CHAMPAIGN — When Illinois signed Branden Comia in November 2017, it was with the idea the Orland Park native could play right away this spring.
Even on a veteran team.
Ranked as the No. 4 overall prospect in Illinois and No. 13 shortstop nationally by Prep Baseball Report, Comia had enough versatility he could wind up helping the Illini in the outfield during his freshman season.
Illinois coach Dan Hartleb wasn’t closing any potential doors.
Circumstance ultimately dictated the first season of Comia’s Illinois career, and the 5-foot-10, 195-pound Carl Sandburg graduate spent it playing where he projects long term — up the middle of the Illini defense.