Arizona State student-athlete Brandon Magee fulfilled a childhood dream Thursday by signing a Major League Baseball contract with the Boston Red Sox, but the fifth-year senior will continue to play for the Sun Devil football team during the 2012 season.

Magee, who sported a smile ear to ear while fielding questions from media Thursday afternoon in ASU head coach Todd Graham’s office, is eager to get back on the football field with his teammates after sitting out the entire 2011 season due to an Achilles tear suffered during preseason camp last year.

The two-sport athlete has embraced the new program Graham and has staff have implemented, which played a major role in his decision to play this fall.

“He makes the character the most important thing about the team,” Magee shared about his first-year head coach.  “We’ve become more of a team and I just couldn’t leave the team.”

Not only has Magee battled back from injury but the Corona, California native has stepped into a leadership role, which has not gone unnoticed by the new coaching staff.

“Our program is all about values and high standards and that is how he lives his life in all areas, “ said Graham. “He is a guy, whether it be our academic people, our administration, our players or students, everybody is proud of this guy because of who he is as a person. He exemplifies what we are trying to get accomplished here. “

Graham also predicted this wouldn’t be the last celebration for Magee.

“I think we will all be sitting here next January celebrating all the great things we are fixing to happen this fall,” offered Graham.

CLICK HERE to view a photo gallery from Thursday

CLICK HERE to view video interviews with Magee & Graham

REMINDER: Magee will be guest hosting on 620 AM July 13 from 2-6 p.m.