Jaden Pydyn was confident that he could play two sports at the Division I level.
Pydyn, a standout football and baseball player for Detroit Catholic (Mich.), just needed a school to give him that opportunity.
Enter Army. Pydyn received a football offer from the Black Knights. After taking a visit during spring football, Pydyn asked Army defensive line coach and recruiter Sean Cronin to connect him with baseball coach Chris Tracz a few weeks later.
Pydyn committed to play both sports at West Point on April 10.
“I’ve grown up loving both sports and believed I could play both at a Division I college level,” Pydyn said. “I know it’s going to be a lot of work but I am cut out for it.”
Army football is recruiting Pydyn, who is 6-foot-1 and 200 pounds, to play running back. Pydyn was moved from running back to quarterback in the middle of his junior season and operated a wildcat offense. He finished the season with 20 touchdowns. Pydyn has also played wide receiver and safety. Army baseball is looking at Pydyn as an outfielder and right-handed pitcher.
West Point’s prestige attracted Pydyn. His family also has a deep history of military service in the Army. Dan Pydyn, his grandfather, served in Vietnam in the 1st Air Cavalry and was awarded three Purple Hearts. Terry Cummins, his grandfather, was a tank drive in Korea.
“I’ve never considered serving until the opportunity to go to West Point,” Pydyn said.
Pydyn watched highlight videos of former Seahawks safety Kam Chancellor, his favorite football player, growing up. His favorite baseball player is former Tigers all-star Miguel Cabrera.
