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South Alabama first baseman-pitcher Jordan Patterson was a key contributor to the Jaguars' success this season. For his efforts, the 6-foot-5, 210-pound junior was selected the Sun Belt Conference Player of the Year. (Mike Kittrell/mkittrell@al.com)

South Alabama's Jordan Patterson was selected in the 4th round of the Major League Baseball first-year player draft by the Colorado Rockies. Patterson was the No. 109 overall pick in the draft.



There was no doubt that Patterson was be selected in the draft, the only question was in which round.

There is one other question that surrounds him, however: at what position does the team project Patterson to play? He played first base for the Jaguars this season and also pitched sparingly, including in a relief role in the NCAA Starkville Regional where he topped out at a reported 96 miles per hour. That kind of velocity, especially from a tall left-hander, is appealing. He also can play outfield and that might be Patterson's preferred position at the next level.

The Mobile native, a 6

-foot-5, 210-pound junior, could choose to return to South Alabama for his senior season.