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Tournaments  | Story | 7/1/2019

Lonergan, Jackets are buzzing

Photo: Dylan Lonergan (Perfect Game)

HOOVER, Ala. – Kyler Murray made history this April as the first athlete to be drafted in the first round of both the MLB and NFL Drafts. This week in Hoover, another dual-sport star is hoping to follow in Murray’s footsteps. Fresh out of a football camp at IMG Academy, Dylan Lonergan joined the rest of his Georgia Jackets National teammates to compete in the WWBA 14u National Championship.

A quarterback on the gridiron, Lonergan traded his helmet and shoulder pads for a hat and glove. And in the fifth inning of the Jackets 9-2 victory over the MVP Terps National, the 6-foot-1, 190-pound Lonergan gave the scouts and fans a brief taste of what is to come. Sitting in the upper 80s, Lonergan tossed 1 1/3 innings of scoreless relief to close out the win and move the Jackets one step closer to bracket play.

“He’s obviously gifted, and anytime you have a talent like that its fun to watch,” said coach Jeff Auterson. “He just came back from a football camp in Florida, and we just threw him out there for 25 pitches or so. It’s a joy to see him come back here and do it for the team.”

So many kids are specializing in one sport as early as middle school. It’s foolish to limit a 14 year old to one activity year round. Still, it is a widely held belief that the commitments of playing quarterback and pitching will eventually become too much, even for the greatest of athletes. You can never become truly elite unless you ultimately choose one path, they say. Well, Lonergan has other ideas.

“I like both equally. I don’t have a favorite,” Lonergan said. “I would like to play both sports in college.”

And there is evidence to believe Lonergan can accomplish this goal. Jameis Winston played both football and baseball at Florida State, and Deion Sanders starred in the Seminoles secondary as a defensive back and as an outfielder for Mike Martin’s baseball team.  In 1992, Sanders played in an Atlanta Falcons football game in Miami and then jetted to Pittsburgh to play in the Braves NLCS game. Bo Jackson played running back and centerfield at Auburn, and would go on to play in both the major leagues and NFL.

It’s certainly possible to do both, and it helps when you have a healthy attitude. While demanding, Lonergan says it’s not terribly difficult to juggle the two sports. He keeps things simple.

“Its just kind of whatever season it is, that’s what sport is the priority,” said Lonergan. “So right now, I’m in baseball mode. In a month or two, it will be football.”

There is a lot of upside to playing multiple sports, especially at a young age. You can avoid a burn out, and activating other muscles in different activities reduces the risk of overuse injuries. Plus, you help improve overall athleticism the more you engage your body in a variety of movements. Lonergan feels the impact of these benefits.

“I see a lot of overlap between my talent as a football player and as a baseball player,” he said. “Just throwing both a football and a baseball helps my arm strength.”

Coaches always rave about that “football mentality.” It’s a warrior spirit that craves a challenge. It’s all bravado. It’s an identity, and it manifests itself in instances of one on one competition. And it’s a pitching coach’s dream to have a staff full of guys with this trait. On the bump, its you verse the batter. My best against your best.

“Yeah, I definitely bring a football mentality on the mound,” Lonergan said. “I feel like no one can hit me. I just try to go out there and shove.”

At the core of this two-sport prodigy is a humble, well-liked kid. He doesn’t act like the star of the show. This Jackets 14u team has been together for many seasons now, and teammates know Lonergan simply as their friend, Dylan, not as this polarizing athlete with a bright future.

“The kids love him,” said Auterson. “A lot of these boys have been playing together for a long time so the synergy and fellowship amongst them is strong across the board. But Dylan is so dynamic and electric, and he’s a fantastic teammate.”

With the victory on Monday, the Jackets move to 4-1 overall and took over first place in Pool J. It was really an impressive performance all around, as David Luigs went 2-for-2 with two doubles and two runs scored. Colton Smith was also 2-for-3 with three RBIs and a run scored. At first, however, it seemed scoring would be at a premium as the MVP Terps sent righthander Bryson Moore to the hill, and he looked excellent sitting in the mid 80s. But the Jackets battled him, and were able to knock Moore from the game early and put up a few crooked numbers to build the big lead.

“The team raises their game when we face top level talent,” said Auterson. “That kid over there (Moore) threw fantastic. He was throwing 84-85 mph, and, honestly, that kind of fired us up. When we see good arms like that, we enjoy it.

“Today, we rose to the challenge.”




