Michigan Steals Highly Productive 2017 LB Ben Mason out of Connecticut

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @HogManInLA

On Tuesday, Michigan went into Connecticut stealing away one of the state’s best when linebacker/athlete Ben Mason committed to the Wolverines.

Mason’s two year run of productivity with Newtown High School has been pretty incredible. During his sophomore year Mason poked around some on offense getting 53 yards off 12 carries with a score but was an impact player on defense. The 2014 season ended with Mason leading the team with 110 tackles, six tackles for a loss, 5.5 sacks, pulled in an interception, forced a fumble and recovered two. The Nighthawks went 12-1 on the season before falling 13-7 to Xavier (Middletown).

The 6’2.5”, 247 pound, talent expanded his role on the team in 2015 rushing 43 times for 231 yards with six scores and reeled in 24 passes for 416 yards with nine scores. Once again Mason led his team in tackles with 113. His stat line included 11 tackles for a loss, four sacks, four interceptions, and a fumble recovery helping the team to a 10-2 mark.

Michigan extended their offer to Mason when he visited on April 12. Two days later, during an unofficial visit to Wisconsin, Mason added another offer from the Badgers. By the time of his commitment, Mason was in the neighborhood of 20 offers with UConn, Boston College, Kansas, Harvard, Dartmouth, Columbia, Pitt, Syracuse, Navy, Army, Temple, Rutgers, and Cal all seeking his skill set at the next level.

The Wolverines now have 12 verbal commitments to their 2017 class. The class is balanced with six recruits on both sides of the ball highlighted by five-star Colorado quarterback Dylan McCaffrey.

Michigan Wolverines 2017 Verbal Commitment List (12)

SS J’Marick Woods, 6-3, 205, Florence HS, Florence, AL

CB Benjamin St.-Juste, 6-3, 185, Vieux, Montreal, Quebec

LB/FB Chase Lasater, 6-2, 235, Trinity Christian Academy, Jacksonville, FL

LB Ben Mason, 6-2.5, 247, Newtown HS, Sandy Hook, CT

LB Josh Ross, 6-2, 225, St. Mary’s HS, West Bloomfield, MI

DT Phillip Paea, 6-4, 285, Berrien Springs HS, Berrien Springs, MI

QB Dylan McCaffrey, 6-5, 200, Valor Christian HS, Littleton, CO

RB AJ Dillon, 6-1, 230, Lawrence Academy, Groton, MA

RB O’Maury Samuels, 5-11, 190, Los Lunas HS, Los Lunas, NM

RB Kurt Taylor, 5-9, 200, Newton HS, Covington, GA

OL Ja’Raymond Hall, 6-5, 282, Oak Park HS, Oak Park, MI

TE Carter Dunaway, 6-6, 232, Brother Rice, Bloomfield Hills, MI

 

Photo credit: newtownbee.com; No. 41 Ben Mason.