All Major League first round draft picks get plenty of publicity. As such, their performances are highly scrutinized. If they’ve accrued MLB time in spring training (sure, it’s exhibition but still) and played at the highest level of major national college football, the lights are even brighter.
Chicago White Sox top prospect Jared Mitchell, the 23rd overall selection in the 2009 MLB draft, has not only played SEC football and baseball, but also won championships.
He was originally drafted by the Minnesota Twins in 2006, but turned it down to go back to school, where he won a College World Series with the LSU Tigers. Mitchell also excelled in college football, combining for 24 receptions and 274 yards as a wide receiver for the Tigers football team from 2006-08, including their National Championship season in 2007.
All of the lights have prepared him for dealing with the high expectations of being a #1 pick.
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