SENATOBIA – Sophomore center fielder James Lear has decided where he'll continue his collegiate career after Northwest, giving his commitment to Southern Mississippi on Tuesday.

USM will sign Lear in the coming weeks with the intent to play him in the middle infield based on who's returning for the Golden Eagles but he will also likely have a chance to play some in the outfield.  

"I know Southern Miss has a great program and it's always been my dream to play for a great team and play in the College World Series," Lear said. "Once they offered me, I jumped at the opportunity to play for them. I've played a couple of summer games at Pete Taylor Park before and like it."   

The former Oxford Charger is hitting .347 this season in the leadoff spot in 44 starts with seven doubles, a triple, two home runs and 20 RBIs. He leads the team in runs scored (55), walks (31) and stolen bases (34), breaking both the single-season and career stolen base records this season.  

Lear hit .318 as a freshman with five doubles, 15 RBIs, 36 runs scored and 20 stolen bases. 

"I feel like I can help their program any way they need me to and can play wherever they need me. I feel like I'm a dynamic player that can really influence a game." 

Lear becomes the seventh Ranger from the 2014 Class to commit or sign with a four-year program. Others include: Jay King (Ole Miss), Matt Ferguson (Memphis), Domenick Carlini (Southeastern Louisiana), Cody Waddell and Tanner Cable (Delta State) and Tanner Densford (Christian Brothers). 

Southern Miss is a member of the C-USA in baseball and is currently 26-19 overall.