High School Football Stars Now Making Waves on the Baseball Diamond
Home runs in baseball stadiums often have roots on football fields. Many top prospects in Major League Baseball’s minor leagues displayed remarkable athleticism playing high school football before dedicating themselves too the diamond.
While a walk-off grand slam might be more familiar than a winning touchdown, the transition from the gridiron to the basepaths proves many of these athletes possess a rare blend of raw talent and dedication.
Here are 18 prospects who excelled in both sports, showcasing their versatility and determination to make an impact in the world of professional baseball.
Note:
This article will highlight the prospects without going into extensive detail about their football careers. The focus remains on their current journey in professional baseball.
Multi-Sport Stars: MLB Prospects who Excelled on the Football Field
Many young athletes showcase talent in multiple sports before focusing on a single profession. Some of the most promising Major League Baseball (MLB) prospects weren’t confined to the diamond. These athletes demonstrated exceptional athleticism on the football field as well, earning recognition for their skills in both sports.
Jordyn Adams, an outfielder for the Baltimore Orioles, exemplifies this trend. He was named MaxPreps’ 2017-18 male High School Athlete of the Year, beating out top talent like five-star quarterback JT Daniels and basketball star RJ Barrett. Adams, highly ranked by 247 Sports as the No. 14 recruit nationally, even surpassed future pro Bowler Ja’Marr Chase in the rankings. His exceptional athleticism earned him a $4.1 million signing bonus from the Los Angeles Angels after being drafted 17th overall. Adams ultimately chose to pursue baseball professionally, forgoing a scholarship to the University of North Carolina where he could have played both sports.
Former High School Stars Shine in Both Football and Baseball
several players who excelled at both baseball and football in high school have gone on to pursue accomplished careers in professional sports. These athletes demonstrate exceptional athleticism and dedication, showcasing their talents on two different fields.
Jay Allen II, an outfielder for the Cincinnati Reds, was a standout quarterback in high school, racking up notable passing and rushing stats. Despite receiving scholarship offers to play quarterback at several universities, Allen chose to focus on baseball, eventually being drafted by the reds in the 2021 MLB draft.
jase Bowen, an outfielder for the Pittsburgh Pirates, was a three-star wide receiver recruit who showcased his athleticism on the gridiron with over 1,200 all-purpose yards and 14 touchdowns in his senior year.Bowen committed to playing both baseball and football at Michigan State but was drafted by the Pirates in 2019.
Brody Brecht, a pitcher for the Colorado Rockies, surprised many with his prowess on the gridiron during his time at the University of Iowa.He earned all-state honors in high school for his wide receiver skills, setting school records for receptions, receiving yards, and touchdown catches. brecht also contributed to the Hawkeyes’ 2020 state championship victory by intercepting a pass.
These athletes demonstrate that dedication, talent, and hard work can lead to success in multiple sports. They inspire young players across the country to pursue their passions and strive for excellence both on and off the field.
Baseball Players Who Drafted in MLB Rather of Playing Football
Some of the top prospects in Major league Baseball made headlines not only for their incredible athleticism on the diamond but also for their skill on the football field. Several of these players had the possibility to play both sports at the collegiate level or even go pro in football, but ultimately chose to pursue their baseball dreams.
Colin Houck, Mets
Colin Houck, a standout quarterback at Parkview High school in Georgia, turned down offers from Division I football programs like Arkansas and Georgia Tech to play baseball at Mississippi State. The New York mets, recognizing his potential, acquired him in the 2023 MLB Draft with a $2.75 million bonus, taking him with the 32nd overall pick.
Brock Jones, Rays
Brock Jones, a standout at Buchanan High School in California, excelled both in football and baseball. An all-league baseball player and team MVP, he also earned recognition for his skills on the football field as a three-star safety. At Stanford University, Jones focused solely on baseball after registering six special teams tackles as a freshman, showcasing his versatility and athleticism. The Tampa Bay Rays drafted him in the second round of the 2022 MLB Draft.
dakota Jordan, Giants
Dakota Jordan, a highly-touted wide receiver prospect out of Mississippi, initially planned to play both football and baseball at Mississippi State. Though, he ultimately decided to forego his commitment to the gridiron. He was a three-star recruit ranked No. 21 overall in Mississippi, showcasing his potential as a wide receiver with 877 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns in his final high school season.