Interview: 2020 Washington DE/OL Mason Hyde Drawing Early Pac-12 Recruiting Spotlight
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
The journey for Mason Hyde’s football future at the collegiate level is still up in the air, but for now he is a versatile two-way lineman for Peninsula High School getting dirty in the trenches as a defensive end and offensive tackle. The Gig Harbor area talent earned second team All-League honors as an offensive lineman and was an All-League honorable mention at end as a sophomore bringing big expectations with him entering the 2018 season. The same interest from Washington high school football fans has trickled into the collegiate ranks with Eastern Washington, Oregon State, and Washington State, among others, already showing interest in the emerging lineman.
In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with the 6-4, 240-pound, Class of 2020 standout to learn more about his overall game and offseason workouts.
Interview
Mason, you got the chance to tear it up on both sides of the ball last season at defensive end and left tackle, overall, how did the season go for you?
“It went great. It was a fun experience to play on both sides of the ball last season.”
When the 2017 season ended, which areas of your game were strengths on offense?
“I feel like my quickness and sense of urgency were strenths.”
What about on defense, what are the strengths of your game on that side of the ball?
“My explosiveness and my quickness off the ball.”
Between the two positions, which do you like best?
“I like defense better. There is more action with that position instead of just blocking the whole time.”
Are you playing the same positions during your junior year or are you taking on other spots?
“I am playing the same positions.”
What have you been working on this offseason with your blocking?
“Footwork mainly. I have been working a lot on my strength and getting faster.”
What have you been working on as a defender?
“My hips and footwork. I’ve been work on my hands a lot as well.”
Where are you seeing the biggest gains in your technique work?
“The hips and the hands, that has been the main improvement this offseason. The work is paying off.”
Have you been working with an outside trainer on your athleticism and overall technique?
“Yes. I have been training with Heir Football.”
How is training with Heir Football helping you?
“It has been great. I have learned so much, their coaches know so much. They get straight to it.”
Have you maxed out this offseason?
“The last time I maxed out was about a month and a half ago. We do three-rep maxes instead of a one rep max. On bench I maxed out with 250 three times, on squat 405, and on power clean 270.”
Nice. Have you had a chance to compete at any camps this summer?
“Yes. I competed at the Northwest Showcase in Oregon.”
How did that go for you?
“It went great. I got to talk to a lot of college coaches. I think I am on their radar now.”
Nice transition into recruiting. Which schools are showing interest?
“Eastern Washington, Washington State, Wyoming talked to me a ton after the showcase, and Oregon State.”
Have you taken any unofficial visits?
“Yes. I visited Washington State for one of their Junior Days and I have visited Eastern Washington.”
How did the Wazzu visit go?
“It was great. Their facilities are amazing.”
Back to football. How has Peninsula looked on the field over spring and summer practices?
“We are looking great. We have a bunch of returning players, we have all returning on the line except for one. Burke Griffin is back at quarterback; we are looking good.”
Is there a game on the 2018 schedule that you are already hyped to play?
“Game 1 – all of them actually (laughs).”
What goals have you set for yourself for your junior season?
“Get as many reps as possible, help my team win, and set myself with good film for college coaches.”
Mason, thanks for your time today and good luck with the rest of your offseason workouts.
“Thank you.”
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Photo credit: Hyde family; Mason Hyde at Eastern Washington