A's top pick Kyler Murray always envisioned himself as a two-sport star

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Kyler Murray started this sensational run as the A's top pick in June, selected No. 9 overall in the 2018 MLB Draft. Since then, he's turned to football field, leading the Oklahoma Sooners to championship hopes while he finds himself at the top of Heisman hopefuls. 

None of this surprises the two-sport star. 

When asked by ESPN's Maria Taylor if he ever saw himself as a Heisman candidate with championship contention all while already being a MLB Draft pick, Murray made his mindset clear: "I'd be lying if I said no," Murray said. "My whole life has been surrounded by sports, so for me, I've never not envisioned success."

The two walked around the University of Oklahoma baseball team, and while everyone is watching run around tacklers right now, it's clear how much America's pastime means to him. 

"I grew up playing on the diamond as well as the gridiron. I've been doing it my whole life, so it brings back a lot of memories," Murray said. "Hitting home runs, catching fly balls, stealing bases, it's something that I've always loved to do." 

Murray, at 5-foot-10 and 195 pounds, is to no college football fan's surprise, speedy on the bases and in center field, but he also packs a punch at the plate. This past college baseball season, Murray hit 10 home runs, 13 doubles, and three triples to go with his .296 batting average. He also stole bags.

On the football field, Murray's quickness and escapability are on full display. In the batter's box, it's a whole different challenge. 

"Being in the box is a totally different beast trying to hit this little ball that's moving at 90 miles per hour," Murray said. "It's tough to do. And this is probably one of the toughest sports ever created." 

The past two years, Murray has learned from Heisman trophy winner and No. 1 overall NFL Draft pick Baker Mayfield. Murray says he learned greatly from Mayfield, but when it comes to being compared against fellow great Texas high school quarterbacks like Mayfield, Drew Brees, Vince Young and Johnny Manziel, Murray doesn't shy away. 

"Not to be cocky or anything, but I think I have to be at the top of the list. I mean those guys are obviously in the NFL, so it's kind of hard to speak on that. Winning three back-to-back-to-back state championships, is something that's never been done I think in Texas high school football," Murray said.

For his athleticism and potential, it's no surprise the A's front office loved him. And you have to love that confidence, too. 

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