Szczur signs with Cubs, but remains Villanova's RB

Villanova's Matt Szczur, a fifth-round pick in the baseball draft, has signed with the Chicago Cubs and will start his professional baseball career in the next few days.

But fear not, Wildcats fans, he still will be able to play football for Villanova in the fall. The defending champion Wildcats are likely to be the preseason No. 1 at the Football Championship Series (Division I-AA) level.

"I could not have asked for a better situation," Szczur said in a statement. "I am thrilled to begin my professional baseball career in the Chicago Cubs organization and also be able to return to Villanova for my senior year and help my football teammates defend our national championship."

Szczur hit .443 for the Wildcats this season after leading Villanova to its first national title in football. He rushed for a career-high 159 yards in the championship win over Montana and was named the game's most outstanding player.

Szczur will make his way to Arizona today and play centerfield for the Cubs' Arizona Rookie League team based in Mesa.

Szczur has been told he could be a third-to-fifth-round pick in the 2011 NFL draft, so professional football is definitely still on his radar.

"I just want to be successful in whatever I do," he said.

- Ed Barkowitz