It was a calm, cool and collected moment for Top 2021 quarterback prospect Preston Stone (6'2, 205) a few weeks ago while at the Army All-American Bowl. The stage was set for the Dallas (Texas) Parish Episcopal School athlete to make his decision on where he plans to attend college in a couple of years. With over 40 offers in hand and hats from LSU, Penn State, Texas and USC on the table before a nationwide audience, Stone made a choice that many could see as groundbreaking.

And perhaps even historic.

"SMU has been my home since before I could walk. I feel like I have been a Mustang since I was little," Stone said. "I truly believe that Dallas is the best city in the world. There's no better place to further my athletic and academic career."

Stone was the first-ever junior to make his decision at the Army All-American game. Additionally, he is the highest-rated recruit to commit to SMU, likely since the days of Craig James and Eric Dickerson.

As Stone came into his own as a top recruit, it was SMU coach Sonny Dykes who reached out to him first when coaches can begin calling recruits. From then on, Stone's childhood connection was solidified. 

"Coach Dykes was the first to reach out. I completely trust coach (Dykes) with my future," Stone said. "He has built a great relationship with me since he came to SMU my freshman year. He's a personable coach and the kind of guy you want to play for."

Aside from the personal connection to the university and to Dykes, Stone is coming into a program that is primed to take the next step. After weeks of being ranked in the Top 25, the Mustangs posted a 10-3 record in 2019 and is going into 2020 with plenty of optimism. Stone, of course, won't be there for another year. But that's because he's got unfinished business of his own.

After leading his team to the D-I state championship in Texas Association of Private and Parochial Schools, Stone is not resting on his successes. His sophomore season was one where he threw for over 3,200 yards and 37 touchdowns to only four interceptions. He also ran for nearly 900 yards. 

So what does it mean to be the highest-rated recruit in recent years to commit to SMU? Will others follow?

"Honestly, it's pretty crazy to hear (about him being the highest-rated player to SMU). I had to take a step back for a minute and realize how surreal this moment was for me," Stone said about his commitment. "I hope that I will make other guys want to look at SMU stronger and want to come here. If there is anything I can do to communicate with the rest of the recruits around the nation on why SMU is the best place to be, I'll do it."

When Stone made his commitment to SMU, some staff changes occurred around the same time. Stone's primary recruiter, offensive coordinator Rhett Lashlee, was leaving SMU to take the same position at Miami (FL). Stone said the two of them had spoken and that he wished Lashlee the best.

Recently, Dykes seems to have found the replacement for the opening, hiring Garrett Riley for the offensive coordinator position. Riley is the younger brother of Lincoln Riley, who is the coach at Oklahoma. Stone said he would be "comfortable" with the hire, knowing that Dykes and crew would make a great hire.

"I have total faith in coach Dykes," Stone said. "I've felt comfortable with SMU staff since this recruiting process started, and now I'm ready to go compete for a national title."

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