DAPHNE, Ala. — Incoming Bayside Academy senior Hunter Slater announced his intention to play baseball for the University of Southern Mississippi Friday.

The infielder/pitcher who bats left, throws right, hit .498 as a junior for the Admirals and head coach Doug Leffard in 2013. He delivered 44 RBIs and five homers at the plate.

Slater is also the starting quarterback for Bayside heading into his third starting season with big game experience as a freshman, including playoff time when Admiral QB Camp Campbell was injured.

In July Slater said although he loves football and is looking forward to his senior season on the gridiron, he had felt for some time that baseball would be his collegiate sport.

“It’s my last year of football and I really wouldn’t want to miss it. To be out there (on the field) in front of a crowd on a Friday night is just a great experience. I can’t describe it, but sometimes I just get chills out there listening to all the crowd noise, cheering, especially when there’s a big play. It’s something I’ll never forget.”

Bayside head football coach Phil Lazenby said Slater has stayed level headed during the recruiting and decision making process while remaining focused on getting ready for football.

"Hunter is obviously excited about his baseball opportunities but hasn't missed a workout in football. He's keeping his perspective.”

Lazenby has led the Admirals to their first-ever winning season, their first undefeated regular season and five consecutive state playoff runs in a very tough 3A Region 1 field. “I’ve been a part of state championship teams at the 4A, 5A and 6A level and it was a lot of fun," he said. "I would love nothing more than to share that experience with these guys as well.”

Slater also had baseball offers from South Alabama, Samford and Southeastern Louisiana programs.