Jackson Hoyt, a senior athlete from Nature Coast, is a rare gem in Hernando County. An outstanding quarterback on the football team and an exceptional baseball player, he has the measurables that top colleges and Major League Baseball teams covet. At 6-foot-2 and 210 pounds, he stands out among his peers. Hoyt verbally committed to play baseball at the University of Florida before his freshman year and recently signed his letter of intent. However, the Major League Baseball draft in July looms large, and he might skip college and turn professional.

Irony in His Senior Football Season

Many around Hoyt didn't want him to play football in his senior year, fearing potential injury. But Hoyt was adamant, as he loved the sport and the atmosphere it brought. "I love the contact, the physicality, the excitement. The crowd and the sound of the band make it all special. And being the quarterback and leader is something I truly enjoy," he said. His leadership on the team was evident as the Sharks, with only two seniors on offense and defense, went 6-6. Late in the season, he was allowed to call his own plays, a sign of trust from the coaching staff. He threw for over 1,500 yards and 15 touchdowns and ran for 594 yards and four touchdowns in his high school football career. After the season ended, he grew introspective and thanked all the coaches who believed in him.

Football vs. Baseball: A Dilemma

Even in Little League, Hoyt's baseball pitching skills were remarkable. The University of Florida coaching staff first noticed him at 12. He resisted offers from other schools and signed with the Gators. Since his freshman year, he has been a prolific producer on the baseball field. As a junior, he went 4-1 on the mound with a 0.54 earned-run average and 67 strikeouts in 38.2 innings. His ability level is on par with that of Charlie Condon, who was the No. 3 overall pick in the 2024 Major League Baseball Draft. Although he only pitches once a week, he is considered a "three-game-a-week" player. Everyone in the baseball world sees an unlimited future for him.

Preparing for the Last High School Baseball Season

With the end of the football season, Hoyt shifted his focus to baseball. He knows the business side and the potential it holds for his future. He is working on getting his fastball up to 96 miles per hour, which is crucial for his value. "I think I can get it up to that speed. It's a reasonable goal," he said. He is also focused on working out and hitting the weights to gain strength. This season will have sentimental value for him as it will be the last time he plays with his high school teammates. "We have seven starters back, and we should be even better than last year. I think we can go a long way," he said.As he gets ready for this final high school baseball season, Hoyt's journey continues to be a fascinating one. Part Two of this series will check in with him as the season starts.