Baylor's Taylor Maxey (5) dodges McCallie tackles during their game at Finley Stadium in this file photo. He has pledged to Tennessee Tech.

Taylor Maxey has been sidelined by mononucleosis and was forced to miss Baylor's annual baseball series with McCallie, but the Red Raiders' junior outfielder was somewhat consoled by a scholarship offer from Tennessee Tech, which he accepted almost immediately.

"I actually committed right before I found out I had mono," Maxey said. "They were offering a good amount of scholarship [money], and their center fielder could be drafted after next season. I was looking for a place where I could go in and start as a freshman."

Maxey, who made the Times Free Press Best of Preps team last spring as a sophomore, missed the three games against McCallie the last two days by three centimeters -- the amount his spleen was still enlarged -- but is expected to return to Baylor's lineup next week.

The leadoff hitter is batting .513 (20-for-39) with 15 runs scored and 13 RBIs.

"He ranks with any of the top outfielders we've had," Baylor coach Gene Etter said. "He's an excellent leadoff man with really good speed, and he runs the bases well. Too, he doesn't mind getting hit by a pitch to get on.

"In addition to his baseball ability he's an outstanding young man. I'm glad we have him for another year."

Middle Tennessee State and Lipscomb also have been pursuing Maxey.

"They just were not as aggressive. Both are great schools, but I felt really comfortable with Tennessee Tech," Maxey said. "Tech has the same goals as a team that I have as a player. They're aggressive, working toward the [College] World Series and improving as players and as a team. They're doing great things I want to be a part of, plus I will get a great education."

Contact Ward Gossett at wgossett@timesfreepress.com or 423-886-4765.