Interview: 2020 NG/DT Mason Stahl is Putting Fear into Opposing California Linemen

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

When watching a Great Oak High School football game, it does not take long to see that opposing Southwestern League offensive coordinators do not like Wolfpack nose guard Mason Stahl. At 6-2, 285 pounds, Stahl is a beast in Great Oaks’ 3-4 defensive alignment collapsing pockets and ending notions of runs through the A-gap. One of the benefits of the tough play in the trenches against Division-II California competition for Stahl is attracting a next level audience.

Nose guards are not supposed to fill the stat sheet with their play, yet Stahl still finds a way. Fighting through double- and triple-team blocking schemes, he has still come up with 27 total stops, 20 solo, with 10 tackles for a loss, two sacks, and one fumble recovery in seven games this season. Because of his productivity and upside, the list of interested college programs is expanding beyond regional Mountain West and Pac-12 teams to include TCU and Harvard among others.

In an RNG mid-season stylized catch-up interview, I sat down with Stahl to see how is game has improved during his junior season with an update on his lengthy unofficial visit list.

*Click link for July 14, 2018, RNG interview with Mason Stahl

Interview

Mason, how is the 2018 season going for you personally?

“Personally, it has been rough with the win-loss record (1-6), but for me it has been going good. I am holding strong and working hard.”

Where are you seeing the biggest improvement in your game on defense this season?

“My biggest improvement is my overall speed, my get off, and my motor.”

How are offensive coordinators scheming against you?

“I have been getting triple-teamed, but I don’t stop until the whistle is blown.”

Is there an area of your game so improved it even surprises you?

“Let me think about that one… my strength.”

Did you max out before the season began?

“Yes. I got 460 on squat and 260 on power clean.”

Nice. Which game has been your best this season and why do you consider that your best game?

“Serrano (Phelan). That was absolutely my best game. When have you heard of a nose guard getting eight tackles in a game?”

The Wolfpack gets Murrieta Valley on Friday, what kind of game are you expecting from them?

“I am expecting a lot of screens. Their QB, Hank Bachmeier, is really good. I am hoping for a good game against them.”

Turning to recruiting, which schools are showing interest in you but have not offered yet?

“NAU (Northern Arizona), TCU, I just received a letter from Harvard, and UCLA.”

Do you have any unofficial visits planned for the near future?

“Yes. I have planned visits to UCLA, Cal, UNLV, Nevada, Utah, Utah State, BYU, Arizona, Arizona State, San Diego, and San Diego State.”

You will be busy very soon. How is everything going in the classroom?

“Well. I have a 3.4 GPA, early a 3.5.”

Mason, keep up the good work on the field and in the classroom and good luck on Friday against Murrieta Valley.

“Thank you.”

Photo credits: Rudolfo Castillo; No. 73 Mason Stahl in action