CHAMPAIGN, Ill. -- Illinois head baseball coach Dan Hartleb announced the Fighting Illini's 2018 roster, including five newcomers added since November's signing period.
Below are the five additions. Click here for the full 2018 roster.
Jeff Korte
» .343, HR, 19 RBIs as a sophomore at Eastern Florida State College
» Four-year letterwinner in high school
» Two-time all-state in high school
» Two-time all-conference in high school
» Senior Florida All-Star
» .480, 6 HR as a senior in high school
» .465, HR as a junior in high school
» Led Melbourne to a 26-1 record as a junior
» Born May 3, 1996
» Son of Richard and Marcelle Korte
» Two older brothers, Steve and Mike
» Brother, Mike, played baseball at Lipscomb
» Brother, Steve, played rugby at Florida
» Plans to major in communication
» Chose Illinois because, "Growing up in the south I watched a lot of college baseball. I quickly noticed how good of a program Illinois was from their previous seasons. The school has an opportunity to play in the College World Series every year and I just wanted to be apart of it. Also, playing in a Power 5 conference such as the Big Ten has always been a dream for me. After stepping foot on this beautiful campus I knew that Illinois was the perfect place to get my education."
Jeremiah Lebron
» All-Southwest Suburban Blue as a junior
» .519, 6 HR, 26 RBIs as a junior
» Also played football in high school
» Starting running back for three years
» Football team offensive MVP as a sophomore
» Played high school football with Illini receiver Kendall Smith
» Order of the Arrow Honor Society
» Four-time All-Conference Academic Team
» Superior Award Illinois State Fair for Electricity
» 4H Leadership
» Illinois State Leadership Blue Award
» Born April 15, 1999
» Son of Jesus and Evelyn Lebron
» One older sister, Angelica
» Eagle Scout
» Chose Illinois because, "the University of Illinois because of its academic excellence and its welcoming family atmosphere."
Michael Michalak
» Three-year letterwinner in baseball
» 2015 all-state
» Two-time all-conference and all-section
» Played with Illini Jackson Douglas in high school
» Also played football in high school
» Three-year starter as a wide receiver
» School-record holder for receiving yards in a game, season and career
» Associated Press All-State second team as a senior
» Football team MVP as a senior
» Mayo Fall Male Athlete of the Season
» 2014 MFCA Academic All-State
» Born July 12, 1997
» Son of Greg and Sylvia Michalak
» Two older sister, Amber
» Plans to major in kinesiology
» Has been on three church mission trips
» Chose Illinois because, "The scholarship I was offered and the situation with the baseball program and me makes it a good fit. Academically, Illinois is a prestigious school in a Power 5 conference. The campus and facilities are very impressive. On my visit, I was treated great and they made it easy for me to choose Illinois over anyone else."
» Played for the Rochester Honkers along with Illini teammate Ryan Thompson in the Summer of 2017
Kellen Sarver
» All-Big 12 first team
» All-region first team
» Also wrestled in high school
» Born November 25, 1998
» Son of Jeff and Andrea Sarver
» One younger brother, Joel
» Plans to coach following his playing career
» Chose Illinois because, "I grew up watching Illinois baseball and I could always picture myself playing for them. I also loved the school and the environment that it is in."
» Played summer ball with Illini Jimmy Burnette
Quinn Snarskis
» Two-year letterwinner in baseball
» All-Chicago Catholic League
» National Honor Society
» Born January 22, 1997
» Son of Stanley and Cathleen Snarskis
» One older brother, Connor
» Brother attended the University of Illinois
» Plans to major in communications
» Chose Illinois because, "Illinois feels like home to me since my brother went here a few years ago. Not only is Illinois in one of the most competitive conferences in the nation but also gives you the opportunity to obtain a great degree."
» Previously played with Illini Jack Yalowitz (HS summer), Michael Massey (HS summer), Zak Devermann (HS summer), David Craan (HS summer) and Ben Troike (Kenosha Kingfish)
