Despite signing a letter of intent to play baseball at Duke, Will Benson will not play for the Blue Devils—or any other college squad.
Benson was drafted by the Cleveland Indians with the No. 14 overall pick in the 2016 MLB Draft Thursday evening. The Atlanta native reportedly told media after being selected that he will forego a college career to sign with the Indians, though he might still pursue an education at Duke.
We've selected 6-foot-6, 220-pound high school 1B/OF Will Benson from Atlanta. https://t.co/dlayaLhCH9 #MLBDraft pic.twitter.com/tNDfClBjrF
— #VoteTribe (@Indians) June 10, 2016
Benson: "I'm definitely going to sign. I'm definitely going to Cleveland." Told media at Draft he may still pursue education at Duke.
— Jordan Bastian (@MLBastian) June 10, 2016
Ranked as the No. 28 draft prospect by Baseball America, Benson was the highest-ranked recruit in Duke’s 2016 class.
Prior to being drafted, the 6-foot-6 left-hander—who can play outfield and first base—hit .454 during his senior season and was named a first-team Rawlings Perfect Game All-American.
Benson also appeared in the 2015 Under Armour All-America Game at Wrigley Field in Chicago and was selected to the 2015 USA Baseball U-18 national team.
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