Interview: Recruiting Picking Up for 11-Offer 3-Star 2022 Arizona TE/HB Nason Coleman
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
Another season on the gridiron for Chandler High School, another state championship trophy tucked away in the case. The Wolves dominated the Arizona high school football landscape again in 2020 ending the year with as the top-ranked team in-state with a No. 5 national positioning by MaxPreps. One of the standouts for the Wolves during the season was tight end/H-back Nason Coleman. The 6-3, 230-pound, three-star recruit proved to be an asset in the ground game and rushing attack. The result of his efforts has been 11 offers extended.
In an RNG detailed conversation, Coleman stopped by the Lab covering the state title winning season with an update on his recruiting process.
Interview
Nason, the Wolves have always been a powerhouse team, but over the last two seasons it has been kicked up a notch posting a 23-0 record. There is a mindset and work ethic that comes with that kind of success. How would you describe the mentality of the Wolves football team?
I’d say everyone has a winning mindset, especially over the past five to six years. We focus on us and don’t worry about everything else. We don’t worry about the media. That is a big deal for us to focus on our game and go out and perform on the field.
Looking at some of the scores, some practices might be harder than the games. What is a typical Chandler practice like?
A typical practice, we always have meetings a head of practice. We then go over the plays and have some competitions against our own defense – 7v7, red zone, or goal line. They also have us do some conditioning. We tone it down later in the season. Our practices are high tempo with a lot of coemption.
You take on a lot of challenges and responsibilities playing that hybrid tight end/H-back/receiver role. If you will, breakdown all that you are doing on the field on offense.
Basically, well, it is hard because I have to be big enough and strong enough to block defensive linemen and fast enough to beat linebackers and defensive backs. We are diverse with our formations and plays. It is a tough position. It is not for everyone. Our coaches prepare us for success. That is what has helped me the most.
From hauling in passes to kicking out ends on the opposite side as a wing off the tackle, what are the strengths to your game?
I’d say one of my strengths is in my route running. I was a receiver growing up, then I was switched to tight end because there is so much talent at Chandler. Since making that move to tight end, I have been working a lot on getting stronger and bigger to block defensive linemen. I have gotten better with my blocking as well.
Over the offseason, what are your strength and speed goals?
I am definitely trying to get stronger and faster. I am hoping to run more routes this year, I know I have the speed.
It may be too soon to know, but during the 2021 campaign do you have an idea what all you might be doing on the field?
It is hard to tell right now. We usually have a game plan for who we are playing. My coaches have been talking about using me a lot in the passing and run game during the 2021 season.
Nice. Let’s get into recruiting. Which programs are showing interest but have not offered yet?
Some schools showing interest are Northwestern, Clemson, Yale, Cal, and Oregon State. They are the ones sending me the most mail and texts.
How many offers are you holding?
I have 11 offers.
Which programs were the last couple to offer?
Arkansas and Arizona were my last two.
Coleman’s Offer Sheet: Arizona, Arizona State, Arkansas, BYU, Idaho, Iowa State, Nebraska, New Mexico, Central Florida, UNLV, and Utah
Going all the way back, which program was the first to offer you?
It was ASU (Arizona State) during my freshman year
When visits start kicking off in the coming weeks or months, are there any schools you’d like to go see?
Yes. I am talking with a lot of coaches and my parents about taking visits. I want to check out Nebraska, Arkansas, and visit the in-state schools, U-of-A and ASU. Utah, Central Florida, and Iowa State are schools that I’d like to visit as well. UCF, that would be a cool school to go to. I have a friend from Chandler going there now.
Nason, I appreciate your time today. Wishing you success this offseason preparing for your senior campaign.
Thank you, sir.
Photo credit: Coleman family; Nason Coleman
Featured photo credit: Liebrock Photography; Nason Coleman