Dieter chooses SMU

Throughout his recruiting process, South Bend (IN) wide receiver Gehrig Dieter made it clear that he was going to wait for an opportunity to have national exposure before making an announcement as to where he would be attending college. The Semper Fidelis All-American Bowl was the perfect stage for Dieter to proclaim his loyalty.

"I like how SMU spreads the ball around, and they always have two or three receivers with 50 plus catches," said Dieter, Tuesday evening, during the second quarter of the Semper Fi Bowl as a member of the West team.

Due to a knee injury, Dieter did not play in the game but anticipates on being healthy in time for spring workouts. The Rivals.com No.11 ranked player in Indiana has already graduated from Washington High School and will be on the Hilltop in Dallas within weeks.

"[SMU wide receivers coach] Jeff Reinebold visited me at home last week," Dieter told PonyPride on December 20th. "He's probably the coach I have the best relationship with. We had a good talk. He talked about how he grew up here. Then he told me about the opportunities over at SMU. I think I would definitely enjoy playing for him. Coach Reinebold is a really good guy. I feel comfortable with him. Having your position coach recruit you is definitely a plus."

It's the relationship with Reinbold that boosted the Mustangs over Dieter's dozen other offers. Most recently, it was Kansas that came into the picture and offered Dieter immediately with newly named head coach Charlie Weis. Though Weis has been a family friend of the Dieter's for years, the Mustangs were the best fit for the three-star product in the end.

Dieter will arrive at SMU after a sensational senior season, leaving as one of the most productive high school receivers in Indiana history. In his opening game this year, Dieter racked up 373 receiving yards and followed up by setting a national record with 447 yards two games later.