Options Aplenty For Two-Sport Standout Brenner
December 16, 2024
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Options Aplenty For Two-Sport Standout Brenner
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Johnathan Brenner RHP / OF / Cardinal Mooney, OH / 2026Rankings StateRank: 28 / POS: 11
“I’m looking for that family atmosphere,” Brenner said. “That’s a big thing we stress at Cardinal Mooney. I really want a solid head coach that’s been there five-plus years with a good record. Location doesn’t matter, I just want a chance to play ball.” But will it be baseball or football? “It’s up in the air,” noted the 6-5 215-pound junior at Cardinal Mooney. “There’s still a lot of time. I don’t know which I want to play. I’m looking at maybe playing both.” Troy, Kent State and Wright State lead the schools showing baseball interest, with camp invites coming from Notre Dame and Ohio State. Additionally, West Virginia is a consideration where Brenner could fulfill a “dream” to join his older brother at college. But the idea of playing football is also a possibility for the tight end on the gridiron, with an offer from Kentucky, a visit to Penn State and talks with Louisville and a couple Mid-American Conference schools having taken place thus far. “A big factor will be money,” the 17-year-old explained. “But the biggest factor will be where my heart feels it should lie. If I’m meant to be a pitcher, that’s what I’ll do. I will talk to my family and counselor about it.” Adding to the decision is the possibilities of being a two-way player in baseball. “I’m open to being a two-way,” related the 11th-rated 2026 right-handed pitcher in Ohio, who plays outfield and hits from the left side of the plate in addition to pitching. Wright State sees both as a possibility for Brenner, whose strong interest from colleges began on Aug. 1 with calls from Kent State, Wright State and Troy. “Everyone started out by saying they saw me at the Future Games,” Brenner said. “I’ve also been getting texts from other schools about seeing me at the Future Games.” That was a big part of a recruiting process that has been difficult at times. “It’s been horrifying to say the least, with a lot of stress,” Brenner admitted. “But I’m excited where it went. Prep Baseball has been amazing to me. I went to the Release Scout Day every year and I went to the Top Prospect Games which was also good for exposure for schools from Ohio and Pennsylvania. Prep Baseball is one of the biggest helps for me in my recruitment. Twitter also helped with putting my film and stats out there.” The 28th-ranked junior in Ohio is confident he can make an impact wherever he lands. “One of my biggest attributes to help a team is my leadership,” Brenner explained. “I look at sports as a family. I’m not going to be one that points the way, I’m leading the way. “Being so big, I have a lot of power,” added Brenner. “Exit velo and pitching velo come easy for me.” Kyle Weldon, Prep Baseball Ohio Director of Scouting, is of the belief Brenner can be a valuable piece to any college baseball roster. “A two-way prospect, he has middle-of-the-lineup power traits offensively with the ability to turn around fastballs,” Weldon said. “He manages at-bats well and has looked good against top arms in the summer. On the mound, it’s 85-86, topping 87, with an athletic delivery and feel for spin.” Brenner sees those numbers only getting better. “Now that football is over I’m back into it,” Brenner noted. “I’m working on getting my arm strength back up. Rotational power is definitely one thing I need to work on and I’m seeing improvement very fast.” It brings excitement as Brenner looks ahead to the next few months. “I’m expecting a big jump,” Brenner said. “I feel I’m going to improve a lot, especially in the weight room. The upcoming offers will help me decide what sport I want to play and which college I want to attend.” As far as a timeframe on a decision, that is an uncertainty. “Maybe sometime before senior season in baseball,” Brenner concluded. “That’s the best guess right now.” |