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02/08/2012
Illini Season Preview Part 1: Pitchers
Returning Ace Kevin Johnson Leads Talented, Deep Staff
HIGH SCHOOL
Ranked the No. 21 overall prospect in the class of 2011 in Illinois by Perfect Game USA ... Named a 2010 All-Chicago Catholic League selection and a 2010 Regional News All-Area honorable mention ... Was a 2010 Under Armour Preseason All-American ... Named the top prospect at the 2010 Perfect Game USA Illinois indoor showcase ... Primarily played catcher until the summer of 2010, when he began converting to a starting pitcher ... Went 5-1 with a 0.90 ERA with 45 strikeouts and five walks in 31 innings, allowing only eight hits during the summer of 2010 ... Led St. Laurence to an appearance in the finals of the summer state tournament ... Hit .367 with four home runs and 27 RBIs in 2009 ... Played for the Illinois Sparks during the summer and with Cangelosi Baseball in the fall.
PERSONAL
Born Jan. 30, 1993 ... Parents are Chuck and Therese Naso ... Majoring in broadcast journalism ... Has two sisters, Lindsay and Kelsey ... Was a member of National Honor Society in high school ... Mark Buerhle is his favorite athlete because of his competitive drive ... Lists his Illini heroes as Dick Butkus because of his fierce, competitive style and former Illini pitcher Donn Pall because of his success on and off the field.
