Mississippi’s Future “College World Series” Prospects
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As the in-state Mississippi State Bulldogs play for the national championship against Vanderbilt this week in Omaha, Nebraska, it’s worth noting that a lot of the Bulldog’s roster consists of players who claim Mississippi as their home state. On an even cooler note, there are players that double in both football and baseball for the university. At Mississippi State, Brad Cumbest from East Central High doubles as a wide receiver/linebacker for the football team and outfielder for the baseball team. At Ole Miss, star running back Jerrion Ealy and quarterback John Rhys Plumlee both play in the outfield as well. Today, we figured it would be fun to dive into some of Mississippi’s best football/baseball prospects in the spirit of the the College World Series.
If you haven’t heard of 2022 LB Stone Blanton Stone Blanton 6'2" | 220 lbs | LB Madison-Ridgeland Academy | 2022 State MS , now you have. Blanton has been one of the most highly recruited athletes in the entire state of Mississippi for both football and baseball. While his football commitment is still in the works, Blanton committed to Mississippi State for baseball before his junior year. The 6’2″ 220 linebacker plays the MIKE position for Madison Ridgeland Academy and hits like a freight train. He shows good blitz tempo and can absolutely get after the quarterback. Blanton also has the athleticism to cover shallow zones in space and make plays in against the pass. A complete baseball prospect as well, look for Blanton to dominate two sports at the next level.
At nearby Canton Academy, 2022 ATH Dakota Jordan Dakota Jordan 5'11" | 185 lbs | ATH Canton Academy | 2022 State MS is watching his future baseball team this week with some intensity. Jordan committed to Mississippi State earlier in his junior year to both Coach Leach and Coach Lemonis. As a football player, Jordan brings a ton of versatility and athleticism to the table. He could end up being a defensive back, running back, or even a receiver while also playing baseball in the spring. He has tremendous ball skills which leads us to believe he winds up as a stellar defensive back. Jordan runs well in space and has smooth hips to aid his transition. With this kind of athleticism, Jordan ought to be a base stealing beast on the baseball diamond as well.
Down on the coast, 2023 quarterback Kaden Irving Kaden Irving 6'2" | 215 lbs | QB Gautier | 2023 State MS has already made his pledge to play baseball for the Ole Miss Rebels. Irving currently has no football offers, but it wouldn’t surprise us if Ole Miss has something worked out for him if he’s interested in continuing to play football. Irving has great zip on the ball and his baseball background is on full display every snap. He has a quick release and can throw well on the run as he evades the rush. Irving is a naturally gifted athlete who can move well in the pocket and deliver big time throws far down field. Watch for him to have a big year in both sports as a junior. Should start to add football offers soon as well.
At Pascagoula High, 2023 QB Keilon Parnell Keilon Parnell 5'10" | 175 lbs | ATH Pascagoula | 2023 State MS committed to Mississippi State before his sophomore season of football or baseball. Similar to Irving, this is a guy that uses his baseball background to his advantage. As a runner, Parnell can take off in the open field for huge gains off the zone read. He bounces off contact well and can make people miss in space too. As a passer, Parnell has a quick release and gets great velocity on the ball. He can complete any pass on the field both in the pocket or on the move. Currently, Parnell lists no football offers, but he sure could be fun to watch in the Bulldog’s air raid scheme during the fall!
There are plenty of two sport guys out there, but these were some of the best in the state! We are wishing the Bulldogs luck to bring home the state of Mississippi a college title home! Keep an eye out for more multi sport studs soon.