Dan Mason knew he would get some high-level coaching from some of the state's top high school coaches and that he would get to practice with and play against outstanding players from across the commonwealth.

He even thought he would have some fun at the Big 33 Classic game and week of activities that leads up to it.

But what Mason, a standout linebacker at Penn Hills High School and Pitt recruit, said he will take most out of the honor of being selected to participate in the annual Pennsylvania-Ohio contest is the buddy program. Each player is paired with a special needs child with the idea toward establishing a special friendship.

It's that inspiration that might end up making the most impact on Mason.

"I look around at people with sicknesses and who are fighting for their lives ... why can't I fight for a game?" Mason asked. "If they can walk around and keep going, why can't I when it's just for a game?

"You meet a lot of inspiring people."

Perhaps it's not surprising that Mason would take a non-football lesson from an athletic event.

Although he is 6 feet, 220 pounds of strength, speed, quickness and athleticism, his coach at Penn Hills prefers to talk about the intangibles Mason brings to a team.

"He would be, as they would say, the total package," Penn Hills coach Ron Graham said. "He's very focused, he's coachable and he has the desire to succeed.

"He's a leader on the field, and he has an excellent work ethic and is a very, very strong competitor. He's a stellar young man."

"Every time I step onto the field, I want to give 120 percent," Mason said. "There's no reason not to -- especially with how much I love the game -- just be going hard at all times. I won't let anybody work harder than me. I figure you have to show that work ethic to try to get it to rub off on your teammates."

Mason talked Tuesday about how he was surrounded at the Big 33 Classic by players who were all the leaders of their teams and how he could learn something from each of them.

"It's a tribute to the hard work of the young man," Graham said. "It's an excellent postseason opportunity. They picked the best in the state, and I believe he was well-deserving."

"You look at all the great players who have played in this game," Mason said. "To be playing in it is such a great honor."

The honor extends to the Penn Hills community and school, said Graham, who will attend the contest at 7 p.m. Saturday at Hersheypark Stadium.

"It's an honor and a thrill. Anytime you have any of your students selected for that prestigious of a game, we look forward to it," Graham said. "We're just happy we've been able to have kids who have been able to get there. We've had several over the years, hopefully his won't be the last."

The Big 33 is the final act as a high school player for Mason. He will report to Pitt next week to begin his college career.

Mason said he is looking forward to competing against and with the Big East level of competition while at Pitt.

Graham has no doubts Mason will fit in nicely.

"Obviously, he is going to have to develop to another level just like all athletes have to grow into it," he said. "He'll adjust to the speed of the game. But certainly, he has the ability to participate at the Division I level. He's strong, he's fast, he's very quick. And he's also an intelligent player."