Derek Barnett was more than a two-sport athlete in high school. In fact, even the title of “three-sport athlete” sells him short.

The Tennessee defensive end played four different sports during his time at Brentwood Academy (Nashville, Tenn.), according to the school’s baseball coach, Buddy Alexander.

Alexander recalls Barnett on the diamond as a first baseman with – unsurprisingly – some pop to his bat.

“He did play JV baseball his freshman season and he was a good player,” Alexander said. “He was a pretty good hitter, quick bat, and hit with power.”

According to Alexander, a shoulder injury during his sophomore season ended Barnett’s career on the diamond. But the 6-foot-3 standout, who projects as a high pick in the 2017 NFL Draft, was just beginning his athletic journey.

As a sophomore and junior, Barnett suited up for Brentwood Academy’s basketball team. He was undersized as a post player but his strength and body control around the basket caused matchup problems for opposing teams.

When the spring rolled around, Alexander encouraged Barnett to consider throwing the shotput and discus for the school’s track and field team. It was a less intensive commitment than baseball and allowed him to remain active while participating in spring football.

Barnett hit 50 feet in the shotput and had a personal best of 154’10 in the discus.

All of this pales in comparison to what Barnett accomplished on the gridiron.

Barnett was a two-time Mr. Football selection and earned all-state honors as a senior. That season, he recorded 60 tackles (18 for loss) and 5.5 sacks. He was a top-ranked recruit and had multiple offers before committing to Tennessee.

Later this month, Barnett will likely hear his name called on the first night of the NFL Draft. Alexander will continue to look back on him fondly as a hardworking high school athlete who was never afraid to compete in multiple sports.

“He is very grounded,” Alexander said. “He deserves whatever he accomplishes because he earned all of it through hard work.