Tournaments | Story | 9/27/2023

Midwest Invitational Scout Notes

Tyler Kotila
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Creighton Tuzzio (2024, Clarinda, Iowa) took the ball in the semi-final game and was able to get on the bump and carve for his team. Tuzzio is a taller 6-foot-6, 210-pound frame with plenty to like in the operation. The right-handed pitcher has a slower and more controlled operation as he works through the delivery. He lifts the leg up around the belt and then works through a three-quarters release with good whip through it. The fastball worked up to 86 mph on the fastball and held in the low- to mid-80s. He creates some angle on it with the taller & projectable frame. It runs arm-side and can be a problem for right-handed hitters. He also showed a low-70s curveball with a bigger 11/5 tilt to it and good depth to miss some bats. The Iowa Western commit threw 5.0 innings, allowing just 1 run, with 4 walks and 6 strikeouts to his credit.   There’s no surprise here, but...
Tournaments | Story | 9/26/2023

WWBA World Championship Pool Preview

Perfect Game Staff
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Pool A Team Top Pos. Player RK Class Top Pitcher RK Class Location Boston Red Sox Scout Connor Lane 500 2024 Tague Davis 59 2024 Boston, MA Cangelosi Sparks Tyler Bell  122 2024 Brady Chambers 500 2024 Lockport, IL Dirtbags National 2024 Dalton Wentz 74 2024 Riley Leatherman 251 2024 Sedalia, NC Florida Burn Colton Schwarz 214 2025 Presley Woodson 500 2025 Sarasota, FL Projected Pool Winner: Dirtbags National 2024 With one of the deepest and most physical lineups in the nation, the Dirtbags National 2024 club have been putting up runs in bunches. No hitter is hotter than Austin Irby, as the ECU commit is While sluggers Dalton Wentz, Will Craddock and Palmer Hornick won’t be in attendance, Lee Sowers, Will Brooks, Jon Young Jr. and spark plug Carter Richardson lead an offense that averages over 7 runs per game. They can cover ground on...
Tournaments | Story | 9/26/2023

Coastal Soph. Fall Invite Scout Notes

Todd Coffey
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Michael Flores (2026, NC) looking great through 4 innings pitched with 11 k’s. Great command and completely missing barrels. #2023WWBACoastalSophmoreFallInvatational pic.twitter.com/Oqd3WD0E05 — PG Coastal Scouting (@PG_Coastal) September 24, 2023 Michael Flores (2026, Mooresville, NC) put on an electric performance to watch for the SBA Futures 2026 in their matchup versus the Carolina Reds. The 5-foot-10, 175-pound, RHP did his job for his team today to keep them in the game. Flores throws with a high leg lift and creates some good motions towards the plate with his whippy action. Flores has a great feel for the zone and pounded strikes at a 66% rate. Flores generated swing and miss after swing and miss and it was clear he was in control out there on the mound. He sat in the 70-mph range to 79-mph range with his fastball with the ability to pinpoint it wherever he pleased....
Tournaments | Story | 9/26/2023

Fall Frenzy Scout Notes

Jason Phillips
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James Sherry (’26, Aiken, S.C.)- the 6-foot-1, 155-pound right-handed pitcher tossed a complete game for Xtreme Xposure Baseball-Bennett in an 8-1 win over 2 Way Athletics 16U. A primary outfielder, Sherry finished with 15 strikeouts and just one walk while controlling the zone at a 65% strike rate. Appearing in only his second PG tournament, Sherry turned in another great pitching performance after being selected to the All-Tournament Team at the 2023 16U PG Southeast Labor Day Classic. Aidan Petrocco (‘24 GA)- singles here into LF to load the bases for @643DPAthletics Primary MIF 2-for-4 w/ run scored on the day. #FallFrenzy @PG_Uncommitted pic.twitter.com/Ly7zEuRwyg — Perfect Game Georgia (@PG_Georgia) September 24, 2023 Aidan Petrocco (’24, Johns Creek, Ga.)- the 5-foot-9, 160-pound right-handed hitter for 643 DP Cougars 18U led the 18U Southeast Fall Frenzy...
Tournaments | Story | 9/27/2023

Sophomore WWBA Scout Notes: Day 3-5

Kyler Peterson
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A high speed look at this 2B from Keon Johnson... #WWBAWorlds @PG_Georgia https://t.co/Ejl8GirIgk pic.twitter.com/ate7ro35cp — Perfect Game Scout (@PG_Scouting) September 24, 2023 Keon Johnson (2026, Macon, Ga.) started off the morning loud, going down to get a pitch down and smoking a double that split the opposite field gap at a 92 mph exit velocity. The shortstop has one of the best hit tools in the class and has tremendous feel for the barrel. The swing is quiet and simple, staying loose through the zone. The ball jumps and the parts really work. At short, Johnson looked silky with good actions, range, and plenty of arm strength across. The game comes easy for the Georgia native, and still just 15, the all-around game is very well-refined for the age.  Jaxson Wood (2026, Hoover, Ala.) finished batting .500 over the tournament, including three extra-base hits. The primary...
Tournaments | Story | 9/25/2023

