MISCELLANEOUS: Hard-working catcher who will become a good leader ... figures to serve as a reserve catcher this season ... boasts a strong arm for his size ... continues to work on his receiving and blocking skills ... very vocal behind the plate ... solid, contact hitter at the plate ... able to smack line drives to all fields ... arrives at West Point from Tennessee.
HIGH SCHOOL: Played for head coach Buster Kelso at Christian Brothers High ... four-year varsity letterwinner ... helped lead team to the 2011 Tennessee Division II state championship as a junior ... named all-metro three years in a row (2010-12) ... twice named all-state, earning the honor in 2010 and 2012 ... collected all-district accolades in 2011 and 2012 ... selected as an All-West Tennessee Coaches All-Star ... member of the National Honor Society ... named to the school's honor roll all four years.
PERSONAL: Given name is Benjamin Powell Smith ... born Dec. 21, 1993, in Memphis, Tenn. ... parents' names are Philip and Wendy Smith ... has one brother, Drew ... attended the same high school as former Army standout pitcher Drew Clothier ... cousin, Carter Graves, is on the swimming team at Rice University ... aspired to attend the United States Military Academy since he was in the sixth grade ... enjoys spending time with his family ... major is undeclared.
