Kentucky Makes Top Eight for 2024 Two-Sport Star James Nesta

The linebacker/pitcher talent can get to the quarterback and can also touch mid-90's with his fastball.

An elite two-sport athlete in the 2024 class has trimmed his list of schools in the running for his commitment down to eight. 

James Nesta, a 6-foot-5, 205-pound prospect in both football and baseball, has included Kentucky in his final eight, along with Tennessee, a slew of ACC schools and others:

• NC State
• Duke
• Virginia Tech
• USC
• Tennessee
• North Carolina
• Kentucky 
• West Virginia

Top 8‼️ #AGTG pic.twitter.com/QUs1hVJjgY

— James Nesta (@James_nesta3) April 10, 2023

Coming out of William Amos Hough High School in Cornelius, N.C., Nesta is a 4-star linebacker and one of the top pitchers in the state of North Carolina. Per the On3 Consensus, he's the No. 355 football player and No. 37 LB in the 2024 class. 

He took an unofficial visit to Lexington in March and has also visited NC State. Duke and Virginia Tech. Playing both sports in college is a goal for Nesta. In an interview with highschoolOT.com, he said he has touched 95 mph on the mound. Perfect Game sees him as a player with plenty of upside: 

"James Nesta is a 2024 RHP/OF with a 6-5 205 lb. frame from Huntersville, NC who attends Hough. Lean, high-waisted frame that oozes projection with easy length throughout the body. Primary right-handed pitcher, longer three-quarter slot with some hip coil at the top. Quick arm action. Fastball reached 91 mph with some cutting action in on the hands of righties. Stays on top of it with good plane. Flashed feel for a tighter curveball with tight vertical depth out of the hand. 

Also mixed in a high-70s changeup that can kill spin and keep its shape. Secondary outfielder, charges hard and pulls it down. Throws packed with intent and carry up to 95 mph and lived low-90s. Arm strength stands out Right-handed hitter, showed quality bat speed and strength with hard liners to the pull side. Hands work quick through the zone and generate backspin. Huge two-way potential and upside with room for more in the frame. Very good student."

On the football field, William Amos Hough earned an 11-3 record in 2022, while Nesta acquired 41 tackles, 13 tackles-for-loss, nine sacks, one forced fumble, and one fumble recovery that went for a touchdown. 

Nesta is a name to look out for in the 2024 class on the gridiron and the diamond.

Kentucky landed a 4-star defensive lineman on National Signing Day. More HERE.

WATCH: Kentucky football's transfer portal signees speak to the media

Devin Leary discusses his decision to transfer to Kentucky HERE.

Ray Davis isn't following former Kentucky RB's footsteps. More HERE.

Want the latest on national football and basketball recruiting, including Cats targets? Head over to SI All-American for the latest news, blogs, and updates about the nation's best prospects.

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