For some college juniors, the decision to sign as a Major League Baseball Draft pick is simple. For others, not so much.

A 37th-round selection of the defending World Series champion San Francisco Giants last year, Kentucky senior catcher Michael Williams fell in the latter category.

"It was a tough decision," Williams said. "When it came down to it, you just have to go with your heart, and I feel like with the class we have coming in and the team we already have there, we have a good chance to compete in the SEC and make the tournament this year, make a run in the post-season this year. I am just ready to get back there and impact the team and help the young guys out."

Regarded as one of the top defensive catchers in college baseball, Williams will share time behind the plate with junior Luke Maile, who led UK with nine homers in 2011.

"It helps the team greatly," Williams said about the Cats' depth at catcher. "We are both really good friends. We have different personalities and leadership styles, which is a tremendous asset in how we relate to the team and the pitching staff. We have the ability to move between different positions, which creates some versatility. Plus, it really will help keep us fresh so we can continue to produce offensively through the grind of a college season behind the plate."

A 6-foot-2, 220-pound strong-armed and physical catcher, Williams started 47 games last season. He batted .264 (46-for-174) and hit seven home runs.

The Knoxville native said he's not just focused on improving his baseball skills for the next level.

"It is always a big deal to get a college degree because you never know when your baseball career could end," he said.