By KEVIN ECKLEBERRY

Daily News

Former Troup Tiger Ryan Bliss, who finished off a phenomenal high-school career with a spectacular senior season, was selected by the Boston Red Sox in the 30th round of the Major League Baseball draft on Wednesday.

Bliss has already signed with Auburn, and he said by phone on Wednesday night that he will play in college, although he still hopes to play professional baseball down the road.

“That’s the ultimate goal is to play pro baseball,” Bliss said. “I just have to take a different path.”

If Bliss does go to Auburn, he won’t be eligible for the draft again until the summer of 2021 following what would be his third collegiate season.

Bliss was a four-year starter at Troup as a shortstop, and his senior season was his best.

Bliss not only had a batting average near .500, but he also led the team with eight home runs.

Bliss was one of the prized recruits for Auburn, and head coach Butch Thompson even called in during his signing ceremony in December.

“With coach Thompson and all those guys, I knew it was home,” Bliss said in December. “Sometimes you just feel things are right, and that was just right. It’s perfect.”

Bliss is joining a program riding high.

Auburn has made it to the super regional round of the NCAA tournament for the second straight year, and the team is two victories away from a trip to Omaha for the College World Series.”

OF NOTE: For much more on Ryan’s decision and a look back at his career, see Friday’s sports section.