a couple of big time players in Wiggins and Pate.  The 2016 class doesn't look like it has either right now.

[ucahogfan]

Good article about Heiss' picking Arkansas:

http://www.dailyherald.com/article/20150119/sports/150118713/

Now you can see why DVH pushed so hard to get the Fowler Family Indoor Facility built and has a coach on staff that can just flat out recruit.

[Amityvillehogger]

Good article about Heiss' picking Arkansas:

http://www.dailyherald.com/article/20150119/sports/150118713/

Now you can see why DVH pushed so hard to get the Fowler Family Indoor Facility built and has a coach on staff that can just flat out recruit.

Mid 90's huh? Gotta think he will be drafted fairly high.

[ucahogfan]

Mid 90's huh? Gotta think he will be drafted fairly high.

Depends on a few factors IMO:

-  How signable is he?  Does he want top 15 money or will he sign for 3rd/4th money?  Does he have his heart set on going to school?  With the new draft rules, that might be the deciding factor.  It is the main reason why McKinney and Bonfield are on campus this year.

-  How projectable is he?  Sure he throws 95 now, but is there more in the tank?  At 6-1, he really isn't the prototypical build that scouts look for.  They are looking for someone in the 6-3, 6-4 range like Stanek or Jackson.

-  How is his offspeed?  His fastball probably grades out at about 60/65 right now topping at 95 on a 20-80 scale, but how does his off speed project?  He throws a palm ball, curveball, and changeup, but they appear to be behind his fastball right now.

I would think Tyler Benninghoff would be higher on scout's draft boards right now even though Heiss throws 5-7 MPH harder than him because you can see Benninghoff throwing in the mid 90s one day soon and has a curveball that is a 60 grade right now and could be a 70 grade type pitch when it is all said and done.  I'm excited to have Heiss and Benninghoff on board as they are elite level pitchers that would help take this program to the level we want.

You would think seeing mid 90s means high round pick, but that isn't always the case now.  Heiss is ranked #46 in his class which means about a 4th round type pick when you factor in college players and we are still 1.5 years out from the draft.  So much can change before then.

[dotnet]

Heiss is ranked #46 in his class which means about a 4th round type pick when you factor in college players and we are still 1.5 years out from the draft.  So much can change before then.

I'm a broken record when it comes to this but it is mostly unfair to blame coaches when they have a great class that is torn up by the draft.  You start recruiting these guys three years out and you get them to commit 1.5 years out.  All of these guys want you (a big time program) to offer them and want to sign - even if just for the leverage in the draft.

How do you know McKinney and Stanek are serious in that it'll take first round money to sign him? How do you know that other studs aren't serious when they say that? 

How do you know if that big right hander will stay in the range that makes him a great college sign... or if he'll add a few mph his senior year and sky rocket up the draft board? 

You sign as many elite guys as possible and see what happens.  UNC, TCU, and Vandy (and almost UCLA) have gotten really lucky with some elite guys.  It happens.

[dotnet]

One year Arkansas lost:

-a top 50 recruit - signed for $400k (drafted 23rd round)
-a top 10 recruit - signed for 1M+
-another recruit signed for 799k (had said it'd take over 1M)
-another recruit, not top 100, signed for 530k (drafted 7th round)

That class also had:

Stanek
Astin
Wise
Fisher
Sanburn
Suggs
Bates
Fico
Lynch
Moore

[flippinhogmana]

One year Arkansas lost:

-a top 50 recruit - signed for $400k (drafted 23rd round)
-a top 10 recruit - signed for 1M+
-another recruit signed for 799k (had said it'd take over 1M)
-another recruit, not top 100, signed for 530k (drafted 7th round)

That class also had:

Stanek
Astin
Wise
Fisher
Sanburn
Suggs
Bates
Fico
Lynch
Moore

Your mention of Lynch brings back painful memories for him and for us.  I think I liked him as much or more than any pitcher we have had in the last ten years.  To see it all lost because of the migraines is a pity.  But then, that is another thing that can be harmful to your draft class and program-unforseen injuries and circumstances.

