CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. — In sports, speed kills.

Rossview’s Collin Baber was a killer on the basepaths. His gift was distinctive in that although speed can be improved upon, one must already have it to improve it. Baber had enough that it could drive opposing teams crazy.

Baber will get a chance to drive college coaches nuts after the Hawks senior signed a scholarship to play baseball at Freed-Hardeman University Friday afternoon. Freed-Hardeman is in Henderson in West Tennessee.

Baber was the second Rossview athlete to sign with Freed-Hardeman Friday. He joined Brad Allen who signed later in the day to play basketball.

“Everything was just so well organized when I visited there,” Baber said. “Obviously, the baseball facility caught my attention, but I really liked the atmosphere and the close-knit community they have up there. It reminds me a lot of being at home, and I want to feel comfortable in whatever situation I’m in. Freed-Hardeman feels comfortable to me.”

Freed-Hardeman’s recruiting coordinator saw Baber compete in a showcase at Jackson State Community College this past fall. The school invited Baber to a camp and kept in contact with Rossview coach Parker Holman, who spent one season as a middle infielder for the Lions.

“Academically and athletically, it just seems to fit me well,” Baber said. “There were a few junior colleges that showed some interest, but I was never really interested in going that route. I just wanted to get that academic progress started.

“I don’t plan on playing in the MLB one day, so I just want to get school started as soon as possible and play college ball as well.”

Baber said he could play either corner outfield position, but that the Lions were impressed with his skill on the basepaths.

“Collin played at a very high level not only in high school but in the summer,” Lions coach John Estes said. “He’s got game-changing speed, and he really fits in well with what we’re trying to do as a team.

“We like to get on base, steals some bags and really put pressure on defenses. His skill sets match well with what we’re already doing.”

Freed-Hardeman already has a No. 18 preseason ranking in NAIA. Estes’ team was 37-16 last season and clinched the American Midwest Conference regular-season title. The Lions also won two games in the NAIA National Tournament opening round and were ranked No. 23 in the coaches postseason top 25 poll at the end of the year.

“The program’s tradition was a big selling point for me,” Baber said. “That’s something I thought a lot about. I wanted to go to a school that not only had strong academics but had a strong program with a little bit of history. Freed-Hardeman fit all of those criteria, so it was sort of an easy decision.”

Baber helped guide the Hawks to a District 10 tournament title last year. He was brought in as a pinch runner and had some time in the outfield under former Hawks coach Jason Rice during Baber’s freshman year.

Baber saw more time in the outfield as a sophomore before earning a starting spot. He also ran cross country as a freshman and sophomore but decided to focus on baseball.

“I want to make the most of my opportunity,” he said. “That’s part of the reason why I wanted to sign early because I’ve had some former teammates who waited until the baseball season was over before they made a decision, and they said the pressure was hanging over them throughout the season, and it may have affected how they played.

“I didn’t want to go through that. At least now I can concentrate on my senior year and having a great year leading up to next year with Freed-Hardeman.

Reach Prep writer George Robinson at 931-245-0747 and on Twitter @Cville_Sports.