C.J. McElroy commits to Houston for 2 sports

LEAGUE CITY — C.J. McElroy always has wanted to play collegiate football and baseball.

When the University of Houston offered him the opportunity to play both sports, the Clear Creek senior immediately committed.

“I feel like it was a good opportunity for me,” McElroy said.

“When Houston told me that I could play football and baseball, and may even start my freshman year, I decided to commit to them.”

As a junior, McElroy was first-team all-county and all-district in both football and baseball.

Playing receiver in football, McElroy had 600 yards receiving, 372 yards rushing and nine total touchdowns.

In baseball, he hit .319 with 36 runs and 19 stolen bases as an outfielder.

McElroy is the son of former MLB pitcher Chuck McElroy. In his 13 seasons in the major leagues, Chuck pitched in 654 games and had a 38-30 record with 17 saves and a 3.90 ERA.

McElroy already had received scholarship offers from Boise State, Wyoming, Arizona State, Kentucky and Utah. Most of those teams, McElroy said, were recruiting him as a cornerback.

McElroy wanted to stay at receiver, where he feels his skills are put to better use.

“I think my speed and my hands are my strength,” McElroy said. “I’m aggressive getting the ball, and I am a good route runner.”

With the recruiting process out of the way, McElroy has set big goals for himself for the upcoming football season.

“I want to help my team win district and go far in the playoffs,” McElroy said. “I would love to be the district MVP and be named first-team all-district and all-county.”

McElroy said he hopes to have 80 receptions for more than 1,000 yards and 16 touchdowns this year.

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Stars In The Classroom

Three Friendswood stars recently were named to Randy Rodgers’ Preseason All-Academic Football Team.

Defensive tackle Travis Manning was a second team selection, while quarterback Pete Maetzold and offensive lineman Ben Compton were named honorable mention.

“I was shocked,” Manning said of the honor. “I’ve always done well in school, but I didn’t think it was an option to be on an all-state academic team.”

The preseason team recognizes rising seniors who have a GPA of 3.0 or better and a test score of at least a 1000 SAT or 21 ACT score. Players were nominated by their high school coaches and counselors.

All three players are being recruited for their skills on the football field as well as the classroom.

Manning, who is sporting a 3.8 GPA and hopes to major in Business Management and Hospital Administrations, has received offers from Bryant University and Air Force. He said he’s been told he is on Lamar University’s radar as well this summer.

Maetzold has been offered by Fordham University and is hoping to impress more teams during summer camps. He said he would like to attend a good academic university.