Thomas Jefferson Floyd, an exceptional scholar/athlete, plans toimprove his baseball and academic skills at Copiah-LincolnCommunity College next year. The Loyd Star senior has signed abaseball scholarship with the Co-Lin Wolfpack.

Co-Lin head baseball coach Keith Case said he was happy to havethe versatile Floyd join his program. Floyd worked as a catcher andpitcher for the Hornets, helping lead them to the third round ofthe Class 2A state playoffs last year.

“T.J. can do so many different things for us,” said Case. “He cancatch and play infield and he can pitch, too. He’s a baseballplayer and a great athlete. He’s a sound student and a soundperson.”

Case said Floyd played extremely well in the State Games ofMississippi last summer. He was a member of the District Sevensquad that finished third and earned a bronze medal.

“T.J. showed he can play well against the best players inMississippi,” said Case. “He looked good in the State Games.”

An honor roll student, Floyd ranks 11th in his senior class,reflecting his game jersey No. 11.

“I’m looking forward the opportunity to further my baseballexperience,” said Floyd. The 18-year-old son of John and Tina Floydis undecided on his major.

Floyd said he enjoys working as catcher for the Hornets. “I likebeing in on every play.”

As a pitcher, Floyd fashioned a 4-2 record. He had a 2.45 ERA.

At the plate, Floyd usually batted in the No. 3 spot. He had a .215batting average, driving in 20 runs and collected six doubles.

Loyd Star coach Jonathan Breakfield said Floyd was an outstandingcatcher. “T.J. has great hands and he receives (ball) well. Heworks well with our pitchers and he’s a great kid.”

Breakfield’s team finished 20-10 last year.

Floyd joins his older brother, student trainer John Floyd, andformer Loyd Star pitcher Drew Weaver on the Co-Lin squad.