MONTICELLO, Ill. (WCIA) — Fresh out of high school, Ike Young was faced with a near-impossible decision.

Young, an Illinois signee, was drafted in the 20th round by Tampa Bay. He decided to fulfill his commitment and turn down the offer to play collegiate baseball.

“That’s the goal, you know, getting to that junior year and getting to that draft year, you know, that’s the goal, to get drafted another time,” said Young. “But, you know, there’s some stuff I have to work on. You know, I can get better. I’m far from my potential.”

Two Illini products were selected in this year’s draft: Tyler Schmitt to the Padres and Julius Sanchez to the Rangers. Young said seeing the development under head coach Dan Hartleb was a factor in his decision to stay.

“Just seeing those seniors that got drafted this year, you know, it just gives me the realization like, you know, I can do exactly what they’re doing,” said Young, who was named WCIA 3 Male Athlete of the Year in June.

Young made history as the first-ever Monticello High School graduate to be selected in the MLB Draft.