NATCHEZ — Adams County Christian School’s Jake Brumfield doesn’t remember when he first wanted to play college baseball.

It’s just something that’s been a goal of his for the longest of time.

Friday morning, both Brumfield and Cathedral High School’s Caleb Upton signed letters of intent to play college baseball, at Pearl River and Hinds community colleges, respectively.

Brumfield, a starting pitcher, said it was hard to put in words just how big of a moment this was for him,

“It’s been a big thing on my mind for a long time,” Brumfield said. “My dad’s had me working on it with me since I was 2, and it’s always been a dream of mine. Now that it’s here, it’s unbelievable.”

Brumfield said he liked the history of Pearl River, and head coach Josh Hoffpauir of Vidalia High School fame made an impression on him.

“I liked the history; it’s the oldest junior college in Mississippi,” Brumfield said. “It’s a gorgeous campus, and the coaches seemed like they knew the most baseball. It’s an upstanding program.”

Upton, a catcher, said making his college choice was a monkey off his back heading into his senior season.

“I’ve always wanted to play college ball somewhere, and I’m happy to be able to do that,” Upton said. “At the same time, I know I still have a lot of work to do.”

Upton said Hinds offers a good baseball program, and he has several family members living nearby that can come watch him.

“They kind of blew me away compared to some of the other places I visited,” Upton said.

Upton also said it was nice to keep playing catcher, a position he enjoys.

“Baseball has been my sport since forever — since I knew what it was,” Upton said.

Brumfield, meanwhile, said the chance to continue his playing career is not something he’s taking lightly.

“It really takes a lot of heart,” Brumfield said of getting the chance to play in college.

“A lot of people don’t want to do it, which amazes me. It’s a decision you have to make when you’re little. If you want to do it, you have to put a lot into it. If you don’t work for it, I guarantee it won’t happen.”