[Gohogs18]

RHP/QB just moved to Greenwood, AR from Reno, NV. Big 15 year old (6' 2" 180 lbs) and class of 2018; however, his fastball is already being clocked at 86 mph + and he is being coached by our former Razorback pitcher, Trey Holloway (Greenwood Head Baseball Coach). I saw a post about Bielema's view on a two sport guy but nothing was said either way. This kid is also linked to Dennis Gile, QB coach for Kyle Allen (Texas A&M) and Blake Barnett (Alabama). I'm sure the boys in Fayetteville have already heard of this kid, however, you know A & M and Alabama have for sure.

http://blog.baseballfactory.com/2015/01/bf-all-america-pre-season-rookie-capsules/

[Gohogs18]

Top Velocities - 86 MPH    Connor Noland   Greenwood, AR

[ucahogfan]

I'm a broken record when it comes to this but it is mostly unfair to blame coaches when they have a great class that is torn up by the draft.  You start recruiting these guys three years out and you get them to commit 1.5 years out.  All of these guys want you (a big time program) to offer them and want to sign - even if just for the leverage in the draft.

How do you know McKinney and Stanek are serious in that it'll take first round money to sign him? How do you know that other studs aren't serious when they say that? 

How do you know if that big right hander will stay in the range that makes him a great college sign... or if he'll add a few mph his senior year and sky rocket up the draft board? 

You sign as many elite guys as possible and see what happens.  UNC, TCU, and Vandy (and almost UCLA) have gotten really lucky with some elite guys.  It happens.

Yeah, the Hogs have had some good luck with the draft (mainly this year), but have had more than our fair share of tough luck with excellent players signing for less than what they wanted (Robbie Ray) or players who see a major velo spike within a year before the draft (Ty Buttrey and Sam Hentges) because they had the ideal build of a pitcher and they finally developed.

This 2016 class is shaping up to being one of the better classes we have signed at Arkansas.  Now it all depends on who all makes it to campus.  Outside of Heiss who I don't have a good feel for, I think we stand a very good chance of getting Benninghoff, Williams, and Fletcher to campus.

[ucahogfan]

One year Arkansas lost:

-a top 50 recruit - signed for $400k (drafted 23rd round)
-a top 10 recruit - signed for 1M+
-another recruit signed for 799k (had said it'd take over 1M)
-another recruit, not top 100, signed for 530k (drafted 7th round)

That class also had:

Stanek
Astin
Wise
Fisher
Sanburn
Suggs
Bates
Fico
Lynch
Moore

That 2010 class was one of the best to come through Arkansas ever, but it could have been so much better.  O'Conner was never going to step foot on campus as long as he stay healthy his senior year while Wells was a real late sign, but Ray and Lakind were tough losses as they filled big needs on the team.

Even though we lost 3 top 100 guys, we still had 7 top 200 players make it to campus.  Only 3 ever saw much time here and they all had major impacts in Fico, Stanek, and Suggs.  The other four are Pierce Trumper, Jacob Rice, Jeff Harvill, and Bronson Gilliam.  So much talent that never panned out.

[ucahogfan]

2015 Commitments
1.  Jacob Adams - 5-11, 155, SS, NR, N/A, Arkansas (committed to Crowder)
2.  Isaiah Campbell - 6-4, 230, RHP, 500, 9, Kansas
3.  Eric Cole - 5-11, 170, OF, 500, 9, Texas
4.  Anthony Dahl - 6-3, 185, SS, 500, N/A, Texas
5.  Ty Harris - 6-2, 170, LHP, 261, 9, Arkansas
6.  Blaine Knight - 6-2, 160, RHP, NR, N/A, Arkansas
7.  Grant Koch - 6-0, 190, C, 500, 9, Arkansas
8.  Jacob Schlesener - 6-2, 170, LHP, 500, N/A, Missouri
9.  Weston Rogers - 6-4, 205, LHP, NR, N/A, Arkansas
10.  Cody Scroggins - 6-0, 170, SS, Top 1000, N/A, Arkansas
11.  Brendan Stanek - 6-1, 165, RHP, 500, N/A, Kansas
12.  Drew Tyler - 6-0, 190, SS, 500, 8, Arkansas
13.  Kacey Murphy - 6-0, 180, LHP, NR, N/A, Arkansas
14.  Andrew Bolin - 6-2, 170, OF, NR, N/A, Oklahoma
15.  Kevin Kopps - 6-0, 175, RHP, NR, 8, Texas
16.  Barrett Loseke - 5-11, 150, RHP, NR, 8.5, Oklahoma
17.  Jake Reindl - 6-1, 175, RHP, NR, 8.5, Arkansas

