Globe Tech JUCO OL Maso Dodd Talks Whirlwind Commitment to Alabama A&M Bulldogs

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @HogManInLA

Life comes at all of us pretty quick, and for Maso Dodd Thursday was a day full of quick decisions that will shape the rest of his life. In the morning Dodd committed to Lincoln University but later in the day was offered and excepted a scholarship to play football at Alabama A&M.

Dodd story is unique and in many ways full of Silver Screen plot twists where the hero overcomes one obstacle after another reaching one far reaching goal after another. The 6’3”, 320 pound, road grader started his football career playing for White Marsh High School in Philadelphia. But by his own account, he did not put in all the time and effort needed to be a next level college football player.

After watching a season of college football pass by, Dodd recommitted himself to the game transforming his body into a college ready athlete bench pressing 405 pounds, squatting 535 with speed clocked at 5.25 in the 40-yard dash playing for Globe Tech (Manhattan, NY). Dodd was on his way but a knee injury cost him the 2014 season.

In 2015, Dodd kept with the program helping Globe Tech to an 8-3 mark making their first bowl appearance in over 20 years. Teams showing interest in the powerful offensive guard included Syracuse, Bethune Cookman, West Virginia, Louisville, Illinois, and Arizona. Alabama A&M was not in the picture until a phone call on Thursday from offensive line coach Phil Dorn changed everything.

In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I caught up with Maso after his commitment to get the inside scoop on how his verbal pledge took place and the big surprise awaiting his family tonight.

Interview

Maso, first, congratulations on your verbal commitment to Alabama A&M today.

“Thank you.”

So what influenced you to commit to the Bulldogs today?

“I just liked how enthusiastic they were. I was looking at a lot of other schools but I felt like this is the right place for me to go. I could not pass up the opportunity they presented to me.”

What was that opportunity?

“They called me and told me they really liked my film. They told me I could start right away. I did not want to go somewhere and sit the bench next year.”

So they offered you today and you committed on the spot?

“Yes sir.”

Who did you commit to?

“I committed to the head coach, Coach (James) Spady. First the O-line coach called, Coach Dorn, and said the head coach wanted to talk to me. They offered, and I said absolutely.”

What was the reaction of the coaches when you committed?

“They could tell I was excited. They brought up playing Auburn and the great opportunity they present to play some top quality programs.”

What a whirlwind moment out of nowhere. How did you feel at that moment when you verbally committed?

“Early in the day I had verbally committed to Lincoln University to be closer to home. When Alabama A&M called me and offered me, I had to give them a yes right away.”

So all that is left for you to do is sign and you are off to Normal.

“Yes. They’re working on everything. They got my transcripts today. I should get my letter of intent tomorrow. I’m heading there next week to start practicing. Crazy thing is, today I just finished my finals at Globe, and then committed.”

What other schools were you considering down to the wire?

“I was considering University of Arizona, Northern Michigan, and McNeese State, they were on me too.”

What are you doing tonight to celebrate your commitment?

“I’m going home to surprise my mom (Dolly Dodd). She doesn’t know anything yet. I’m going to tell her the good news that she does not have to send any more money to me while I’m at JUCO. I’m going to Alabama A&M and everything paid for!”

Maso, again, congratulations and good luck at Alabama A&M.

“Thank you.”

Photo credit: Dodd family; Maso Dodd before a Globe Tech practice.