- Bob Jones senior third baseman Slate Alford has switched schools on his decision where to play college baseball. The steadfast infielder originally committed to Auburn, but two weeks ago flipped to sign with the Mississippi State Bulldogs. Photo Contributed
Changes Committment- Slate Alford Makes Leap To Mississippi State
Published 4:40 pm Friday, November 20, 2020
MADISON- For the past two years Slate Alford has made a name for himself amongst the top baseball players in the state. The Bob Jones senior originally committed to Auburn University on July 24, 2018 and seemed to be in concrete within his verbal commitment heading into his final season with the Class-7-A Patriots.
On Nov. 10, Alford changed his mind as he de-committed from the Tigers and quickly committed to the Mississippi State Bulldogs in a move that surprised many.
“I just didn’t feel 100-percent with my choice and I didn’t want to attend college somewhere I wasn’t comfortable,” said Alford. “Choosing Mississippi State, I’m very comfortable with my decision.”
The star third baseman for the Patriots over the last two seasons has played in 72 games with 68 hits and 48 RBIs. In the 2020 season, which was cut short by the pandemic, the 6-foot-3, 215-pound Alford batted .400 with an on base average of .589 to go along with a .720 slugging percentage. Among the team’s weight program, he listed as fourth strongest player in total weight.
Upon his commitment to the SEC program at Mississippi State, Alford, the son of Wes and Pam Alford, went ahead and officially signed with the Bulldogs and will host his formal public signing ceremony on Dec. 2 at Bob Jones High. He is the fourth Patriots’ baseball player to sign a college scholarship on the upcoming 2021 squad.
“Mississippi State called the day after I de-committed from Auburn,” said Alford. “Head Coach Chris Lemonis called me and offered me a partial scholarship. My conversation with Coach Lemonis included my dad. Coach Lemonis stated he wanted big physical guys in the lineup. I felt really comfortable with my decision.”
Alford was the starting quarterback for the Bob Jones football team and he’s been a member of the school’s Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA). He is second cousin to Florence star player Grant Taylor, who has committed to play at LSU.
“My friends have been supportive of my decision to change schools as they are happy for me,” added Alford.
