SMU picks up agressive offensive guard

Though Hutto (Texas) offensive guard Lee Gonzales may have flown somewhat under the recruiting radar compared to other seniors in the state, the 6-foot-4, 285-pound lineman has quietly been picking up offers and just this afternoon decided he had found the right one.

Stephen F. Austin and SMU were the first two schools to offer the talented prospect. After an unofficial visit to the SMU campus, Gonzales decided staying close to home would be the best option, according to coach Lee Penland.

"Yeah, they went down today and called a couple of hours ago to let me know he had decided to commit to SMU," Penland said about Gonzales. "He had a couple of offers, but he told me he liked the coaches and it wouldn't be too far from home. Lee really likes whats going on there and he wanted to commit early and get it done."

Being a smaller school, many people may not recognize the name of the aggressive guard, but his coach said he has all the intangibles of a top notch Division I prospect.

"He is a very intense kid," Penland said. "They're recruiting him as an offensive lineman, but he plays both for us. He works hard, has got good feed, and really a strong kid. Lee is probably the most aggressive lineman I've seen because even on the O-line, he has the mentality of a defensive player."

One thing is for sure and that is that Penland doesn't think the recruitment will stop. More offers could still be coming for his young player, but Penland believes SMU is where he's going.

"Lee is the type of kid that if he says he's going to do something, that's it," Penland said. "I think he'll get more offers, but I think he is solid and ready to go for SMU."