By Brian Lentz

NWCCRangers.com

Northwest Mississippi CC redshirt sophomore right-hander J.R. Miller will continue his baseball career at the next level, signing with Union University on Wednesday afternoon.

“I’m really excited about the opportunity to continue to play the game that I love,” Miller said. “I’ve always dreamed about playing at the highest level possible. I appreciate everything Northwest has done in helping me get to where I am. Playing Division II baseball in one of the best conferences is really exciting. I love the school, the staff, the facilities are nice and I’m just ready to get down there and get started with my team.”

Miller closed his Ranger career with an 8-3 record, two saves and a 2.79 ERA, while posting 60 strikeouts in 65.1 innings pitched. After capping off his freshman season with a 4-1 record, Miller spent most of 2015 recovering from an arm injury before returning this season in a relief role. He finished with a 3-2 mark, team-low 1.25 ERA and two saves en route to Second Team All-MACJC honors.

A product of Searcy, Arkansas, and Harding Academy, Miller helped lead the Wildcats to state championships in both football and baseball and garnered all-state selections in both sports. He went 14-0 on the mound his senior season and finished with 99 strikeouts against 28 walks in 80 innings of work.

Miller is the ninth Ranger from this year’s class to move on to a four-year program along with Jonathan Lindsey (Delta State), Jamell Newson (Delta State), LeeMarcus Boyd (USM), Colt Smith (USM), Peyton Plumlee (Mississippi State), Hunter Lacefield (Mississippi College), Hunter Wilson (Mississippi College) and Cody Cooper (Union University).