Interview: 3-Star 2021 LB Easton Mascarenas is One of California’s Best
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
However one stacks up the criteria reaching that of a top high school football prospect, Easton Mascarenas checks the boxes. The 6-0, 220-pound, inside linebacker for Mission Viejo has been the proverbial devil for the Diablos defense against opposing California Division-I offenses over the past two seasons taking on some of the nation’s best talent along the way. Two seasons worth of film and a stat sheet that rivals all, Mascarenas is on his way to playing collegiate football wherever he chooses.
In the top tiers of Southern California’s football conferences, it is difficult for a sophomore to get recognition over upperclassmen. But Mascarenas was able to breakthrough earning second team All-League honors in 2018 after dropping 91 ball carriers with 62 solo stops, seven tackles for a loss, two sacks, a pick, broke up a pass, forced a fumble and picked one up. His play helped carry the Diablos to a No. 26 end of season national ranking by MaxPreps. All wanted to know, could he follow up that performance in 2019?
Mascarenas, again, got after it on the gridiron posting a similar stat line on the way to an 11-1 run and a No. 23 national ranking in 2019. The stat column filled up with 91 tackles, 54 solo, 17 tackles for a loss, 5.5 sacks, five QB hurries, three interceptions, two passes broken up, and a fumble recovery. His rugged style on defense was added to the offense as a goal line-short-yardage back producing 34 yards off six carries with three trips into the end zone. As his play improved and recognition came his way in 2019, instead of being a second team All-League performer Mascarenas was named South Coast League MVP and All-CIF.
College programs needing a difference maker and a leader on their squad have started dropping offers. Those seeking Mascarenas’ talents include Arizona State, Colorado, Duke, Oregon State, Washington, and Washington State.
In an RNG exclusive interview, Mascarenas breaks down his play on the field and provides an update on his recruiting with a look ahead to some possible key visits.
Interview
Easton, the Diablos played a brutal schedule during the 2019 season. For you, what was it like getting up for each game while having to go against some of the best competition in the country?
“Honestly, even this year people got on us for our schedule for last year. This year, we had a hard schedule. I look for that kind of competition; that motivates me to play even better.”
What was your weekly preparation like for a game?
“It was a mindset. It was practicing hard and getting the team together mentally and physically working as brothers. I watched a lot of game film during the week. I watched at least an hour each week; it was mandatory.”
When the stadium lights came on and the ball was teed up on Fridays, you bring a fire and energy to the field that is hard to match. What was your mindset for any give game and what motivates you on the field?
“This year I was trying to improve my determination in the games. I feel that I lacked that my sophomore year. I showed more passion this season. My goal, my one goal is to make it as far as I can to help my family out.”
Over the past two seasons you have been as good as any other inside linebacker in Southern California-
“Thank you.”
What are you doing so well on the field leading to the big production?
“The main thing is, my coach preaches run to the ball especially with the spreads. Run to the ball is something I do well. I am aggressive, I read my keys well – coach pushes that, and my fire on the field.
Was there a weakness to your game at the start of the 2019 season but by the end you had turned that part of your game into a strength?
“Doing my job. At first, the team was not as connected and I was trying to make every tackle, but I changed. That helped us out.”
Your hard-nosed mentality is used on offense as a short-yardage back. How fun is that for you to ring some bells and score touchdowns going the other way?
(Laughs) “Yeah, I’ve been playing offense my whole life. I switched mainly to linebacker in high school. It is fun for me to run the ball.”
This offseason, what are the focus of your workouts?
“Over the last offseason I was out, so I did not do much lifting. I am lifting this offseason and getting faster.”
Which schools are responding to your play on the field showing recruiting interest?
“Cal, USC, Notre Dame, and UCLA are showing interest.”
How many offers are you holding?
“Six.”
During the season, did you take any unofficial visits?
“Yes. I went on a visit to Oregon State during the season.”
How did the Oregon State trip go?
“It went really well. I saw my brother up there and spent the night with him. They beat Arizona State, that was a fun experience. I got to see their facilities as well. It was a fun visit.”
Coming up, do you have any planned trips?
“I am going to Washington for an official and/or an unofficial and possibly to Notre Dame.”
Are you going to any camps this spring?
“There is a chance I am going to Under Armour and maybe The Opening.”
Easton, thanks for your time today. Good luck this offseason with your workouts and camps.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: Mascarenas family; Easton Mascarenas at Oregon State