Interview: Arkansas TE Mason Brotherton is a Top Overlooked 2021 Talent
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
Football’s modern tight ends have to be a jack of all trades with the athletic versatility that rivals an outside linebacker, free safety, and/or nickel – Mason Brotherton is that guy. The Mena High School standout fills that hybrid role making the Bearcats offense so dangerous to play, and college coaches are now catching onto his skills on the field.
Brotherton broke out onto the high school football scene during his sophomore season working over defenses for 476 yards off 27 receptions with two touchdowns. Even with defenses keying on him, the 6-4.5, 235-pound, target rolled over secondaries for 272 yards on 21 receptions with five scores going up on the board. He even contributed a 25-yard touchdown pass and was called in on big third down plays to help the Bearcats’ defense adding five tackles, four sacks, a quarterback hurry, and knocked the pigskin loose.
With offers in-hand from Kansas, Memphis, and Mercer, Brotherton is ready to showcase his skills this offseason at various camps while visiting D-I programs throughout the region. Talking about his play on the field and growing recruiting process, we sat down for an RNG exclusive interview.
Interview
Mason, your junior campaign was another big one showing all that you can do on the field on offense. If you had to give yourself a letter grade for your performance in 2019, what would you give yourself?
“I don’t know about an A; I’d give myself a B+. We went through some tough situations this season, and I feel we responded well. I am working on being more consistent this offseason.”
Looks like the Bearcats run multiple formations and have you all over the field. What variations of the Spread are you guys running?
“We run trips, sometimes they have me in the backfield, and some with my hand down on the line; like you said, all types of formations. This year the coaches want to get it out quicker to me. They might hand it off to me a bit as well. I am looking forward to that.”
As mentioned, the coaches have you in the slot and down tight, what were some of the routes you were running this past season?
“I can run the whole route tree – post, flag, corner post, digs, meshes, stuff like that. I can run pretty much anything. We want to run some quick plays to get me in space with a defender.”
How did your game improve as a pass receiving tight end during your junior year?
“I trimmed down. I am at 235 now. That is a great playing weight for me. I am more fluid and faster. I believe I increased my value with my hand on the line and coming out of the backfield; that helped me out a lot improve my overall game.”
When it comes time to block, it looks like you enjoy getting after it. How did that part of your game go to another level in 2019?
“I had to work on it every day. Growing up I wanted to catch and score the ball, but to play in college you have to block to get good playing time. I have to increase my value for coaches as a blocker.”
Of all the games last season, which was your best?
“Probably our homecoming game against Pottsville. We were in a tough situation in that game. I made some good plays and got some good blocks. We lost, but that was my best game.”
You dabbled some on defense last season, when the 2020 schedule kicks off will you be doing anything differently with your roles on the team? Will we see you more on defense?
“I think you will see me on defense. We lost some key seniors. I am looking forward to stepping up. I will be playing a defense end/hybrid role and hopefully help us out there.”
What are you working on with your skillset this offseason?
“I am working on training like I am in college. I am working on training like a college athlete. I want to get bigger, faster, and stronger. I am working on improving the mental part of my game. I am learning the coverages better. I am also working on improving my recovery, that side of the game sometimes people miss. I want to be fully prepared for the upcoming season.”
With your recovery, what are you doing to speed up the sprains, strains, and bruises from a hard-fought game?
“I am working to improve my active recovery. There are a lot of new things I have been using, ice baths, bands, and I want to try cryotherapy. I don’t need to waste time being hurt.”
Turning to recruiting. Which schools are showing interest?
“Arkansas State, Mississippi State, Kansas State, Oklahoma State, Kentucky and a few others I cannot think of at this time.”
Which schools have offered?
“Kansas, Memphis, and Mercer.”
Nice. Congratulations.
“Thank you.”
Over the last four or five months, have you taken any unofficial visits?
“During the season I visited Arkansas, while Coach (Chad) Morris (head coach) was there, Memphis, and Oklahoma State.”
How did the Arkansas visit go?
“It went well. I have talked to Coach (Barry) Lunney (TE) since my seventh-grade year.”
Have you been in touch with the new staff?
“Their new staff has not contacted me yet.”
Tell me about the Oklahoma State trip.
“It went really well. They have a great atmosphere and a great stadium. I have been talking to their tight ends coach, Coach (Jason) McEndoo.”
Are there any planned visits ahead?
“The Junior Day visits coming up are to Memphis, Kansas, and Kansas State.”
Are you going to any camps coming up?
“I have been invited to the Hall of Fame Camp and an Adidas Camp. I will go to some college camps this summer.”
Mason, thanks for your time today and good luck with your upcoming visits.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: Brotherton family; Mason Brotherton at Arkansas and Oklahoma State