RAPID CITY - Alex Kling, the quarterback of the Black Hills Conference champion Belle Fourche football team, has decided to attend Southern Methodist in Dallas.

"I just felt it was a good opportunity to play football at a high level and just decided to run with it," Kling said.

Kling, a first-team Journal Best of the West football selection, led the Broncs to their first BHC championship in 10 years last season. He was also named to all-Black Hills Conference team and was a Class 11A all-state selection. He quarterbacked an offense to more than 7,000 yards in two seasons. He had 51 tackles, nine interceptions - two of which returned for touchdowns - 25 pass breakups and eight forced fumbles. He scored 43 touchdowns and had 2,419 passing yards and 415 rushing yards.

Kling will join the Mustangs as a priority walk-on. He will be considered a member of the team, will attend fall camp and does not have to try out. However, he will not know if he will receive a scholarship until December.

"I just felt it was a good opportunity," Kling said. "I felt that if I went down there, I would have some options. If I didn't like it down there, I'd come back. It's kind of been a goal to play at the Division I level. I like the opportunity that I get to try to prove myself for a scholarship."

Kling made his decision late in the recruiting season. He considered Black Hills State, South Dakota School of Mines, Chadron State College, University of Mary, South Dakota State, Minnesota-Mankato, Sioux Falls and Northern Arizona.

"My coach was really supportive of me and my decision," Kling said. "My parents helped and they are really excited about what I am doing."

Kling said the Mustangs are in a rebuilding mode, and he is excited about the coaching staff that has only been in place for a couple of years. Head coach June Jones came to SMU from Hawaii after reaching the Sugar Bowl. His defensive coordinator, Tom Mason, came from Fresno State and was previously served as an interim head coach at Boise State.

"They are trying to change the program around," Kling said.

His ties with Mason brought him to SMU. Kling has relatives in Fresno, Calif., and with some other Bronc football players, he was able to meet Mason at a football camp.

"I really like the coaching staff," Kling said. "I've known coach Mason since he was at Fresno. They are nice and down to earth and easy to talk to."

Kling's head coach, Adam Nowowiejski, is happy with Kling's decision.

"What can I not say? Great kid, great student in the classroom," Nowowiejski said. "I definitely see him contributing to any program he goes to. He wanted to play at the highest level and that is what he is going to do. I am excited for him."