Gwinnett Daily Post

Tyler Maloof had options to play college football or baseball, but he chose the latter on Thursday night.

The Norcross senior accepted a baseball scholarship offer from Georgia head coach David Perno, jumping at the chance to play SEC baseball close to home. A centerfielder for the Blue Devils, Maloof also expects to get the chance to play outfield at Georgia and possibly pitch as well.

Maloof, the son of Norcross head football coach Keith Maloof, was among Gwinnett County's batting leaders as a junior with a .411 average. He also drove in 16 runs.

He drew more interest from baseball recruiters after a showcase at Loganville in which he threw 95 mph from the outfield and 89 off the mound.

"It's just a great atmosphere in Athens, going to Georgia (football) games," Maloof said. "I really like the coaching staff and I really like the players there. And it's close to home. It was a no-brainer really."

Through six games with the Blue Devil football team this season, Maloof has intercepted three passes and made 36 tackles from his free safety position.