Dove joins pitcher Steven Hensley (fourth round to the Seattle Mariners) as members of the Elon program drafted this year.  This is the first time since 2004 that Elon has had multiple players selected in the same draft when pitcher Brian Hensen and outfielder Evan Tartaglia were snagged.

"It means a lot to me to have this opportunity," said Dove.  "I don't think I'd have this shot without coming to Elon.  I thank Coach Kennedy for giving me the opportunity to show that I can play at this level.  I also want to thank the Rangers for giving me a shot."

Dove has spent the past two seasons at Elon after beginning his collegiate career at Pfeiffer University.  With the Phoenix, Dove swiped 69 bases to rank fourth on Elon's career chart.  His 39 steals in 2008 rank in a tie for the third-most ever by an Elon player.

This year, Dove batted .310 with 62 runs scored, 12 doubles, six triples, five homers and 36 RBI.  The six triples rank in a tie for eighth on the school's single-season chart while his 14 career three-baggers rate third in program history.  He also logged seven outfield assists while patrolling centerfield for the Phoenix this year.

In 2008, Dove helped the Phoenix claim both the regular season and tournament titles in the Southern Conference.  The Phoenix made its third-ever appearance at the NCAA Division I Baseball Regionals, appearing as the number three seed in the Cary Region.

"We're very excited for Chris to get this opportunity," said Elon head coach Mike Kennedy.  "This is a dream come true for Chris.  He has certainly earned this opportunity with his play the past two years."