Deep South Fall Invitational Scout Notes

Alex Dorso
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Patrick Kovacs (2026 Knoxville TN) was dominant in his outing in game two of pool play for Exposure National. The southpaw tossed three scoreless innings allowing two hits while striking out eight. He showed plus command of the fastball dotting it to both sides of the plate while working off the corners at times. Patrick sat 75-78 topping at 79 multiple times throughout. He mixed in a tight breaking ball with two plane movement that he had no problem mixing in any count keeping the opposing hitters off balanced in the box. Coming from a mid 3/4s slot there was some deception within the operation making it tough to pick the fastball up out of the hand. The frame has plenty of athleticism within with plenty of more room for additional strength as he continues to mature. Kovacs should be a fun follow as he continues to progress through high school. Ryan Riojas (‘26 TN) drives this...
Tournaments | Story | 9/24/2023

Sophomore WWBA Scout Notes: Day 3

Troy Sutherland
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Sophomore WWBA Scout Notes: Days 1-2 Extended look at Gunnar Garrison... 7 IP, 1 H, OER, 13 K, 1 BB (70% K) #WWBAWorlds @PG_FourCorners https://t.co/V89oASpD8r pic.twitter.com/tsP1mWCoNz — Perfect Game Scout (@PG_Scouting) September 21, 2023 Colorado right-hander Gunnar Garrison (2026, Eaton, Colo.) was magnificent in his start for Slammers Anderson 2026’s. The big and physical 6-foot-4, 210-pound arm threw a complete game, seven inning, one-hit shutout, striking out 13 and walking one. The fastball had downhill life to it, sitting in the 85-88 range for the entirety of the game. Garrison held the velocity and reached back for his fastest bullet of the game, at 89, in the seventh inning. Finishing the outing with 70% strikes, he filled up the zone and went right at hitters. He also induced swing-and-miss on a curveball, featuring late...
Tournaments | Story | 9/22/2023

Northeast Qualifier Scout Notes

John McAdams
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Jack Harley (2024, Mendham, NJ) put together a dominant performance at the plate in the WWBA NEQ, leading his team to a coveted Jupiter bid while also earning MVP-honors. The 6-foot-1 left-handed hitter showcased his advanced bat-to-ball skills on several occasions. He batted .643 with two doubles, a home run and six stolen bases. Harley utilizes a repeatable, synced-up stroke with clean separation into launch. He has a great feel for the barrel and creates good strength at impact to all parts of the diamond. The future Hokie recorded a hit in all six of his games and proved to be a reliable bat at the top-of-the-order for Clubhouse 2024 EvoShield. Harley’s build offers a good balance of strength and athleticism, making him a well-rounded prospect with intriguing upside moving forward.  .#VandyBoys commit Aiden O’Connell (‘24, NH) is back on the bump in the #NEQ...
Tournaments | Story | 9/23/2023

Sophomore WWBA Scout Notes: Days 1-2

Vincent Cervino
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Nathan Caldwell (2026, Columbia, S.C.) looked the part in the batter’s box as the Team Elite three-hole hitter had one of the hardest hit balls of the day. There’s really impressive bat speed and the ability to create violence and rotational acceleration through contact. He missiled a single during the game and there looks like there’s going to be pretty significant impact potential long term. He’s a strong kid with good indicators and offensive tools to like. Drew Borkowski (2026, Huntley, Ill.) showed plenty to like in the arm as he got the start in game one on the day for GRB. At 6-foot-1, 170-pounds he’s got a lanky frame with long limbs and plenty of room for physical projection. It’s a quick arm with solid arm speed throughout and he opened up sitting 85-87 mph with the fastball. The fastball showed good sinking life and he used it to get a lot...
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Cape Cod Top 2025 Prospect List

Vincent Cervino
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Earlier this week we debuted our Cape Cod Top 100 Prospect List and mixed amongst the 100 names were some 2025 graduates who will be eligible for the upcoming 2024 MLB Draft. Below, each of the 50 names are eligible in 2025 and those listed with an "^" are continuing their careers at a new school this fall.  Name Pos. Team School Hometown State Adonys Guzman^ C Bourne Arizona Valley Cottage NY Aidan Jimenez RHP Chatham Oregon State Elk Grove CA Anthony Martinez 1B YD UC Irvine Fairfield CA Ben Jacobs LHP Bourne UCLA Huntington Beach CA Bradley Hodges LHP Hyannis Virginia Fleming Island FL Brady Neal C YD LSU Tallahassee FL Brody Donay^ C/1B Hyannis Florida Lakeland FL Caden Bodine C Bourne Coastal Carolina Haddon Heights NJ Cam Leiter^ RHP Orleans Florida State Island Heights FL Cannon Peebles^ C Cotuit Tennessee Mechanicsville VA Drew Faurot^ SS Orleans Florida State Tallahassee FL...
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