Story of Globe College OL Maso Dodd, a life lesson for everyone

While in high school Maso Dodd took a lot of things for granted including his athletic skills, football talent, and his college education. As his senior year was closing in on him the reality of the moment came fast and hard. Despite some offers from a few D-II and D-III schools he opted to wait and figure everything out. Lucky for him he was introduced to junior colleges and the rest as they say his history, or history in the making.

Dodd was a two-way player pushing Philadelphia area linemen around on natural talent alone. After sitting out a year his 6-foot 3-inch frame ended up holding 390 pounds, up from weighing 350 pounds in high school. Still feeling that itch to play college ball and be one of the guys on the field instead of one the guys watching others on the field, he started sending out his highlight reel. Return calls came quickly with Dodd settling in on Globe College.

Knights head coach Cameron Chadwick saw something special in Dodd on tape bringing him to New York. In 2013 Dodd hit the gridiron again dedicating himself on the practice field, in the weight room, and more importantly in the classroom. As time went on the football player within started to come out as well as the student from within.

Dodd caught college recruiters’ attention after his freshman season but life’s learning lessons do not stop there. During spring ball in 2014 Maso’s knee was dislocated during an incident that should not have happened, a football injury that was out of his control. For six months he could not walk on his leg forcing him to sit out the entire season, but now he is back ready to prove to himself, family and friends, his coaches, and Division-I recruiters that he is 100 percent.

When Globe takes the field in 2015, Dodd, if nothing changes as of today, will come in at 6’3”, 320 pounds, and as a two-time Dean’s List (3.5+) and one-time President’s List (4.0) academic performer with ridiculous max numbers from the weight room.

In a Recruiting News Exclusive interview I sat down with Dodd to go over his journey from Philadelphia high school football, to realizing his dream of playing collegiate football, his time at Globe, and how recruiting is shaping up for him as part of the 2016 class letting us in on his story of personal redemption and determination.

Maso’s Interview

Maso, last year the Knights had a tough season winning four games. What was the 2014 season like for you sitting out watching your teammates compete?

“Last year we only won four games but we fought hard every game. It was hard to be on the sidelines watching every game and going through the agony. The coaches recruited well, I think we’ll be much better this year. Everyone is ready for the season.”

You had an injury that kept you off the field last year, what happened and how did you get hurt?

“It was during a one-on-one drill. I beat the kid in the drill. He was angry about something outside of football and he just reacted. He swung me after the drill was over. My foot got caught in the grass and my leg twisted. I ended up dislocating my knee.”

When did the injury occur?

“It happened in April of last year.”

How are you feeling now? Are you back to 100 percent?

“I feel better. I don’t have to lay around anymore which is good because I was getting kind of jittery not being able to exercise.”

Now that you are recovered what is your bench press max and your squat max?

“My bench press is 405 and my squat is 535.”

Wow. When did you last run your 40-yard dash and what was the time?

“About a month ago I ran a 5.25.”

Impressive numbers coming off your injury. Looking ahead, now that spring ball is over how does the team look heading into next season?

“We’re amped up. There was a lot of competition in spring ball with a lot of different positions. We have a lot of guys fighting for playing time. The whole demeanor of the team is looking better this year than last year.”

Were you able to compete 100 percent in spring ball, live contact and all?

“I was able to go full. I did not miss a practice. The coaches were really impressed with how well I was moving and how my spirits were up with everything. I wasn’t thinking about it I was just playing football. I was happy to be back out there with my teammates.”

What makes you a great lineman?

“I go 100 percent every play. A lot of times in practice, my teammates get caught up in how hard I go. I’m a team captain so I think I need to lead by example. I go hard every play. I don’t to get beat. I take it personal if I get beat on a play. So I just I’m going hard as I can at the other teams. That’s what puts me above all other linemen, I don’t take plays off I just keep going and going.”

What are your goals for the 2015 season?

“I just want to keep getting better everyday and keep learning about the game I love. I really want to see my teammates succeed. I want us to have a successful season and see everybody reach their goals recruiting wise. I want us to leave the field as winners because winning is important.”

What are you doing in the offseason to prepare for your sophomore season?

“My plan is to eat and breathe football. I don’t go out a lot. Everything I do revolves around football and that is eating the right things, going to the gym everyday, working on my footwork, and my speed. Everything I can do to become a better football player is what I’ll do in the offseason.”

What team did you play for in high school?

“I played at White Marsh High School in Pennsylvania. I’m a long way from home. I’m originally from Philadelphia but I went to school in the suburbs.”

What got you to the JUCO level from White Marsh?

“I wasn’t heavily recruited out of high school because I didn’t have the drive that I have now for some reason. I guess you get wiser. I wanted to play on a level that I thought best suited my abilities and help teams out. Temple University was the only team that recruited me heavily. When I found out about JUCOs I thought this is an even better way to get recognized by top schools.”

Which schools are recruiting you now?

“Illinois, Syracuse, Arizona, Louisville, and Bethune Cookman along with a few other D-II schools. They all know about the injury and want to see how I come back this season. They want to see how my knee actually recovers from the injury.”

Are you going on any unofficial visits over the summer?

“I plan going to Kansas in early July or late July. I might go to Bethune Cookman in late June or early July. It’s a process, I haven’t had any official visits yet but they’re on their way.”

What will influence you on where you play next?

“I just want to be around a family atmosphere where everybody is in tune with the main goal and that’s winning. I just want to be a part of a program where they obviously really need you and I can be an asset to their university both academically and on the field.”

What is your favorite part about playing football?

“I’ve been playing football my whole life. I just love everything about it. The impact, the atmosphere, my teammates just learning everyday about the sport I love and like to watch every Sunday.”

Who has made the biggest impact on your football career?

“My mom, definitely my mom (Dolly) because I see how hard she works everyday and how she provides for me and my little brother. I can’t take days off because I want to have a better life for her. I go hard every single day for her, for my mom. She’s instilled hard work in me.”

 

Written by Ryan Wright

Photo credit: hudl.com; No. 76 Maso Dodd