USC football coach Shane Beamer sent out a pair of commitment alerts Monday related to prospects who made official visits over the weekend. One was claimed later Monday afternoon as punter Mason Love (6-0 175) of Parkville, MO announced his commitment to the Gamecocks. He chose USC over Cal-Berkeley.
USC special teams coordinator Pete Lembo had evaluated a couple of other punters before getting serious about Love. He watched video and then went out to see him in person. After that, Lembo made the decision that Love was the punter he wanted for the 2024 class.
“That workout was probably one of the best workouts I’ve had in front of a coach,” Love said recently. “The next week he had a couple of people up for a workout. He said if after those workouts we realize you’re our top guy, we can have you up for an official visit. I’m just lucky that happened and it worked out great.”
Lembo has built the USC special teams into a national brand with their execution and tendency to run fakes. Love said that was a very appealing aspect of the Gamecock program.
“They were number one in special teams in the country, which is huge, especially for a punter,” Love said. “I know that his team works. Had a couple of fake punts, which I like to hear. I played quarterback my freshman year, so hopefully we can do a couple of plays if I end up going there. It’s definitely appealing and definitely like the face he’s so invested in it, and so is Coach Beamer.”
Last season Love averaged 44.5 yards per punt with a long of 55 yards. He gives USC 10 commitments for the 2024 class. Another weekend visitor, DE/LB Fred Johnson posted on his Instagram Monday that he would announce his commitment decision in four days.
USC 2024 Commitments:
BRAYDON LEE CB 6-1 215 SPRINGDALE, MD
WILLIAM GREGORY LB 6-4 220 MARIETTA, GA
BLAKE FRANKS OG 6-5 310 GREENVILLE
KAM PRINGLE OT 6-7 315 WOODLAND
JOSIAH THOMPSON OT 6-7 290 DILLON
MASON LOVE P 6-0 175 PARKVILLE, MO
DANTE RENO QB 6-1 215 FISKDALE, MA
KELVIN HUNTER SAF 6-1 185 WEST FLORENCE
MICHAEL SMITH TE 6-4 225 SAVANNAH
MAZEO BENNETT WR 6-0 165 GREENVILLE
