Mason Richman is a tough, physical player
Blue Valley (KS) defensive end Mason Richman may get the headlines for his size and strength, but it is his football IQ that has helped him stand out among his peers. We caught up with head coach, Allen Terrell, and talked to him about this future Hawkeye.
Q: How would you describe him overall as a football player?
TERRELL: Physical and intelligent. He has football smarts that really help his play.
Q: What do you feel are his main strengths at this point?
TERRELL: His motor and his knack for the game.
Q: What areas is he continuing to work on as a player?
TERRELL: This season he has worked to improve his leadership skills. Beyond high school, the challenge will be the position change.
Q: How are you using him on the field this season?
TERRELL: He is our field-side defensive end and he makes a few appearances on offense as a TE.
Q: How would you describe him as a leader?
TERRELL: Vocal and accountable.
Q: What type of season has he been having so far?
TERRELL: Dominant as expected. Teams have to game plan around him.
Q: Where does he project out at the college level position wise?
TERRELL: He committed to Iowa as an OT.
Q: How do you see the transition going for him to offensive tackle in college?
TERRELL: His skill set translates so well to OT. I think he will progress quickly.
Q: How did the Iowa staff find out about him as a recruit?
TERRELL: I am friends with Coach Kelton Copeland. He inquired about Mason and invited him to camp.
Q: What other colleges were considered?
TERRELL: Mason had about 15 other offers from FBS/FCS schools at various positions.
Q: Why did he pick the Hawkeyes in the end?
TERRELL: Their OL tradition, the atmosphere, the campus, and the coaches.
Q: How was it working with the Iowa staff during the recruiting process?
TERRELL: He loved all of them and felt at home.
Q: Are any schools still recruiting him?
TERRELL: Mason has been firm in his commitment to the Hawkeyes and most schools have honored his commitment.
Q: When does he plan to get back to Iowa next?
TERRELL: He is graduating early and will be there for the spring semester.
Q: How much do feel it will help him with enrolling early at the semester?
TERRELL: Mason is a very mature young man and he is ready to be done with high school (academics). By getting to Iowa for spring ball, he will get a head start on learning to just be a student-athlete.