Interview: Hawaii 2021 WR Mason Yoshino is a Sure-Handed Playmaker
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
Kaiser High School was one of the best teams in the state of Hawaii during the 2019 season running to a record of 9-2. A big thanks to the Cougars successful season were the always reliable hands and athleticism of Mason Yoshino. The 5-10, 180-pound, target was all over the field making spectacular plays look routine while taking the mundane into impact snaps. Through the first two seasons of Yoshino’s career, he has posted 78 receptions for 1,210 yards with 15 touchdowns averaging 15.5 yards per catch in 17 games. He has also taken back two kicks for scores. Recruiting from the main land is picking up with programs seeing the upside in having Yoshino moving the chains on their roster.
In a first visit to the RNG Lab, Yoshino recounts his junior run while updating us on his offseason preparations for a big senior campaign.
Interview
Mason, as all good receivers are supposed to have, your hands are above and beyond good. Over the years, how have you developed that ability to haul in a pass no matter what?
Mainly focus and having that mindset of wanting to grab that ball and needing it in your hands. The mindset is not wanting it to be in the defenders’ hands.
How have you developed your hands over the years?
By doing hand drills with the ball. I’ve also watched that video of Christian McCaffery working with the football.
There are two other key traits to your game that I like, your route running and speed. Let’s talk about running routes. Which routes were you running last season?
A lot of my routes were more towards the middle. As the slot back, I’d go across the middle. I have been working more to recognize the man or zone coverage to know when to throttle down or burn the guy. Most of my routes are slants, seams, some digs, 10-yard ins. In the red zone, I am running whip routes and the slant and out.
Do you have an approach to running routes and how you get off the line, pressed or otherwise?
I read the defender. If I have a route on the outside, I want to get outside of the defender instead of going through him. My hand play with the DB, that is key. They try to press a lot.
Your speed is there allowing you to separate and to breakaway. What is the best-timed run you’ve put down?
I did my 40 a year ago at the Polynesian Bowl Combine in Vegas. I ran in the 4.6 range.
Sure you are faster now.
Yes, sir.
If we were to sit down together with me wanting to watch your best game from the 2019 season, which game tape are you putting on the screen and why?
I’d put my Nanakuli game on. I had a hat trick in that one, three touchdowns for 120 yards. That was one of my solid games, and it was memorable. My brother was injured in that game and taken to the hospital. I scored on the next play after his injury.
Your brother, is he doing well now?
Yes, sir.
Good. This offseason, what have you been working on with your skills as a receiver?
My little brother was the starter at quarterback, he was only a freshman. It is convenient to have him there, we can work on our routes whenever we want to. I have been working on my route running and getting out of my breaks as fast as I can. Going to the beach with my brother to throw working on getting out of the breaks.
Have you been working with a trainer?
Yes, Coach Tom George. He came down this past year and ran a clinic for all ages. I went with my brother, I won the MVP of that camp. It set a relationship between us. He helps me out a lot.
Nice. Are you guys running the same offense with the same routes when the 2020 season begins?
Right now, I am not sure. We have not been practicing with teammates or with our coaches because of COVID. I imagine it will the same, a run and shoot.
What roles are you taking on this season?
On offense, I am staying as inside receiver/slot. Last year we lost nine of 11 starting defenders, I will try to play some free safety this season. I’ve been returning kicks and punts, I will continue doing that too.
Once the season gets going, what are you most excited to showcase with your skills?
Being able to catch the ball in the middle and making plays when plays are busted.
Let’s talk recruiting. Which schools are showing interest as you prepare for your senior season?
The main ones are Kansas Wesleyan, St. Mary’s, Taber, and Valley City State.
How many offers are you holding?
Three; Trinity International, Culver-Stockton, and Presentation College (IL)
Did you get to take any virtual visits this summer?
Yes, I did virtual visits with Kansas Wesleyan, Trinity International, Culver-Stockton, and Presentation. My first one was to Army.
If campuses open back up first of 2021, are there any in-person visits you’d like to take and/or any virtual visits?
Yes. I think I will take virtual visits with Taber College and St. Mary’s.
Mason, thanks for your time today. Good luck with the rest of your offseason workouts.
Thank you, sir.
Photo credit: Yoshino family; Mason Yoshino