In a world where sports specialization is all the rage, Daylyn Croom stands out. Not with his size or an over-the-top personality. Instead, he does so with his play on the gridiron, hardwood and diamond.
No matter the location, Croom’s athletic ability is special and on full-display from August to May for North Forrest athletics.
“I love them all,” Croom said. “If somebody told me to pick one, I probably wouldn’t play at all.”
This time of the year, the majority of Croom’s days are spent on the football field. His Eagles are 8-4 thus far and currently competing in the Class 2A playoffs. Hard to imagine them getting this far without him.
“Coming into the year, we knew Daylyn would be an ex-factor for us,” North Forrest head coach Anthony Dillon said. “That’s why we pushed him all year long and even in the offseason, just to let him know that this team will only go as far as he can make us go.”
At his primary position of quarterback, Croom has always passed the ball and ran it with great efficiency for the Eagles. But there’s always a play or two every week where a play breaks down and he has to improvise. He may run backwards and/or sideways, but more often than not, the play will go for a positive gain, first down or even a touchdown.
“Man, he’s just so elusive and athletic,” Dillon said. “I tell you, he can throw the ball very well, buy time with his feet and make you miss. He’s just a versatile athlete.”
When Croom’s not under center, you can find him at wide receiver, running back, defensive back, kicker, etc. The heavy workload doesn’t faze him. It’s actually one of the reasons he’s glad he transferred to North Forrest from Hattiesburg High School prior to his sophomore year.
“I love being around these guys. I love the school and just the atmosphere,” Croom said. “From the football perspective, I like it, because I get to play both ways. I like playing offense and defense. At Hattiesburg, I probably would not have got that opportunity.”
Really and truly, Croom is thankful for any opportunity after suffering a career-threatening injury his 8th grade year. While he was pitching in a batting cage one memorable day, a ball flew off a bat and struck him near the back of his neck.
“I went to the doctor the next day, because I couldn’t sleep that night,” Croom said. “They ended up having to rush me to Jackson. It was serious.”
Croom suffered a blood clot on the back of his head and a partially fractured skull. Doctors initially thought he might not play any sport ever again. That thought was later changed to having him sit out his entire freshman year just for precaution. After that, he was back and more than ready to do his thing.
“I couldn’t stay away from the game. I love it so much.”
Last baseball season at North Forrest, Croom led the Eagles in batting average (.429), hits (21) and innings pitched (23.1). On the hardwood, he was one of the team’s top scoring guards. All in all, it’s clear he has a future in college athletics. In not thinking that far down the road, though, Dillon is just thankful to have him for another Friday night and maybe another or two after that.
“He’s a special player,” Dillon said with a smile. “We’re glad to have him on our team.”
