Feb. 09--Former Libertyville High School catching standout Evan Skoug made such a favorable impression during his freshman season at Texas Christian that he drew comparisons to former Horned Frog standout Jake Arrieta of the Cubs.
"He's got great ability, a great work ethic and is always out for early work," TCU coach Jim Schlossnagle said Monday.
Skoug opens his sophomore season at TCU on Feb. 19 with great expectations. He's expected to take on a larger role after driving in a team-leading 46 runs in addition to a .285 batting average and seven home runs and earning freshman All-America honors by D1Baseball.com and Louisville Slugger.
Skoug will try to guide a pitching staff that posted a 2.45 ERA but lost second round picks Alex Young (formerly of Carmel Catholic High School) and Tyler Alexander, third round pick Riley Ferrell and eighth round pick Preston Morrison of the Cubs in the 2015 draft.
"Evan always has been an elite hitter who is always looking to improve," Schlossnagle said. "He's made great strides in the catching and throwing departments, and that ultimately will determine where he plays (in the professional ranks)."
Skoug, a 34th round pick of the Nationals in the 2014 draft, started in all 66 of TCU's games in 2015, including 53 at catcher. He committed only two errors behind the plate.
