The Washington Nationals have signed their 2008 second-round draft pick, Destin Hood, and will send him to their Gulf Coast League affiliate at Viera, Fla.

The multi-talented outfielder, a native of Mobile, Ala., decided to bypass a football scholarship to the University of Alabama.

Terms were not disclosed, but the Washington Post reported that Hood's deal that includes a $1.1 million bonus, spread over five years.

It hasn't hit me just yet, Hood told the Mobile Press-Register Thursday night after he signed. I'm just ready to get playing and get started on my career.

The 6-foot-2 inch, 185-pounder excelled in two sports at Mobile's St. Paul's Episcopal High School this year.

In baseball, he batted .485 with eight home runs, 32 RBI and 17 stolen bases to earn a spot on the USA Today All-USA High School Baseball Team, and in football, he scored 15 touchdowns, catching 56 passes for 995 yards to lead his high school to Alabama's 5A State Championship.

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