Lovejoy 2019 OG Ben Mason (6'3, 300) made the decision to commit to a "Blueshirt" opportunity at SMU on Friday. 

"I'd like to announce that I am verbally committing to Southern Methodist University," Mason said on social media. "I couldn't ask for a place to feel more like home. Can't wait to get things started in January!"

This is big news because Mason picked the Mustangs over offers from schools like Air Force,  San Diego, and Southern Miss. 

Mason loved the idea of staying close to home and the education that SMU offers. 

"I picked them because it’s my hometown school and I can go in early in January and compete for playing time early," Mason exclaimed! "And I couldn’t pass up that opportunity for the education." 

"They told me they wanted more fire and that’s the way I am and (the way I) play."

Mason could provide some roster flexibility. 

"They said I’m gonna start out at center but I can play either guard or center," Mason reported. 

Mason helped Lovejoy to an 8-3 record in 2018. The Leopard racked up over 4,900 yards of offense in 11 games. 

*A Blueshirt is a player who arrives on campus as a preferred walk-on and goes on to earn a football scholarship.