Interview: Overlooked 2020 NG Mason Stahl is Leading the Turnaround at Great Oak
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
The trenches in California’s Southwestern League are no walk in the park when the lights shine bright on Friday night. One of the gridiron warriors taking to the battleground giving it his all is nose guard/defensive tackle Mason Stahl. Stahl (6-1, 295) showed how he could eat up offensive linemen yet still make plays during his junior season compiling 30 stops, 20 solo, with nine tackles for a loss, two sacks, and forced a fumble in a stat line that runs two games shy of his entire portfolio. The senior leader took to the offseason hard competing and national camps and combines while also showcasing his skills at college camps. All the hard work and extra effort has helped turn his Great Oak High School program from a 1-9 squad in 2018 to a 3-1 team this season.
In an RNG catch-up interview, I spent a few minutes with Stahl catching up on his 12-tackle season thus far learning more about how this overlooked talent is tearing apart Division IV competition.
*Click link for March 5, 2019, RNG interview with Mason Stahl
Interview
Mason, the Wolfpack had a hard opener but now you guys have reeled off three consecutive wins. How did the team come together to get the ship back on track?
“After last season, no one was going through another 1-9 season. We pulled together. Our coach is incredible. There is an old saying that applied, “Better a herd of sheep led by a lion than a herd of lions led by a sheep.” Our coach has done wonderful things for our team this year. Everyone thought we would lose to Etiwanda (won 34-31) and lose to Shadow Hills (won 31-21). It was obvious what Etiwanda thought of us, they choose us for their homecoming game. That did not work out for them.”
Where all are you lining up for Great Oak this season?
“I am playing nose guard and some at defensive tackle.”
How has the season started off for you in the trenches?
“It has started off well.”
What did you work on over the summer to prepare for your senior year?
“I worked on a lot of hand movement. I am working on my hands more and more; that has become very useful this season. I worked on driving my feet, that is essential. I worked on staying low, I’ve been working on that and getting better at it.”
You are a presence up front, how are teams scheming against you this season?
“I have been getting double-teamed a lot. I have even been triple-teamed a few times.”
After all that you worked on over the offseason, which areas of your game are showing the biggest improvements?
“The fact that other teams do not run up the middle anymore, I think that shows where I am at on the field.”
Did you compete at any college camps over the summer?
“Yes. I went to Boise State, University of San Diego, and to La Verne for a padded camp.”
How did the Boise State camp go for you?
“It went pretty good. I was running on empty, but I still did well everything considered.”
Did you max out in the weight room over the summer?
“I did at the Mission Viejo Lineman Challenge Tournament. At that event, my squat was 500 pounds and I got 275 on power clean.”
Which schools are now showing interest in you but have not offered yet?
“Boise State, UCLA, San Diego State, Drake (IA), and Idaho.”
Did you visit any programs separate from the camps this offseason?
“Yes. I took visits to UC-Davis and Idaho State.”
Being a senior, when are you going to start taking visits?
“I am planning on taking visits after the season.”
What goals have you set for the season?
“My goal is to always be tough in the middle, hold down the fort, and anyone who comes my way they shall not pass.”
Mason, it is always fun catching up with you. Congratulations on the great start to your senior year. I wish you and the Wolfpack continued success.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: Rob Davis; No. 73 Mason Stahl
Photo credit: Great Oak HS; No. 73 Mason Stahl