GAINESVILLE - Former Gator David Hurst signed a contract with the Los Angeles Angels on Tuesday, using an NCAA rule known as Rule IV, which allows any fifth-year senior to sign a professional contract as soon as he completes his last class in college.

Hurst will be playing for Tom Kotchman and the Class-A Orem (Utah) Owlz, a member of the Pioneer League.

This season, he led the Gators with a 3.44 earned run average and a team-high six
saves during his senior season. Over 27 appearances, he compiled a record of 2-2 in 52.1 innings, with 30 strikeouts and 15 walks.

Standard Minor League Baseball contracts are for seven years, with the player's
salary dependent upon the league he is assigned to. Hurst's contract includes a
signing bonus as well as bonus incentives dependent upon advancement to higher
levels of the minor leagues.