Interview: 2018 California QB Mason Quandt Goes In-Depth on UPenn Football Commitment

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

The Golden State has done it yet again. A reoccurring theme for every college football recruiting year has deep roots in California, especially at quarterback. The list of top gunslingers available is quickly dwindling with the Quakers nabbing one of California’s best on Wednesday in Mason Quandt.

Quandt started separating himself from his peer group during his junior season throwing the ball around the yard for St. Bonaventure High School. With the Seraphs, he completed 69 percent of his passes connecting on 17 touchdowns while covering 2,400 yards. The now 6-4, 210 pound, playmaker showed a little dual-threat ability when needed adding 205 more yards on the ground posting seven more scores on the board in 2016.

All the hard work with the Seraphs earned Quandt first team All-Marmonte League honors. But a new challenge has come Quandt’s way, suiting up for Sierra Canyon during his senior season. The change in uniforms did not prevent Ivy League schools from coming after the 4.0 student with a cannon for an arm throughout the off-season.

With offers from Cornell, Columbia, and Penn, Quandt ended his recruiting process announcing his decision Wednesday afternoon on Twitter. In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with Quandt to find out how Penn became his perfect fit for the next level.

Interview

Mason, congratulations on your commitment to Penn.

“Thank you.”

Let’s set this up. How did your spring line up with visits?

“I did not visit too many schools. I visited UNLV early in the spring and then I visited some Ivy League schools. I went to some camps this off-season. But the Ivy League schools I visited were Yale, Columbia, Cornell, and Penn.”

Which schools came by Sierra Canyon to see you in person or to watch you throw?

“Almost all the Ivy League schools came to watch me throw. UNLV, Hawaii, and a lot of Mountain West Conference schools came by to see me throw. I cannot remember all of them off the top of my head.”

You mentioned some college camps you’ve attended, which college camps have you attended so far this off-season?

“I went to camp at USC, their Rising Stars camp. That was really cool to throw for a lot of coaches at one time. A couple of weekends ago, I went to camps at Columbia, Yale and Cornell. I also went to a satellite camp in LA with Dartmouth and Wyoming there.”

How did you narrow down your list of schools?

“For me, I have always been an Ivy League guy because of the education, level of football played, and all of the opportunities presented. My interest was gauged towards the Ivy League schools early on. Once they started showing interest in me, I focused on that.”

When did you commit.

“Today (Wednesday June 28).”

How did you come to the decision that now was the right time to commit to Penn?

“The trip back east was a big thing for me. After my unofficial at Penn – I had an amazing visit. They had everything I wanted. I looked at my dad during the visit, I told him ‘I want to go to school here.’ He said he could tell by the look on my face that Penn was the school for me. I talked to my mom, dad, and sister about it. I decided to make the decision.”

What all did you do during your visit to Penn?

“When I got there, Coach (John) Reagan, their offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach, met with us to talk about the school and program. I took a facilities tour, that was really cool. After that, I spent one-on-one time with their head coach, Coach (Ray) Priore. Coach Priore is a great guy. It was great getting to know him during our visit. We talked about Wharton’s Business School, they told me all about it. The whole day was amazing for me.”

How did the commitment take place?

“They only accept commitments when you tell the head coach. I told Coach Reagan first and told him that I was committing. He said we have to get you on the phone with Coach Priore. They were super excited to have me and I could not be more excited to be a part of their program.”

How did you feel at that moment when you verbally committed?

“I could not believe it. I’ve wanted to play college football for as long as I can remember. I was thinking, I just committed to a D-I school to play football. I am so excited to have that opportunity.”

Do you plan on recruiting other players to join you?

“Definitely. There are a few UPenn commits already. I want to build a relationship with them and start working on new kids to help build a really good class.”

Are you doing anything to celebrate your commitment?

“My dad is taking me out to dinner tonight. This weekend my mom is taking me out for dinner to celebrate as well.”

Mason, again, congratulations on your commitment and good luck with the rest of your summer workouts.

“Thank you.”

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Photo credit: Quandt family; Mason Quandt at Penn with TE Nick Shablom (June 2017).

Photo credit: Quandt family; Mason Quandt at Penn (June 2017).