CHARLESTON, S.C. The Citadel's Richard Jones has decided to forego his senior year after signing a contract with the Chicago Cubs organization. Jones will reportedly join the Arizona League Cubs on Thursday after being selected in the ninth round of the MLB First Year Player Draft.

Jones finished the 2009 season by tying The Citadel's single-season record for home runs with 17 round-trippers. Jones matched teammate Bryan Altman with 95 hits during the season, a mark that ranked 21st in the nation and tied for third in the school's single season charts.

Jones finished his career at The Citadel with 43 home runs, second in the school's career charts in only three seasons. Phillip Hartig hit 60 home runs in four seasons as a Bulldog and he remains the school's all-time leader.

Jones is the second junior to forego his senior year following the 2009 MLB First Year Player Draft after teammate Chris McGuiness was selected in the 13th round of the MLB Draft by the Boston Red Sox. The pair of juniors joined a pair of seniors Matt Crim (Atlanta Braves, 21st round) and Wes Wrenn (New York Mets, 35th round) in getting drafted. The four selections marks the most number of draftees The Citadel has had in a single year.

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