MONTICELLO – University of Arkansas at Monticello head baseball coach Carlos James has announced the signing of Tyler Walker, who is transferring from Arkansas Tech University to play immediately in the 2010 season.

Walker, a 6-1, 200 pound right-handed pitcher out of Anaheim Hills, Calif., signed a national letter of intent the week before the Thanksgiving holiday to play for the Boll Weevils.

Walker was a two-sport athlete in baseball and football at Canyon High School in Anaheim, Calif. In his senior year, he earned First Team All-Century League honors in both football and baseball along with the title of Orange County Utility Player of the Year.

Following his prep career, he signed with the Santa Ana (Calif.) College football team as a wide receiver where he finished sixth in career receptions. He continued his football career at the University of Nevada-Las Vegas, but chose to begin a collegiate baseball career after the 2008 season and signed with Arkansas Tech.

"We’re excited to have Tyler as a part of our program,” said assistant coach Marc MacMillan. “He will fit in nicely with our players and rotation… He throws four pitches for strikes and also brings a mentality and toughness that I like thanks to his years of college football experience."

Walker is eligible to join the Boll Weevils this spring and closes out the early signing period that includes Ronnie Ferrell, Justin Hollis, Keenan Jumper, Brock Landry, Coda Medlin, and Ross Wilson.