Earlier this month, Mississippi State hosted some of the top 2027 college baseball prospects in the country. Heritage High School (TN) standout Gaven French (6-2, 175) was on the guest list. The talented two-way standout has built his recruiting resume as a right handed pitcher and shortstop. While most schools are recruiting him as a pitcher, with squad sizes shrinking, French may have the chance to contribute on the mound, at the plate and in the field.
No matter his position of projection, French is certain to play some big time baseball on the college level. Some of the top programs in the country are in hot pursuit. The personable French is taking it all in stride. He understands that a dream is coming true, but he is not resting on his laurels.
“I am just doing some college visits, having some fall baseball practice and then I will play a couple of travel tournaments here in the fall soon,” French shared. “I am getting all of these phone calls and coaches reaching out. It’s really a dream come true. With all the hard work and time into it, it’s really just a blessing to be able to do all of this.”
While French is smack dab in the middle of the recruiting radar of several college baseball powers, he understands that he is still a teammate. He knows that the higher his own star rises the more light is cast on those around him on the diamond.
“I want the best for my teammates, that they have a chance,” French explained. “I for sure what them to go. It feels good to know that I am getting an opportunity to do this.”
French has a pair of SEC official visits under his belt. He is not quite ready to make a decision, but he is getting a lay of the recruiting land. His first excursion as a recruit was to Starkville, Mississippi to see what the Diamond Dawgs are all about.
“It was really awesome when I got there,” French said. “It was like a little small town and then when we got to the stadium, I looked up and it was huge. I got to see all of their facilities. They’re the best in the nation. It was really cool and the football game (Arizona State) that we got to go to was awesome. The fans and all was just really fun.”
During his time on campus, French was able to get some face time with the Diamond Dawg coaching staff. Coach Justin Parker did a lot of the heavy lifting, but all involved made a good impression.
“Coach Parker and all the staff there was just amazing,” French shared. “They are really good at building the relationship. I talked to them on the phone before I got there and when I got there, I felt like I already knew them pretty well. Just building that relationship with them was really good and learning about the program was great.
“(They) are up there for sure. I mean it’s a powerhouse in college baseball. They have a lot to offer. From academics to baseball, everything they have just great stuff. It was for sure up there.”
French’s second visit was to a school closer to home, Tennessee. Coach Tony Vitello and the Volunteers rolled out the big orange carpet to make French and his family feel welcomed. It appears that the Vols also made a positive impression.
“It was good,” French said of the visit to Knoxville. “(Vitello) talked about some things on the recruiting side and then they obviously talked about academics and baseball stuff. It was good.”
French is still working through the process and will take in some additional official visits before he begins working towards his final decision. This week, he will make a trip east into the Atlantic Coast Conference.
“I got to Clemson this week,” French explained. “Then, I will go to a couple of other SEC schools and a couple of ACC schools. I am not in any rush, but I am not going to try to hold it for too long. Once I feel like a place is right for me, then I’ll probably go.”
In the end, French is looking for the best fit academically, athletically and socially. He is doing his best to approach all of his official visits with an open mind. French is aware that he has some great options, but he also knows what he is looking for.
“First off, I am going to live there for three to four years,” French explained. “I have to like the place that I’m at and the area I’m in. The coaching staff and how I have a relationship with them and how I think I fit in. I will interact with some of the players, see what they like and the like it and then I’ll just go from there.”