Australia's most wanted athlete Sam Day

Sam Day Source: HWT Image Library

Sam Day, still growing at 196cm and 94kg, this year will choose between Australian rules and a college scholarship in baseball or basketball.

AFL recruiters rate him a top-five draft prospect this year, and a potential No.1.

The freakish Day, from Adelaide, has recorded a vertical leap of 81cm - 3cm higher than Eagles sensation Nic Naitanui's draft-camp best.

The Herald Sun understands the 17-year-old has family and friends in Melbourne, and likes the idea of playing in Victoria.

But Gold Coast, which has the first three picks in this year's draft, is set to pounce.

AIS-AFL high performance coach Jason McCartney said Day was a "super talent".

"It's frightening how much potential he has," McCartney said. "He is so athletically gifted he can play a variety of positions. Personally, I think Sam wants to play footy."

Day's height will have a major bearing on his decision.

If Day continues to grow, a multi-million-dollar NBA or Major League Baseball career may beckon.

A rocket-armed first baseman and power hitter, Day has already knocked back an invitation to join the Major League Baseball Academy.

"When he bats he can smash it over the fence," said Baseball South Australia development manager Paul Chandler.

In basketball, his slam-dunking aerobatics are said to stun onlookers.

His father, Chris Day, said Sam would keep his sporting options open.

"Sam has a passion to play AFL but he hasn't given up on his other sporting dreams either," Chris said.

Day produced stunning results for a tall player at AIS-AFL testing in January, recording the second-best 20m sprint, the second-best vertical leap and finishing second in the agility test.

Sturt talent and development manager Colin Casey said: "He can ride on the backs of players and mark it and he can run at full pace, pick the footy up from his ankles and handball. He's a bit special."

South Australian under-18 coach Brenton Phillips said he had not seen a more exciting prospect in 28 years.

"I rate Sam as highly as (last year's No.2 draft pick) Jack Trengove," he said.