2016 Commitments
1.  Jordan McFarland - 6-4, 220, 3B, 117, 9.5, Illinois
2.  Jaxon Williams - 5-7, 155, SS, 87, N/A, Texas
3.  Ben Rortvedt - 5-10, 185, C, NR, 10, Wisconsin
4.  Matt Cronin - 5-11, 170, LHP, NR, N/A, Florida
5.  Jacob Kostyshock - 6-4, 160, RHP, NR, N/A, Missouri
6.  Dominic Fletcher - 5-9, 180, OF, 213, 10, California
7.  Jack Kenley - 6-0, 170, SS, NR, 9, Tennessee
8.  Matt Burch - 5-9, 155, SS, NR, N/A, Illinois
9.  Blake Lillis - 6-3, 175, LHP, NR, N/A, Kansas
10.  Evan Lee - 6-0, 160, LHP, NR, N/A, Arkansas
11.  Tyler Benninghoff - 6-4, 180, RHP, 66, 9.5, Kansas (high school in Missouri)
12.  Brenden Heiss - 6-1, 210, RHP, 45, N/A, Illinois
13.  Lucas Krull - 6-6, 200, LHP, NR, N/A, Kansas

Signed Players

[ucahogfan]

2015 State-by-State Breakdown
Arkansas - 8 (2 SS, 3 LHP, 1 C, 2 RHP)
Texas - 3 (1 SS, 1 OF, 1 RHP)
Kansas - 2 (2 RHP)
Missouri - 1 (1 LHP)
Oklahoma - 2 (1 OF, 1 RHP)

2016 State-by-State Breakdown
Illinois - 3 (1 3B, 1 SS, 1 RHP)
Texas - 1 (1 SS)
Wisconsin - 1 (1 C)
Florida - 1 (1 LHP)
Missouri - 1 (1 RHP)
California - 1 (1 OF)
Tennessee - 1 (1 SS)
Kansas - 3 (2 LHP, 1 RHP)
Arkansas - 1 (1 LHP)

[flippinhogmana]

