A two-sport athlete heading to Nebraska could have a change in plans after Thursday night. Wide receiver Monte Harrison committed to play football and baseball at Nebraska this past spring, but on Thursday night the Milwaukee Brewers drafted Harrison with the 50th overall pick in the MLB Draft. So what happens now?
Harrison will have to decide whether or not to sign with the Brewers and begin life in the minor leagues with the hope of one day breaking into the majors or to continue with the plan to attend Nebraska to play football for Bo Pelini and baseball for former big leaguer Darin Erstad. That decision must be made by July 18, the deadline for drafted players to sign with their new major league clubs. For Nebraska’s sake, it would be ideal if Harrison could come to a decision a little sooner if possible. If Harrison decides to stick with Nebraska, he can join the Huskers football program this summer for workouts and begin getting a sense of the offense.
The sticking point could turn out to be the money involved with baseball. The 50th player drafted in the MLB Draft is given a value of about $1.1 million, which has to be tough to pass down for any young kid in this situation. The Brewers know convincing Harrison to skip on Nebraska and join the farm system is a bit of a reach, but it is one the Brewers will be hoping for the best.
“We know it’s going to be probably a tougher sign,” Brewers amateur scouting director Bruce Seid said, “but at the same time, you have to take opportunities like this. If we can make it work, we’ll make it work.”
Milwaukee’s gain could be Nebraska’s loss. Harrison is a four-star wide receiver according to Rivals, and the fifth top recruit from Missouri in the Class of 2014.