CHAMPAIGN, Ill. - Fighting Illini redshirt-sophomore Adam Walton will return for his junior season in 2016 at the University of Illinois. The UI shortstop was drafted in the 20th round by the Baltimore Orioles, but did not sign with the MLB team. Walton was the Illini leadoff hitter and a first-team All-Big Ten shortstop during Illinois' record-setting 2015 season.

Adam Walton, r-So. - SS

• Two-time All-Big Ten shortstop (First Team in 2015, Second Team in 2014)
• Louisville Slugger Freshman All-American and All-Big Ten Freshman Team in 2014
• 2015 Stats: .289 AVG, .395 SLG, .353 OBP, 3 HR, 31 RBI, 50 R
• Career Stats: .300 AVG, .398 SLG, .365 OBP, 4 HR, 51 RBI, 76 R
• Academic All-Big Ten

Honored & thankful to be drafted by the @Orioles this year. However I can't wait to return to school & be apart of @IlliniBaseball in 2016!

— Adam Walton (@AWalton2) July 17, 2015