When Todd Evans joined the Valparaiso football staff this season, he mentioned to coach Bill Marshal that he knew a player who could help the team.

Evans, Valparaiso’s baseball coach, was thinking of senior Grant Comstock, a 6-foot-6 pitcher/outfielder who also is a forward on the basketball team.

Comstock is the quintessential three-sport athlete. He’ll vie for a starting position on the basketball team.

Despite not having played football since eighth grade, he’s turned into one of Valparaiso’s big-play receivers, catching seven passes for 219 yards and three touchdowns. He’s averaging 31.3 yards per catch.

But baseball is Comstock’s future.

On Wednesday, Comstock signed a national letter of intent to play baseball at Northwestern, where he’ll be welcomed as a pitcher.

It’s a strange time for spring athletes who missed their 2020 season because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Comstock didn’t even pitch 11 innings in 2019, finishing with a 1-1 record and a 4.59 ERA. He played five games in the outfield with just eight varsity at-bats.

Last season was supposed to be his breakout season.

“I think Grant could have made a name for himself had he played,” Evans said.

That will have to come next season.

Comstock committed to Northwestern as a sophomore. The Wildcats liked his athletic ability and size. He’ll only get better.

Evans said Comstock likely will be his No. 1 pitcher next season.

Comstock is happy to have a place to play at Northwestern.

“I’m excited,” he said. “It’s a great school. I’ll get a great education, and they have great facilities. I love the coaches and staff.”

Comstock said he had considered playing football for a couple of years. All he needed was a little push.

Evans gave him that when he asked.

“It’s been fun,” Comstock said. “It’s exciting and new.”

He said he has worked hard to get stronger.

“My velocity is up,” he said. “I can hit the low 90s, and I’ve developed some new pitches.”

At the plate, Evans said Comstock is a “big, strong kid, so anything is possible.”

Two other Valparaiso baseball players signed national letters of intent.

Pitcher/shortstop Ty Gill, who hit .347 with 15 RBIs in 2019, signed with Purdue, and Lucas Siewin signed with Kankakee Community College in Illinois.