Kornacki article on Ben Mason
Nice article on Bench, talking about the passion he brings, his history at playing different positions, and an interesting tidbit that the switch to D-line was actually planned before Mattison left/Gattis came in.
Link:
Kornacki: Mason Brings Menace to Whatever Position He Plays
September 20th, 2019 at 11:04 AM ^
I like Mason, but he didn't look too menacing against MTSU.
September 20th, 2019 at 12:22 PM ^
Mason should be a solid piece on the D line this year in passing sets, where just flying at a guy and trying to create havoc usually works better than on every down situations where that can get your D killed on a run. I have doubts he will ever develop into an every down D lineman but 10-20 productive situational snaps a game seems possible.
September 20th, 2019 at 12:42 PM ^
I hope so. He seems like a really good young man who's a hard worker and willing to do whatever the coaches ask. Seeing him so over matched against MTSU was a bummer.
September 20th, 2019 at 11:05 AM ^
Hope it works out for him like it did for Winovich, but the start is not promising.
September 20th, 2019 at 11:27 AM ^
this might end up being the best thing for his football career- a lot more NFL demand for d-line than FB
September 20th, 2019 at 11:53 AM ^
Only if he’s good to great, though. Great FBs can find a role in the NFL; didn’t Houma see some NFL time? But it’s no different for DTs. You have to be good, or even great, to get a shot, and I’m not sure he’d even qualify as decent/serviceable right now.
That’s not to say he can’t get there, but he has a long way to go before NFL talk is realistic.
September 20th, 2019 at 11:54 AM ^
I don't wish injury on him but he could use a year to work on learning this new position. And another year of eligibility.
September 20th, 2019 at 11:54 AM ^
Did the article mention anything about Mason as a RB in short yardage situations? I heard that it "pumps-up the team and fans when Bench touches the football"
September 20th, 2019 at 11:58 AM ^
IIRC, Rob Renes was 290 lbs. It might not mean much for this year, but he could be dynamite for us next year if he puts on another 20 lbs.
September 20th, 2019 at 12:16 PM ^
Does he have another 20-30 pounds he can add to his frame? I dunno, he looks pretty friggen big for his height as it is... I hope he can - without losing his athleticism. I think he'd be a great DT with the way he attacks plays.
September 20th, 2019 at 12:44 PM ^
He looks like Bane from Batman at 260lbs. You can't just wish muscle weight onto someone. Even if he were to roid up the extra muscle, there's no telling what it's going to do to his ability to move.
There's a reason why most dudes aren't an athletic 290lbs.
September 20th, 2019 at 12:28 PM ^
If it only took 'want-to' I'd say we should expect great things from Mason. In a way, it's like what happens when you bring in a freshman DT. They are going to make technical mistakes. I hope for his sake, because he really is the quintessential football player who you want representing your program, that he will work his way into a lightbulb moment that will see him transition from that guy who is trying to become a DT to an actual DT.
I'm rooting for him, but there's going to be growing pains along the way. Let's hope he can still continue to smash some faces in while he grows into this role.
September 20th, 2019 at 12:35 PM ^
Mason is a pure football player. The NFL will love this guy, but likely on special teams and at FB versus DL. He has likely maxed out at 270-280, which is barely big enough for college. I think he was asking for more play time than FB so they suggested DT where they needed him (injury prone Jeter and Dwumfour). With Jeter back, maybe we get to see Ben back on offense for short-yardage cameos. I sure hope so as we need to have an under-center Power-I formation for short yardage and goal line situations. I watched the short yardage film from the first two games and we are using TEs for a FB role and our TEs are just not big enough to move people in an inside gap.
September 20th, 2019 at 12:47 PM ^
It's a fucking travesty and coaching malpractice that he doesn't carry the ball on short yardage. Fuckkkkk the way this team has been coached every year except when we had Jeff Fisch. He'll never be a good DT. FB or maybe a LB, but our coaches fucked that up. Nice job again. Look forward to Collins's 4 targets this weekend and Patterson faking the keep, but never keeping 40 times in a row. Speyd in Sperrrce guyzzz!!
September 20th, 2019 at 2:14 PM ^
I think maybe you need a hug?
September 20th, 2019 at 4:40 PM ^
Maybe a Valium and a glass of wine are just the thing for you. You've been on edge as koalas go lately.
September 20th, 2019 at 4:55 PM ^
What Are The Dangers of Mixing Valium and Alcohol or Drugs?
Although Valium is safe for most adult users when it is taken as prescribed by a doctor, mixing Valium with alcohol or other drugs can lead to:
- Confusion
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You must really hate koalas.
September 20th, 2019 at 2:56 PM ^
I think he needs to carry the rock in goal line and other key situations. Use your best weapons.
September 20th, 2019 at 3:32 PM ^
My cool story, bro: He played with my childhood best friend's son in high school. Her son plays at Marist.
September 20th, 2019 at 4:40 PM ^
he needs longer hair and blonde dye.