Two-sport Staley headed to Starkville
Elijah Staley is all about options. He's a multi-sport player at Wheeler High School and he wants to be a multi-sport player in college. The 6-foot-6 quaterback/athlete/combo forward committed to Mississippi State on Saturday afternoon.
Staley announced his decision via Vine.
Staley is the second Georgian to commit to the SEC school this week. He joins fellow Atlanta Celtic Dante Scott (2015/Campbell HS) as a verbal pledge to Rick Ray's program. Staley, however, will be going to Starkville on a football scholarship and will walk-on the basketball team.
Playing both sports was a key component to his decision, according to the family. Once committed to Vanderbilt, he opened his quick commitment up in order to explore opportunities that would allow him to play both sports in college.
The family told HoopSeen.com that Staley's commitment to Mississippi State will be his final one. Staley will return to the grassroots circuit in July, suiting up for the Atlanta Celtics team coached by former NBA player Dion Glover.
Staley has played well for the Celtics in the spring, shining above the rim and in transition. He's a key piece to Wheeler's rotation this upcoming high school season. The Wildcats are one of the early favorites in AAAAAA and Staley is a good reason why.