Interview: Colleges have Georgia and Clemson to beat for 5-Star 2018 DE Justin Mascoll

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @HogManInLA

If a player can get it done on Georgia’s high school gridiron proving grounds, they can get it done anywhere and everywhere else. South Gwinnett High School’s five-star defensive end Justin Mascoll has so far proven to be one of the best in his class and is ready to take on the challenge again in 2016.

Mascoll answered the call during his sophomore season coming up with 69 tackles, 8.5 sacks, and 13.5 tackles for a loss. The now- 6’4”, 230 pound, end rolled up opposing 7A talent impressing college coaches across the country while striking fear into the hearts and minds of top talents on the other side of the ball. Mascoll did everything an end is supposed to do anchoring the line against the run, rushing the passer, and showed heart and grit staying in every play all while flashing his sideline to sideline speed.

College coaches are smitten with the Snellville area talent receiving 20 reported offers to date. Among the many hoping to land Mascoll includes Alabama, South Carolina, Florida State, Nebraska, Ole Miss, Florida, North Carolina, Missouri, Miami, N.C. State, and Mississippi State. All colleges appear to have a tall order to fill if Mascoll is to take a program serious – beat out Georgia and Clemson somehow and someway.

In a Recruiting News Guru stylized interview, I sat down with Mascoll to cover his off-season workouts and recruitment to date.

Interview

Justin, did you get the call up to varsity during your freshman season?

“Yes sir. I was called up during summer workouts. Coach (John) Small gave my dad a call. He told him ‘we want Justin at our workouts.’ I went to work out the next morning and everything just took off from there.”

You had such a big influence on the Comets team as a sophomore. Did you have any idea you would make this kind of impact going into your sophomore season?

“No sir. We had a lot of good defensive linemen my freshman year. I kept working hard and stayed humble.”

Did you even know that you would be a starter going into your sophomore year?

“I really did not have a clue. I just kept working. My freshman year I really appreciated the older guys helping me and leading me. They got me better. My freshman year I was supposed to play linebacker. Coach said if you want to be out there to help the team we need you at defensive end. My sophomore year I had no clue what would happen. They didn’t move me back to linebacker. It was an interesting year.”

You have the size and skill to play both linebacker and defensive end. Which position do you like better?

“I think I am – I prefer to chase. I like linebacker. I like playing in space. I can cover too. Many people may not know that. Our coaches have taught me well as has the defensive linemen on the team.”

Which position will you play this year for the Comets?

“I’m a straight defensive end this year. I’ll play a little bit of both on the weak-side and on the strong-side.”

What are the strengths of your game?

“I would say – everyone can always improve on things. One thing that is a strength is my pass rushing. I am a pretty good pass rusher. I need to work on cutting the edge down more. I’m getting stronger and faster. I’m also becoming more of a student of the game. I’m preparing for teams better. That’s about it. I just need to sharpen up my coverage skills.”

Did you earn any individual honors at the end of your sophomore season?

“I was All-County second team on defense as a lineman and I earned the Player of the Month Award at one point by the Touchdown Club.”

Nice. Have you set any team or personal goals for the 2016 season?

“I don’t have any personal goals. I definitely want to make my teammates around me better. On the field, it is never about me. All the individual accolades, I’m just looking forward to winning and winning for my teammates. I want to be a positive ball of energy. I want us to get out on a winning note this season.”

You’re lining up at defensive end this year, will we see you on offense at all?

“I will be playing some tight end during the season.”

How will the coaches utilize you on offense? Will you be more of a blocking, receiving, or mix of both at tight end?

“I’ll be a mixture of both, leaning more towards the blocking side.”

Did you go to any college camps this summer?

“Yes sir. I went to Auburn’s Junior Day camp but did not compete. I went to a Georgia camp with my 7v7 team, but I did not compete in that either.”

Did you take any unofficial visits this off-season?

“No sir.”

How many offers do you have right now?

“I have 20 offers.”

Of the schools that have offered, are any pushing harder than the others?

“I’d say Georgia, Clemson, North Carolina, and FSU (Florida State).”

Are there any schools that are recruiting you but have not offered yet?

“I’d say UCLA, Notre Dame, and that’s it.”

Do you have any upcoming visits planned?

“I’m definitely go to FSU with one of my teammates at some point during the season.”

Since you have a lot of offers, the thought for some is to commit early. Are you planning on committing early or will you take your time before committing?

“I’m going to take my time. I want to see if any other schools compare to Georgia or Clemson. If there is a school that compares to them, then I will make my decision. I see myself committing after my senior season.”

How did everything end up in the classroom for you last year?

“Everything went well. I had a 3.0 GPA.”

How does the team look heading into the season?

“I feel better about the team this year. Our team chemistry is amazing. We are younger but we have some amazing guys on the team who are driven. This team feels special.”

What have you been working on this off-season to prepare for your junior year?

“I’ve been working really hard to get in the best shape possible. I’m getting stronger. I was out for three months with a tweak in my back. I had to rehab that. I’ve tried to stay in shape and help the younger guys out this summer. I am in shape now, getting stronger, and working on technique. I’m working on the things that I will need to do for the season.”

What do the Comets need to do to have a great season this year?

“Just stay the same. A lot of our games last year we lost the games because of mental mistakes. If we cut that out and take every phase of the game, especially on special teams – if we take that as serious as offense and defense we’ll win more games and be successful. We have to be mentally stronger. Our coaches have done a great job of coaching us. When we are mentally tired we need to stay together and keep fighting.”

Are there any games on the schedule you are excited to play?

“I’m excited for every game. I’m excited for every opportunity we will get this year.”

Justin, thanks for your time today and good luck this season.

“Thank you.”

Photo credit: scout.com; No. 93 Justin Mascoll

Photo credit: ajc.com; Justin Mascoll works out for Georgia coaches.