“It’s a blessing. Who knew I’d be going to the SEC to play baseball?”

That was Reed Smith’s reaction on the day when he officially signed to continue his baseball career at Mississippi State University, in a special ceremony last week at the Golden Tiger Field House, joined by teammate Austin Kitterman, who signed with Union University.

“I’m so proud of him,” mother Melinda Smith said. “I’m just kind of speechless right now. I’m overwhelmed. I’m really excited for him – it’s what he has worked so hard for.”

1- Joined by his family – parents Rickey and Melinda and brother Jackson – RHS’ Reed Smith celebrates a commitment to Mississippi State.

Smith has “all the things that we look for in an infielder at Mississippi State,” according to Miss State recruiting coordinator Nick Mingione.

“We are extremely excited about Reed and his future at Mississippi State,” Mingione said. “He is an exceptional person and baseball player. Reed possesses plenty of plus tools – his ability to hit for average and for extra-base hits, his ability to defend the field and is an exceptional runner.”

Smith, who helped take his team to state champs last season, finished the season with a whopping .490 AVG and .758 SLG and tied for a team-leading 5 HR factored in with 29 RBIs and 67 runs.

For his part, Smith said he was thrilled to sign with Miss State.

“It’s a great school to be a part of. They have great traditions there,” Smith said. “I love the coaches – the coaches are great. I’m just looking forward to it.”

RHS Coach Chris Heaps said he is “extremely excited for the boys and proud for our program.”

“It brings recognition to not just them but our program,” Heaps said. “That’s a good feeling.”

Smith, Heaps said, has the ambition to play baseball at an even higher level and has the tools to do so.

“I hope he can go over there and make us all proud – I think he will,” Heaps said.