Mater Dei’s Billy Blanton Chooses San Diego State

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.

Blanton, winner of the Glenn Davis Award as Southern California’s top high school player last season, broke Orange County records 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 in December at Anaheim Stadium.

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.

Blanton intends to make his decision official by signing a letter of intent, which high school players may do during the period beginning Feb. 5 and ending April 1.

He said he expects to redshirt his freshman season 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. He also considered a trip to Illinois.

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

Blanton, who has a 3.2 grade-point average, will study business.