Illinois Fighting Illini signee Michael Hermosillo has picked to professional baseball career over college football after being selected by the LA Angels on Saturday in the MLB Draft.
Hermosillo signed a letter of intent to play Fighting Illini football in February and was going to enroll in Champaign this summer, but he changed his mind after the Angels selected him in the 28th round (847th selection) of the MLB Draft. So he’ll give up playing the more exciting and interesting sport to instead pursue the more dull, boring sport.
“I met with Michael and his family this morning in Champaign and he has decided to pursue a professional baseball career after being drafted by the LA Angels,” Illini head coach Tim Beckman said. “The family felt it was the right fit for Michael at this time and indicated they would consider Michael’s football future once his baseball season is complete.”
That means Hermosillo won’t be around to challenge Donovonn Young or back-up Josh Ferguson for carries this fall. Of course, it doesn’t really matter who’s running the ball when your offensive line is truly that horrendous. The 5-10, 200-pound speedster was projected to play running back or defensive back for the Fighting Illini. As Illinois returns just one starter in the defensive backfield, they could have really used him for DB depth. On the baseball field, Hermosillo hit .485 with a .587 on-base percentage, .912 slugging percentage, four home runs, 30 RBIs and 36 runs scored.
Hermosillo will join the LA Angels minor league system immediately, but will retain NCAA football eligibility should be decide to return to the game.
He should reach the LA Angels parent club within 2-3 years; if his progression goes as scouts project.
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