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With SMU moving to the Atlantic Coast Conference and the Hilltop just down the road from Tyler, Derrick McFall felt Dallas was his home away from home.

On Wednesday, McFall had a signing ceremony at the Dr. Martin L. Edwards Jr. Theatre on the campus of Tyler High School, choosing the Ponies over a host of other schools who were after the talented four-star football standout.

“It is a blessing to have an opportunity to sign with a college like SMU that will be competing in the ACC,” said McFall, a versatile athlete who can play wide receiver, running back and return kicks. “With SMU playing in the ACC, it will give me more exposure playing against great competition.”

Official signing day is Dec. 20, but McFall wanted his teammates, coaches, family and friends present for the ceremony. The school is out for the Christmas Break begining Friday.

McFall hopes to be part of an East Texas Pipeline to play for SMU, must like in the “Mustang Mania Days” in the 1970s and 1980s.

The Tylerite hopes he is the first of a flow of Piney Woods recruits to the Metroplex. He has already started on Twitter, now known as X, helping recruit others.

He mentioned that Chapel Hill standouts of quarterback Demetrius Brisbon and running back Rickey Stewart, both juniors, have committed to SMU.

“We want to get the train rolling [from East Texas],” McFall said. “SMU won the AAC (American Athletic Conference) championship and now we want to win the ACC championship and a natty [national championship].”

McFall was first-team all-district the last three years for the Lions.

As a sophomore he was first-team wide receiver, followed by first-team utility player as a junior and Co-Offensive Player of the Year as a senior. He shared the honor with Lancaster running back Kewan Lacy.

His senior year, McFall mainly played wide receiver (48 receptions, 818 yards, 9 TDs), but had 1.5 games at running back (16 carries, 128 yards, 2 TDs). He has also played quarterback.

“[Derrick] is electric,” Tyler Coach Rashaun Woods said. “When he gets the ball in his hands he can change a game. He showed that time and time again this year. It was a pleasure to coach him. Thankful to have the opportunity to be a coach that’s been part of his development. A lot of coaches have been part of his development, along with a great family and he is a great talent. I’m excited to see his future.”

Tyler offensive coordinator/wide receivers coach Lionel Wrenn added, “Derrick McFall is a dynamic athlete and a student of the game. He shows up daily ready to work and eager to learn. He is also a natural leader both on and off the field. His words carry weight, and when he speaks, the others listen.”

McFall, the athlete with lightning speed, originally committed to UCLA in August.

However, he decommitted to the Bruins on Nov. 20 before reopening his recruitment. UCLA was still in his final five, along with Kansas State, Missouri, SMU and UTSA.

But in the end, it was Pony Up. The move to the Power-5 ACC played a big role in his decision.

What can SMU fans expect from McFall?

“They are going to get a great player; I want to be a role model on and off the field,” said McFall, who sports a 3.6 GPA and plans to major in real estate.