Former Cleburne County standout C.C. Watson was chosen on Day 2 of the Major League Baseball amateur draft on Wednesday.

The Texas Rangers drafted the 6-foot, 195pound left-hander in the 29th round with the No. 874 pick overall.

There was some thought Watson, who has signed a scholarship offer with Mississippi State, might be selected as high as the third round.

Watson is the second player with local ties to be selected in the draft. Oxford product and JSU standout pitcher Ben Tootle was taken in the third round by Minnesota.

The selection for Watson will leave him with a decision to make. In the 2008 draft, players drafted in the 10th round signed bonuses ranging from $15,000 to $600,000. They decline as they go down.

Watson said this past week that he would love to begin playing professionally immediately.

“I’d love to get right to it, but any decision is right,” Watson said.

Watson led Cleburne County to the second round of the Class 4A state playoffs. He finished 8-1 with a 0.62 earned run average. He allowed only five earned runs, struck out 138 and walked just 22 in 58 innings. Batters hit just .075 against him.

At the plate, Watson batted .518 with nine home runs, 11 doubles, four triples 31 RBIs and an on-base percentage of .633.