Ron Graham was Penn Hills High School's defensive coordinator for the past six years, and an assistant for a total of 10, before replacing Neil Gordon as the Indians' head coach in March.

As such, he has witnessed first-hand Dan Mason's growth as a football player.

"He's always had the physical attributes," Graham said. "Now, he's become a real student of the game."

Mason, a 6-foot, 218-pound linebacker, is a three-year starter for the Indians and a highly-sought recruit. Following a junior season where he recorded 130 tackles, he is the No. 8 college prospect in Pennsylvania, according to a preseason ranking by rivals.com, and has received interest from schools such as Pitt, Penn State and West Virginia.

"He'll be an excellent college player at the Division I level," Graham said.

Why? Graham said Mason's skills go beyond his intensity, speed and hard-hitting on the football field. He might also be the Indians' smartest player.

"He spends a lot of time studying film," Graham said. "He has a very strong work ethic and takes pride in doing the very best."

As a result?

"He understands the schemes on offense," Graham added. "He understands the schemes and his role in the defense. He makes all the calls and adjustments. He knows where everybody should be. He's the true leader of this team. It's a tremendous asset."

Mason said he takes pride in the mental aspect of his game.

"Why not?" he said. "Brains and brawn, that's a great combination."

But Mason stressed he studies more than just game film.

"I spend my time watching college players play," he said. "I spend my time watching NFL players play. I watch the linebackers, see what they do well, and try to incorporate that into my game."

Taking a cue from the likes of Ray Lewis, James Harrison, Dan Morgan, Paul Posluszny and Scott McKillop, Mason said the biggest thing he has incorporated into his game is patience.

"When I was younger, I would just fly around the ball and hit anything that moved," Mason said. "Now, I'm reading a play, letting it develop before exploding and making the tackle."

Mason, who also will line up at fullback for Penn Hills, is preparing for the rigors of college football by working to increase his speed and explosion to make up for a lack of size.

But that doesn't mean he isn't focused on the upcoming high school football season and one large goal, winning a Class AAAA PIAA championship.

"I would be happy with a [PIAA] championship ring on my finger," said Mason who played in the WPIAL title game as a sophomore. "That would make the team the happiest and me too."

Penn Hills was 6-5 overall and 4-1 in the Big East Conference in 2007. The Indians, who fell to North Allegheny in the WPIAL quarterfinals, are expected to be one of the top teams this season.

"We definitely have the talent," Mason said, "and we're getting closer and closer as a team every day. I'm not guaranteeing anything, but that's our goal."

Mason said adjusting to a new coach shouldn't be an obstacle for the Indians.

"It wasn't a hard transition at all," he said. "We know this coach. He's been here a long time. It was very easy."

Mason, who also has offers from Boston College, Toledo and Virginia Tech, is putting off his college choice until after the season. He expects to make an announcement in January at the U.S. Army All-American Bowl in San Antonio. He has been invited to play in the game.

Mason said he isn't leaning toward any school. He has yet to make an official visit to any campus.

"I don't know everything I need to know about the schools," he said. "I haven't got out to them yet, so I don't know what I'm missing."