News Summary
Ethan Pulliam, a graduate from Starkville High School, has made the significant decision to transition from playing baseball to focusing solely on punting for the Mississippi State Bulldogs. His impressive background as an All-State player in football and recent baseball stats show his athletic versatility. With the support of his coach and community, Pulliam is set to channel his energy into a new chapter, eager to make a mark on the football field as he prepares for the upcoming season.
Big Changes for Ethan Pulliam: From Baseball Diamond to Football Field
In the vibrant town of Starkville, Mississippi, a notable athlete is making headlines with a big shift in focus. Ethan Pulliam, a cherished graduate of Starkville High School, has decided to dedicate his athletic prowess to punting for the Bulldogs at Mississippi State University, leaving behind his dual-sport journey that started with both baseball and football.
A Dual-Sport Start
When Ethan first signed with Mississippi State, he was hailed for his versatility, bringing talent to both baseball and football. During his time helping Chris Lemonis’ baseball team over the last two seasons, Ethan showed promise but faced stiff competition at the collegiate level. As a freshman, he played in 27 games, starting in 20, with a batting average of .227. In those games, he gathered 15 hits, scored 7 runs, and managed to hit 5 doubles, including his very first home run and 11 runs batted in. These stats reflect his debut in college baseball, culminating in a .348 slugging percentage and a .307 on-base percentage.
Despite these accomplishments, Pulliam found himself vying for playing time amid a crowded second base and outfield lineup. At the start of the current baseball season, he played in 7 games with just 1 start, where he achieved 2 hits in 6 at-bats, showcasing his potential with a career first— a triple!
Shifting Gears to Punting
After redshirting last season for football, Ethan made the bold decision to shift his focus exclusively to punting. His background in football is impressive; he was recognized as an All-State player in high school and earned the title of Starkville Daily News Player of the Year in baseball. However, it was his time on the field as a punter that really caught attention, ranking among the top punters in the country during his senior year.
His senior season was nothing short of stellar, with 38 punts averaging an impressive 45.8 yards each. Ethan’s skills shone as 14 of his punts were downed inside the 20-yard line, including a long punt that traveled a staggering 71 yards. His success was partly attributed to his soccer background where his kicking skills were finely honed, translating smoothly to the football field.
Words of Encouragement
Head football coach Jeff Lebby is optimistic about Ethan’s commitment to punting. He believes that Pulliam’s focus will not only benefit him personally but also enhance the team’s overall performance. Having a solid punting game is crucial, especially when it comes to strategic plays in college football.
Now that Pulliam is leaving baseball behind, the horizon looks bright for him as he aims to make a significant impact in football. The decision, while bittersweet, allows Ethan to channel all his energy and talent into becoming a formidable presence on the field. With no official games under his belt last season, he is eager for the opportunity to shine after dedicating this time to refining his punting skills.
A New Chapter Awaits
As Pulliam embarks on this exciting journey, the Starkville community continues to cheer for their homegrown talent. With a stellar high school career that included leading his team to a state championship, many are looking forward to seeing how he translates that winning spirit into his college career as a punter. Pulliam’s story exemplifies determination, adaptability, and the pursuit of excellence in athletics.
As the upcoming season approaches, all eyes will be on Ethan Pulliam—now exclusively the punter of the Bulldogs. With the support of Coach Lebby and the legacy of Starkville behind him, he’s ready to make his mark on the field and prove that his future in college football is just beginning. Stay tuned; this is just the start of an exciting new chapter for this dual-sport athlete turned punter!
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Ethan Pulliam Excels in Dual Sports at Mississippi State
Additional Resources
- Starkville Daily News: Pulliam Focuses on Punting for Bulldogs
- Wikipedia: Ethan Pulliam
- On3: Ethan Pulliam Profile
- Google Search: Ethan Pulliam
- Commercial Dispatch: Dual-Sport Athlete Pulliam
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Football
- Hail State: Pulliam Loving Punting and Playing Hardball
- Google News: Mississippi State Football
- Clarion Ledger: Ethan Pulliam Transition
