Mason Graham piece focused on wrestling background
I thought that this was an interesting Mason Graham profile emphasizing his dual sport background as a high school wrestler and football player. I know that Harbaugh likes athletes who play multiple sports and my sense is that's less common in general as more kids specialize early. His background brought to mind Rob Renes also a wrestler who starred on the defensive line. In any case, I impressed with him so far (it looks like he's been grading in the postive on Seth's UFRs) and thought this was worth a look.
October 19th, 2022 at 1:51 PM ^
Terrance Taylor of Muskegon Michigan was all-state football and wrestling. A true force on the d-line and NFL draftee.
I see Mason being a force as well 👍
October 19th, 2022 at 4:29 PM ^
Don't forget West Ottawa's own Rob Renes. State champ in wrestling and powerlifting. 11 varsity letters in 4 sports - football, wrestling, baseball, and track. Used to leave the dugout to shot put, then run back to the dugout. Was on the UM '97 Championship team, but a back injury snuffed out his NFL career during rookie camp.
October 19th, 2022 at 6:02 PM ^
Came here to say Renes. Threw shot against him a few times in school. Kid was just built different.
October 19th, 2022 at 1:58 PM ^
“If you’re gonna put up on your board who you’re gonna recruit, and you got a guy that’s a football player and a state wrestler versus a guy who’s just a football player, most of the time you’re gonna go with the wrestler,” Clinton said. “They’re gonna get more out of him. He’s gonna be more prepared, especially down in the trenches.”
Definitely agree with this quote.
October 19th, 2022 at 2:26 PM ^
Wrestlers are tough! I can't remember the guy's name (maybe Devin Bush), but we had a defensive player that was a monster on the field and a high school (state champ?) wrestler.
Edit: Yep, I was thinking of Mike Martin!
October 19th, 2022 at 2:36 PM ^
I think you are thinking of Mike Martin from Novi. He was an absolute beast.
October 19th, 2022 at 3:03 PM ^
I knew he was state champ but I forgot that he won it his first year wrestling. That's nuts.
October 19th, 2022 at 3:09 PM ^
He was also a two-time MHSAA state shot put champion. Talk about an athlete!
October 19th, 2022 at 4:24 PM ^
They are completely different DL types, but my brain still occasionally grasps for the name Mike Martin when Mike Morris makes a play.
October 19th, 2022 at 2:16 PM ^
His wrestling background is such an advantage with his other skill sets.
His push pull move can drop a Big Ten starting OLineman on his nose before he knows where his weight went. Hand control combined with feet and hip balance.
The dude is going to have a massive career.
October 19th, 2022 at 6:34 PM ^
Graham is my favorite 2022 recruit.