CHAMPAIGN, Ill. -- Illinois graduate Pat McInerney signed Thursday a professional contract with the Milwaukee Brewers. He will join 10 other former Illini in affiliated ball this summer. 

McInerney hit .309 with 15 home runs and 44 RBIs in 2017 during his senior campaign. He was second in the Big Ten in home runs to earn All-Big Ten second team honors.

"Pat was unbelievable this year," said head coach Dan Hartleb. "On the field he continued to make strides and was an offense force for us in the No. 3-hole all year. The power that he has and the versatility that he has to play the outfield or first base brings a lot to the table. I'm looking forward to him moving on to the next level and having a success pro career."

McInerney's 15 homers were a career-best and puts him tied for ninth all-time in a single season by an Illini. He finished his four-year career with a .291 batting average, .473 slugging percentage, 31 doubles, 28 home runs and 110 RBIs in 178 games and 168 starts.

McInerney also excelled off the field at Illinois, both in the classroom and in leadership capacities. He was an Academic All-District selection and three-time Academic All-Big Ten honoree.

"The thing that impresses me most about Pat is his leadership and who he is as a person," said Hartleb. "He was a great student-athlete. He did a great job in the classroom and what he meant to this young team made him one of the greatest leaders we've ever had here."

McInerney has not yet been placed with a minor league club.