Ridgeland senior running back B.J. Lee will take his talents - and blazing speed - to Southern Methodist University next season.
Lee, who attended a football camp at SMU last summer while visiting his uncle, committed to the Mustangs after taking an official visit to the Dallas campus over the weekend.
The speedy 5-foot-5, 155-pound Lee is part of the first recruiting class of newly hired SMU coach June Jones, who was known for his high-octane offense while at Hawaii.
"I really liked the coaching staff and the offense and I think it's a great offense and one that pretty much everybody is going to," said Lee. "June Jones is a genius in my book. I like the fact that he is going to put me in the slot as a speed guy and also let me play running back."
Lee was a first-team All-Metro selection by The Clarion-Ledger this season after rushing for 1,488 yards and 19 touchdowns. He helped lead the Titans to an undefeated regular season, their first ranking in the Super 10 and the first round of the Class 4A playoffs.
Lee, also the defending 4A state champion in the 100 meters, also received offers from Tennessee Tech, Jackson State, Delta State, West Alabama and West Georgia.
"The academic part played a big part in it, too," said Lee. "A degree from there sort of speaks for itself. Instead of going out and looking for a job, I can let the job come looking for me."
Lee plans to sign Wednesday when the NCAA signing period begins.
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