Jackson Hoyt: Nature Coast’s Dual-Sport Star on the Cusp of Glory in Football and Baseball

Jackson Hoyt, a senior at Nature Coast Tech, is an exceptional athlete. He stands 6 feet 2 inches tall and weighs 210 pounds. Hoyt is a talented quarterback for the football team and an even better baseball player. His strength as a left-handed pitcher makes him attractive to top colleges and Major League Baseball teams.

Hoyt committed to play baseball at the University of Florida before starting high school. Recently, he signed his letter of intent. However, he may choose to enter the Major League Baseball draft in July instead of attending college.

During his senior football season, many urged Hoyt to focus on baseball and avoid injuries. Yet, he chose to play football for a third time. Hoyt loves the sport and wanted to experience it fully. He enjoys the physicality, excitement, and leadership role of being a quarterback.

Under his leadership, the Sharks finished with a 6-6 record, reaching the second round of the state playoffs. Hoyt threw for over 1,500 yards, scoring 15 touchdowns, and ran for 594 yards and four touchdowns. He has passed for nearly 3,600 yards and 34 touchdowns in his high school career.

After the football season, Hoyt felt sad that it was over. While he acknowledges he could play football at the college level, he is focused on baseball, where he showcases exceptional pitching talent. He began receiving attention from the University of Florida coaches at the age of 12.

As a junior, Hoyt had a standout season as a pitcher, going 4-1 with a 0.54 earned-run average and 67 strikeouts. He also hit .357 while driving in 17 runs when not pitching. Hoyt’s coaches praise his skills and potential for a bright future, whether in college or professional baseball.

Hoyt understands the importance of the upcoming season for his development. His current fastball has been clocked at 94 miles per hour. He aims to increase that speed to around 96. He is not overly focused on draft expectations; instead, he is ready to work hard and see how things unfold.

As he prepares for his final high school baseball season, Hoyt looks forward to playing with familiar teammates. He hopes to hit some home runs and lead the Sharks to success. With seven returning starters, he believes they can achieve great results this year.