MHS holds Signing Day ceremony for trio of Patriots

Garrett, Lewis, Smith taking their skills to the college level

By CHUCK LIVINGSTON

Marion School District

Marion seniors Cameron Garrett, Mitrell Lewis, and Jalen Smith have spent the past three seasons elevating the Patriot football program to the next level.

Now, they’ll look to do the same in college.

Garrett and Lewis signed on Wednesday morning with Missouri Southern University, while Smith pledged his intentions to Mississippi Valley State.

“Today is a really big day for our kids and our program,” said Marion coach Lance Clark. “To be successful in this game, you have to have an incredible amount of discipline, and that’s something that these three young men have, which is why they get to play after high school, and I couldn’t be more proud of these three for their sacri_ces and commitment.”

Garrett and Lewis, who were three-year starters for Marion, will further their careers in Joplin, Missouri at Missouri Southern University to play for Coach Atiba Bradley, a 2005 graduate of Missouri Southern.

Garrett was Marion’s top tight end target the past three seasons at Marion, making contested catches and dealing punishing blocks in the running game. The all-conference performer “never once complained,” said Clark. “He always shows up to work, makes excellent grades, and always gives us outstanding output and effort every day. He didn’t miss a practice, and if he did then I don’t remember it.”

“I want to thank God for giving me the ability to play ball at the next level, and I want to shout out my teammates for all their support,” said Garrett. “My parents have always supported me, every step of the way.”

Lewis emerged as Marion’s big-play receiver over the past three seasons, leading the club in receptions and receiving touchdowns each of the past two seasons, including 2024 when he missed the _nal _ve games with injury.

The all-conference performer is a “super talented and highly respected player across the state,” said Clark. “So many coaches would tell me ‘we don’t know what we’re gonna do with No. 15’ almost every week.”

“I have to thank God for everything he’s given me and for making me a great football player,” said Lewis. “I want to thank my whole family for always believing in me and being there for me and my brothers. Thank you for the sacri_ces you’ve made the whole way for our family. I want to thank my teammates, coaches, everyone here.”

Smith earned all-state honors three times in his varsity football career at Marion, and he set the school’s all-time rushing mark.

Mississippi Valley State is a Division 1 Football Subdivision school that plays in the SWAC conference.

“The consistency and production throughout his career is honestly pretty staggering,” said Clark. “He will go down in history as the best running back career at Marion and one of the guys on a short list of running backs in northeast Arkansas. It’s been a storied career, everyone is proud of him, and Mississippi Valley State is extremely excited to have him.”

In addition to December signee Carius Curne, who signed with Louisiana State University (LSU), Marion has sent four football players to the college ranks so far in the 2025 signing class, with at least two more expected to sign later on in the spring.

Marion seniors Cameron Garrett and Mitrell Lewis signed on Wednesday morning with Missouri Southern University to further their college football careers. Garrett and Lewis were three-year starters for Marion from 2022-2024. Also signing to play at the college level was Jalen Smith, who will be playing for Mississippi Valley State this fall.

Photos by Chuck Livingston