In Super Bowl LI, Patriots running back James White demonstrated his world-class athleticism.

The shifty running back caught 14 of 16 passes for 110 yards and a touchdown while rushing for two additional scores (including the game winner) and a two-point conversion.

For as gifted as White was at football, during his time at St. Thomas Aquinas (Fort Lauderdale, Fla.), he may have been even better on the baseball diamond.

When the spring rolled around, White suited up for the Aquinas baseball team. He demonstrated his athletic gifts in a baseball uniform and caught the attention of college scouts.

According to the AP, White hit near the top of the team’s lineup and was a gifted base-stealer, triggering the Atlanta Braves organization to take notice.

Not only were his athletic abilities impressive, but he was also a model citizen in the classroom. These characteristics did not go unnoticed by his coach Ed Waters.

"Always was on time, always had his homework, worked hard to get his grade, always got his A," Waters said. "Sounds too good to be true, but he definitely is in that category."

White, an outfielder, posted a .391 on-base percentage and a .406 slugging percentage over his final two varsity seasons. In his senior season, he helped guide Aquinas to a 20-6 record.

It seemed as if White was always competing. In addition to his time playing baseball, White also had to contend for a starting position on the football team, despite his immense talent. He battled for playing time against another future NFL running back—Gio Bernard.

White’s ascent—from two-sport high school standout to Super Bowl star—is a reminder that to thrive one day at the sport’s highest levels, young football players don’t need to pursue the sport 12 months per year.