CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – University of Illinois sophomore INF Branden Comia was named to the Bobby Bragan Collegiate Slugger Award Watch List on Wednesday.

The Bobby Bragan Collegiate Slugger Award was launched in 2017 to recognize the best Division I hitter in the state of Texas based on performance at the plate, academics and personal integrity/community service. In 2020, the award was expanded nationally.

Comia slashed .426/.526/.702 (20-47) with three doubles, two triples, two home runs and 10 RBIs through 13 games in 2020. Comia ranked in the top five in the Big Ten in on-base percentage (third), batting average (fifth) and slugging percentage (fifth). The Orland Park, Illinois, native was the only underclassmen shortstop in the nation to hit .400+ with an OPS of 1.200+.

Comia has received several other preseason awards and accolades, including being named preseason All-Big Ten by Perfect Game, ranked No. 11 MLB Draft prospect in the Big Ten by D1Baseball, ranked No. 17 MLB Draft prospect in the Big Ten by Baseball America and rated "Best Defensive Infielder" in the Big Ten by Baseball America.

Illinois has not yet released its 2021 schedule.