Gamecocks showed Love the love, and he loves them back
SPORTSTALK / June 12, 2023
USC special teams coach Pete Lembo brought in his top punter target, Mason Love (6-0 175) of Parkville, MO, for an official visit over the weekend. Lembo had looked at a couple of others before going out to Missouri to watch Love in action. After that, he decided Love was the guy he wanted, and he offered him Sunday after the official visit.“Just a blessing. You always dream about getting SEC offers, but when it actually happened, I couldn’t believe it,” Love said. “I’m just grateful and fortunate that they believe in me. I’m just super excited.”
Love has a strong leg. He averaged over 44 yards per punt last season. But lots of punters have strong legs. He believes Lembo saw something else in him during his workout.
“I think it was the maturity that I have,” Love said. “When he came down to watch me kick, I was efficient and organized with my warmups, I punted the ball good, had good technique. I take pride in all that. The conversations we’ve had have been great.’
The weekend before visiting USC, Love went to Cal for a camp and a visit, and the Bears offered. So, it’s a bi-coastal competition for him.
“I’m not going to any more camps. I don’t have any more visits lined up,” Love said. “Right now, my top two are Cal and USC, and right now USC is at the top. Originally it (announcement) was going to be August 1st, but after seeing Columbia and meeting all the coaches, I just feel like it’s home. I’m probably make my commitment decision (this) week. I have to find someone to make a graphic. My parents loved it out there, so I’m sure they’ll support me no matter what.”
Duke, Kansas State, Navy and Arkansas State were some other schools to show interest in Love.