Growing up making trips

to Tigue Moore Field, Fuselier yearned to be a part of Tony Robichaux’s program. But if that offer hadn’t come, he would have played somewhere. His

desire to compete at the college level was just too strong.

"I just wanted to keep playing,” Fuselier said. "If you had asked me three years ago what I’d be doing after my senior year, I didn’t know that I’d be going to UL, but I was going to be playing somewhere, no matter where it had to be. I just wanted to keep playing the game.”

Apparently that desire to extend his career was matched with more than a fair share of talent and ability – it warranted a scholarship offer from the defending Sun Belt Conference regular-season champions. Fuselier signed the national letter of intent with the Cajuns late last week.

"Growing up, I always dreamed of going to UL,” Fuselier said. "It’s a great feeling the way it worked out.”

To make the recruiting process even better for Fuselier is the fact that he was offered as a two-way player. At Teurlings a year ago, Fuselier shined in left field and on the mound. As a hitter, he batted .376 with six doubles, two triples, a homer and 23 RBIs. As a pitcher, he was 7-1 with a 2.05 ERA, striking out 59 and only walking nine in 51 innings.

"Southern Miss was really nice as well,” said Fuselier, who visited the campus in Hattiesburg, Miss. "It just kind of came down to the fact that I’ve been waiting to play for UL since I was a kid.

"Both offered me in both (positions). I wanted to try to do both. If it wasn’t even an option, I probably wouldn’t have gone. UL brought it up to me first, actually. Justin Robichaux does it. It’s definitely going to be a challenge, but I want to try it.”

Fuselier also likes the opportunity that seems to be presenting itself on the UL depth chart after this season. With multiple senior pitchers – some expected to be drafted – and three seniors in the outfield, Fuselier may get an early chance to impress.

"It’s a perfect fit,” he said. "They have three seniors in the outfield. It’s a good spot next year.”

As excited and focused as Fuselier is on college ball, though, he’s got something else to take care of first. Teurlings was knocked off in the first round of the state playoffs last season.

"That left a bitter taste in our mouths,” he said. "I’m going to be working on my game to get ready for college, but I want us to go all the way. I’m not as worried about myself right now.”