2015 Commitments
[s]1.  Jacob Adams - 5-11, 155, SS, NR, N/A, Arkansas[/s] (committed to Crowder)
2.  Isaiah Campbell - 6-4, 230, RHP, 500, 9, Kansas
3.  Eric Cole - 5-11, 170, OF, 500, 9, Texas
4.  Anthony Dahl - 6-3, 185, SS, 500, N/A, Texas
5.  Ty Harris - 6-2, 170, LHP, 261, 9, Arkansas
[b]6.  Blaine Knight - 6-2, 160, RHP, NR, N/A, Arkansas
7.  Grant Koch - 6-0, 190, C, 500, 9, Arkansas
8.  Jacob Schlesener - 6-2, 170, LHP, 500, N/A, Missouri
9.  Weston Rogers - 6-4, 205, LHP, NR, N/A, Arkansas
10.  Cody Scroggins - 6-0, 170, SS, Top 1000, N/A, Arkansas
11.  Brendan Stanek - 6-1, 165, RHP, 500, N/A, Kansas
12.  Drew Tyler - 6-0, 190, SS, 500, 8, Arkansas
13.  Kacey Murphy - 6-0, 180, LHP, NR, N/A, Arkansas
14.  Andrew Bolin - 6-2, 170, OF, NR, N/A, Oklahoma
[b]15.  Kevin Kopps - 6-0, 175, RHP, NR, 8, Texas
16.  Barrett Loseke - 5-11, 150, RHP, NR, 8.5, Oklahoma[/b]
17.  Jake Reindl - 6-1, 175, RHP, NR, 8.5, Arkansas
[/b]
2016 Commitments
1.  Jordan McFarland - 6-4, 220, 3B, 117, 9, Illinois
2.  Jaxon Williams - 5-7, 155, SS, 87, N/A, Texas
3.  Ben Rortvedt - 5-10, 185, C, NR, N/A, Wisconsin
4.  Matt Cronin - 5-11, 170, LHP, NR, N/A, Florida
5.  Jacob Kostyshock - 6-4, 160, RHP, NR, N/A, Missouri
6.  Dominic Fletcher - 5-9, 180, OF, 213, N/A, California
7.  Jack Kenley - 6-0, 170, SS, NR, N/A, Tennessee
8.  Matt Burch - 5-9, 155, SS, NR, N/A, Illinois
9.  Blake Lillis - 6-3, 175, LHP, NR, N/A, Kansas
10.  Evan Lee - 6-0, 160, LHP, NR, N/A, Arkansas
11.  Tyler Benninghoff - 6-4, 180, RHP, 66, 9.5, Kansas (high school in Missouri)
12.  Brenden Heiss - 6-1, 210, RHP, 45, N/A, Illinois
13.  Lucas Krull - 6-6, 200, LHP, NR, N/A, Kansas

Signed Players

noticed quite a few LHP's in both years

[ucahogfan]

Time to do a little catching up on recruiting news:

-  The Hogs have picked up the 13th commitment in the class of 2016 in Kansas City area LHP Lucas Krull.  Krull is a big LHP at 6-6, 200 and has shown a lot of development in the last year as he topped out at 80 this summer, but has hit 89 this winter.  Here is a story about his commitment:

http://www.prepbaseballreport.com/news/KS/The-Buzz-Kempner-Adds-Kentucky-Arkansas-Continues-Shopping-Spree-2076415398

-  Ben Rortvedt and Jordan "Big Country" McFarland participated in the PG Indoor Showcase and both were named to the Top Prospect List.  Rortvedt looks to be the next catcher in line as he popped 1.81 which is elite.  He also showed a nice ability to hit from the LH side.  McFarland is a big guy at 6-4, 225 who has the bat to back it up, but is surprisingly athletic as he ran a 4.84 40 which was the 5th fastest at the event.  Here is the link:

http://www.perfectgame.org/events/Showcases/TopProspectList.aspx?event=2836

-  The Arkansas signee who develops a year too soon ala Ty Buttrey and Sam Hentges appears to be Jacob Schlesener this year.  While I think he grew up a Hog fan and wants to play for the Hogs, he has seen a velo bump to where he was sitting 90-92 this winter at a PBR event.  Word is that he has one of the better change ups in his class as well.  He might not be the ideal size for a pitcher, but is still 6-2 and has a lot more room to grow so he could even be projected to be mid 90s in just a couple of years.  He also shows promise with his slider.  If he gets to campus (which I think he will), he could challenge for a weekend spot immediately with three potential out pitches from the LH side.  Here are a couple of articles about Schlesener:

http://www.prepbaseballreport.com/news/MO/PBR-Mailbag-Improvements-Of-Lochner-Montgomery-And-Schlesener-4518623097

http://www.prepbaseballreport.com/news/MO/Digging-In-13-Revelations-From-The-Super-60-7469103582

-  PBR Arkansas has updated their state rankings.  Kacey Murphy sits at #2 in the state while Ty Harris (#6), Blaine Knight (#7), Drew Tyler (#8), Grant Koch (#9), and Cody Scroggins (#10) all find themselves in the top 10 as well.

[A_R_K_A_N_S_A_S]

Thanks uca. Been hoping you would do this.