RINGGOLD, Ga. – The only thing on Andre Tarver’s mind on this wintry Monday in February was getting ready for a high school baseball season that starts next week.
Everything else, including life-changing decisions, can wait. Tarver, the Ringgold High School junior two-sport star, has that luxury right now. Next year at this time, however, the clock will be ticking as one of the area’s most talented athletes chooses his path.
The 6-foot-2, 210-pound Tarver already has made one major decision with a commitment to play baseball at SEC power Mississippi State. He’s had that in the bag for nearly two years now and, when asked, says it’s still where his heart lies.
Area’s top 18 juniors of 2018
Davis Allen: Calhoun, linebackerShane Brazier: Soddy-Daisy, offensive lineMicaleous Elder: Cleveland, athleteMondo Ellison: CCS, running backLuke Griffin: North Murray, offensive lineCalvin Jackson: Red Bank, athleteMike McGhee: Central, running backIvan Mora: Dalton, kickerFred Norman: Ridgeland, offensive lineSincere Quinn: Ooltewah, running backPreston Poag Jr.: North Murray, quarterbackAlonzo Russell: East Ridge, safetyKyrell Sanford: Ooltewah, athleteDominique Sistrunk: Northwest Whitfield, running backBrannon Spector: Calhoun, defensive backCam Stewart: McCallie, offensive lineAndre Tarver: Ringgold, linebackerCam Wynn: Notre Dame, receiver
But here’s where it gets interesting. Tarver’s talents on the football field, where’s he’s a two-time Best of Preps all-star at two different positions, have caught the attention of recruiters. Just recently he’s been offered scholarships in that sport by Wake Forest, Appalachian State, Old Dominion and the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.