One to Watch Interview with 2021 Tennessee OL Mason Jones
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
The 2019 high school football season was a year of firsts for Class of 2021 prospect Mason Jones. The rising Franklin High School talent played his first season at right tackle switching from tight end and got snaps in at center against 6A Tennessee competition. His junior campaign was also his first full season at the varsity level. Raw but determined, the 6-6, 265-pound, lineman showed he has a ton of upside to his game and is working on his technique getting extra tutelage at National Playmakers Academy beyond his usual workout routine. The potential in his game is beginning to draw a collegiate crowd.
In an RNG first-look, Jones breaks down his junior season on the field with an update on his growing recruiting process.
Interview
Mason, you lined it up at right tackle for the Rebels last season. How did the 2019 season go for you on the field?
“It went pretty well. Honestly, I didn’t know too much about what I was doing at that position after switching from tight end and a couple of other positions over the last couple of years. We had some changes in the middle of the season too; I moved to center from right tackle.”
How did you like playing center?
“It was really weird. I’m big but I am not a huge guy. It was challenging taking on 300-pound nose guards to block, but I handled it well.”
Are you staying at center?
“Honestly, I have no idea. I’ve been training at center with National Playmakers Academy (NPA). With the way recruiting has gone, I have no idea.”
In pass-pro, how did your game improve against 6A Tennessee competition?
“Halfway through the season, I did not know what a pass set was, that is when I went to NPA. That is when I started to improve on kicking and setting. It is tough getting a quick guy on the edge.”
What about with your run blocking? How did that improve?
“I knew what I was doing there from playing tight end; you do that quite a bit. With my steps, that improved. I was getting quicker and stronger throughout the season.”
This was perhaps answered already, but is there a certain style of defender that gives you the most trouble on the field?
“Yes. The quick outside pass rusher gives me the most trouble.”
How have you worked this offseason, or during the 2019 season, to improve upon that one area of your game against the speed rushers?
“I’ve been working on my pass setting a lot. Working in sand helps with your quickness. I’ve been running and working on my footwork to help stop the edge rushers.”
Which areas of your blocking are you working on the most this offseason?
“Pass blocking. I’m decent at run blocking but my pass blocking is an area of concern. I have seen improvement this offseason already.”
Have you maxed out in the weight room this offseason?
“Yes. On bench I pressed 225 pounds five times.”
We’ve talked about two of your positions on the field, are you taking on any other roles in 2020?
“My positions this season will probably be center and right tackle.”
During the 2020 season, what style of offense will the team execute?
“I think we are running a Spread this year.”
This summer, are there any college camps you may attend?
“The ones I have been looking at are Memphis, Cincinnati, and any others I get invited to.”
Which schools are showing interest?
“Eastern Kentucky and Cincinnati.”
Over the last few months did you get to take any visits?
“My first one was to Cincinnati, then I went to Virginia and Duke on the same trip, and Kentucky.”
How did the Cincinnati visit go?
“That was really good. It shocked me how big their fan base is, I did not know. They were playing Miami-Ohio, their fan base impressed me.”
And the Virginia visit?
“That went really well. My dad went there and I was born in that area. I really liked their coaches. I am familiar with the grounds there.”
Separate from the camps, are there any planned visits on the schedule?
“I might take one to Vanderbilt, which is in the area. Any other schools I get invited to I’ll go visit.”
Going into the classroom. What is your cumulative GPA?
“3.8.”
What is one thing we may not have talked about during this interview that you would like for college coaches to know about you?
“That I am a super hard worker. I will do anything to play football in college. I will work every day, late nights, anything. I just have to get some offers under my belt. I am a double sport athlete; I start on the basketball team.”
Guessing you are the speedy dribble-drive point guard?
(Laughs) “No. I play center.”
How did the 2019-20 basketball season go?
“It went pretty well. We got a new coach, there were some adjustments. But we are bringing everyone back. We were all juniors last year. I think we will make a big run in the post season this year.”
Do you know your per game averages on the court?
“About 10 boards a game. I’m not sure what my points per game average was.
Mason, thanks for your time today. Wishing you success with the rest of your spring workouts until we talk again.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: Jones family; Mason Jones at Virginia and Duke