MLB Draft 2012: Former Rutgers Football DB Kivlehan Drafted by Seattle Mariners

As a member of the Scarlet Knights football team, Patrick Kivlehan was a second-string defensive back for his entire four years (43 games) at Rutgers.

But, as a baseball player, to say Kivlehan excelled would be something of an understatement.

Kivlehan was drafted in the fourth round (131st overall) by the Seattle Mariners in the 2012 MLB draft. With 14 home runs and 50 RBI, the Scarlet Knights third baseman batted .392 with a .480 on-base percentage. Kivlehan was the 67th player in the history of Rutgers baseball to be drafted and the highest pick since Todd Frazier (who went 34th overall).

"We're extremely pleased," Rutgers baseball coach Fred Hill told Anthony Coleman of The Times upon hearing the news of Kivlehan's selection by Seattle. "It's great that he was taken in the fourth round by the Mariners."

"I'm excited and honored that the Mariners would select me," said Kivlehan, via Rutgers' official athletics website. "I'm basically just excited and ready to go."

The winner of the first ever Big East triple crown, he had 24 multi-hit games, and his prowess at the plate eventually landed him the position of clean-up hitter in the Rutgers lineup.

"I think it's just an outstanding story," said coach Hill of his third baseman. "He hadn't played in four years, so to be taken in the fourth round is a tribute to the young man. He worked hard this past season to be named conference player of the year, which is incredible."

In 2011, as a member of the Scarlet Knights football team, Kivlehan had one interception, one fumble recovery and 14 tackles. For his career, Kivlehan played in 36 total games for Rutgers.