One month after he seemed destined to attend Creighton University, former Lawrence High shortstop Daniel Parker has accepted a scholarship offer from the University of Illinois.

“It was something I couldn’t turn down,” he said.

Parker visited the school late last month with his father, John. The 2007 LHS graduate fell in love with the campus, coaching staff and facilities. Then the Illini staff “shocked” Parker by offering him a 20 percent scholarship to play baseball.

“It kind of caught me off guard because I wasn’t expecting anything like this to happen,” Parker said. “It just kind of blew me way.”

Parker officially signed Illinois’ letter of intent Saturday, and the Illinois coaches called him Monday to acknowledge its receipt. Although he vacillated between Illinois and Creighton, he seemed pleased with his ultimate choice.

“Probably the hardest thing I had to do was call the Creighton coach,” Parker said. “It was a hard decision, but I’m fairly certain I made the right one. I’m almost 100 percent certain.”

The rangy 6-foot-3, 175-pound shortstop batted leadoff for the Lions, helping LHS advance to the state tournament this spring for the first time since 2002. LHS head coach Brad Stoll repeatedly praised Parker’s range. Despite an all-out gambling style, he only committed two errors during the regular season.

Parker will spend the summer playing for the Kansas City Sluggers, the summer-league squad that produced St. Louis Cardinals slugger Albert Pujols, with former LHS teammate Nick DeBiasse. Reached via cell phone Monday night, Parker was in Lincoln, Neb., preparing for a baseball tournament.

The high school shortstop said he could play middle infield or either of the corner outfield positions for the Illini. Because of his offensive prowess, he should see action from day one.

“(The coaches) said I’m going to be able to play as a freshman just because of my bat,” Parker said. “If I can hit the ball, then I’ve got a position.”

Few college baseball players receive full scholarships, but the school could bolster his financial relief as Parker’s playing time increases during his years at Illinois.