Mater Dei’s Blanton to SDSU

Santa Ana Mater Dei quarterback Billy Blanton, who led the Monarchs to the Southern Section Division I football title, said Monday he has orally committed to San Diego State.

Also, the Aztecs have received a commitment from Ben Lopez, a tight end from Valley View High School in Moreno Valley.

Blanton, 6-feet-2 and 195 pounds, said he chose San Diego State over Colorado because he liked the Aztecs’ passing offense.

“They spread it out with three or four receivers, and they throw it 45 times a game,” he said.

He said he expects to redshirt his freshman year with the Aztecs, then be a backup for former Trabuco Hills standout David Lowery, who just completed his sophomore season.

Blanton visited San Diego State earlier this month and Colorado two weeks ago.

“I like San Diego State because it’s close to home,” Blanton said. “I liked Colorado, but I’ve grown up in Southern California it was a little too cold back there for me.”

Blanton, winner of the Glenn Davis Award as Southern California’s top high school player last season, broke Orange County records this season for passing yards (3,545) and touchdowns (36).

He passed for 257 yards and three touchdowns in the Monarchs’ 35-14 victory over Rialto Eisenhower in the Division I championship game last December at Anaheim Stadium.

Lopez, a Times all-Inland Empire selection, canceled visits to Nevada Las Vegas and Oregon State after picking SDSU, according to Valley View Coach Leo Brouhard.

“Ben is a devastating blocker,” Brouhard said. “He’s probably one of the best blockers you’ll see in high school.”