Pitchers, fielders and catchers reported to Sewell-Thomas Stadium on Friday afternoon as Alabama baseball started its first preseason practice under new head coach Rob Vaughn. Yet, there was one name missing at “The Joe.”
Dylan Lonergan, the first-year Crimson Tide quarterback, isn’t likely to be a part of the baseball program this spring after enrolling in Tuscaloosa last year as a dual-sport athlete, Vaughn confirmed.
The news isn’t surprising, especially when Vaughn referred to one of the craziest months in UA football history as changes “across the street” at the Mal M. Moore Facility, but Vaughn kept the door open for Lonergan.
“We’d love to have him a part of what we’re doing. He’s a talented kid, no doubt. But he’s going to focus on what’s in front of him,” Vaughn said. “That’s a testament to who he is and what he’s really earned over the last six or seven months over at that football field across the street. Time will tell how that shakes out.
“What that means for him moving forward long-term? That’s going to be up to Dylan a lot.”
Lonergan, who settled as the Tide’s third-string quarterback this fall behind Jalen Milroe and Ty Simpson, appeared in one game on the gridiron. He completed two passes in a blowout against Chattanooga while rushing for 5 yards. Lonergan had earned praise from former UA coaches Nick Saban and Tommy Rees throughout the season.
As a prospect, Lonergan sought a school that would allow him to play both sports. Per his high school coaches at Brookwood (Georgia) High, Saban himself was a proponent of letting Lonergan do both, telling them as much in the recruiting process. Lonergan, a first and third baseman who registered 93 mph off the mound, was rated a blue-chip recruit (four stars or better) in both sports.
