Durant’s Steven Witchoskey is having a pretty good 2016 thus far. In January–he started his camp season by winning the MVP for the tight end position group at Ignite. Last weekend–he secured his first collegiate offer following his performance at USF’s Junior Day. The 6-foot-2, 230-pounder from the Class of 2017 has steadily made his presence felt since being on the scene in two sports for the Cougars, and is certainly not going to stop until he’s left a lasting impression.

Witchoskey’s athletic ability on the diamond for the Cougars Baseball program couples with his ability to make plays on the gridiron for Durant on Friday’s nights and he’s quite happy to hear from his hometown school–while quite humbled at the same time. Even though he may be experiencing a lifelong dream come true, his perspective his clearly out in front of his premise.

“USF was great, all the coaches knew my name and came up to me. The facility was very impressive and it would be a great place to go to school. When coach called me about the offer, I didn’t know what to do,” said Witchoskey. “It was such a stress reliever to know I have a chance to play ball, but at the same time I knew it was time to work.”

This is Witchoskey’s third season playing varsity baseball for a Cougars squad that made it all the way to the Class 7A Final Four last season. Witchoskey hit .276 with seven runs batted in while having on on-base percentage of .396 playing in the outfield and at first base. This season, the Cougars are out of the gate hot at 5-1 and Witchoskey’s hitting .500 with three runs batted in and has a slugging percentage of .571 while keeping a perfect four-for-four in stolen bases.

It doesn’t take a psychic to predict that Witchoskey’s going to likely have an option of playing two sports at the next level, and at a place like USF where both programs get plenty of attention–that’s a situation he would be very happy to be in as well as familiar one.

“Personally I have multiple friends either already on a scholarship at USF or are committed–and I’ve only heard great things about it. If the opportunity comes where I am able to be a dual athlete, I’ll be prepared–I’ve been doing it since I started playing sports.” said Witchoskey.

Although Witchoskey’s athleticism allows him to have the flexibility to play two sports, make no mistake about it–his focus on one sport and one position that’s likely to gain him the chance to play at the next level in his hometown is present when he speaks from a development and self-assessment standpoint. Durant was 6-1 heading into the final stretches of the crucial district season, but they couldn’t get it done finishing 6-4–and even with a yards-per-catch average of sixteen and eight touchdowns on the season, he knows a little bit more work might make the difference in helping his team put points on the board–or at least help them get into that position to do so.

“Tight End is such a special position because you are technically two positions. Being able to block and run efficient routes is crucial, but personally I need to get better on my separation at the line and at the top of my routes. I think being able to do that will set me apart.” said Witchoskey.

Ironically, when he talks of playing one position for one sport, he still brings a comparison that represents the dual-nature of his talents–and that’s bringing up the comparison that playing his position in football is actually two different positions. Why not? He plays two different sports and in baseball he plays two different positions.

But something that tells of an even bigger characteristic that’s just as important, is his confidently unified statement regarding where his position stands in terms of the hierarchy of athletic prowess on the field. When asked about his favorite part about playing tight end, he wasn’t shy to declare why he loves to play the spot–and why it’s the best spot in the game at that.

“Definitely being able to both dominate defensive ends and linebackers–while also making the huge plays with the hands. No doubt tight ends are the best overall athletes in the game.”