Draft Diamonds Prospect Interview: Marcus Mason, RB, Washington State University

At your position, what separates you from others?

I believe I have the best catching ability compared to every other back. I run great routes and can be physical and I do not think any other running back is as fast or faster than me. I also block way better than most backs and I am tougher than the other backs

When you are breaking down film, what do you look for?

­First I watch the blitz tape to figure out my opponents favorite blitz packages and who I would have to block in the scenario. I would also look and see what kind of a blitzer they are so I know how to block them (dancer or bull rusher). I will look for certain tendency on when the linebackers/ secondary are blitzing and how good the team tackles and try to find the weak links. I also like to watch the D­line and see what kind of moves they do when the ball is run against them (gap protection or throwers) so I do not get tricked when making a read. I watch how they line up to every formation we run and watch the explosive runs, explosive passes, and 4 yards or more positive runs to see what plays were run and what the result was.

Who was the toughest player you ever faced?

In my position you don’t usually have a certain player that you face but maybe A.J. Tarpley because I had to blok him a lot and that was a big boy but I definitely held my own and never let him beat me.

 If you could compare your play to one player in the NFL who would it be and why?

­ I would have to go with Darren Sproles because he is very underrated, smaller than the average back, is fast, tough, has great hands, and makes plays when given the opportunity.

What was the biggest obstacle in your life you had to overcome, and how did you overcome it?

Dealing with things I could not control or change and not quitting when most people would. I was fooled by my coaching staff going into my senior year and given all these good talks and compliments and trying to rest my body a little bit for the upcoming season but as things got closer to season to loose everything you worked for even though I outworked everybody and to be beat out by politics alone was crushing. Not one single coach had the heart to tell me what was going on every single time I asked until it was too late. They held me back as much as they could, would not let me switch positions and would try to keep me off the field as hard as they could no matter the circumstances just so they wouldn’t look bad. I wanted to give up but I could not let them beat me because I have everyone look past me my whole life and I all I really need is one shot to prove myself. I knew I would never give up no matter what because that is how I have been raised. The frustration, anger, and hate that built up inside of me were ruining my life. I would not talk to but a few people and never talked or even looked at my coaches unless I had to. After awhile I realized that I had to just release it because that meant that they won. Going through some of the ridiculous stuff we were made do did not help but it did not make it worse and I took my frustration out on some of my teammates during practice but each day I would never let a single person ever see me defeated. The situation taught me the biggest lesson in life. Never trust anyone no matter how close they are because it is not all about results and hard work. Talk is cheap and actions definitely speak louder than words. Anything can be taken away from you at anytime and it can happen to anyone. Someone may choose someone over you because they have a better relationship than you or like them better, but that can never stop you from trying to achieve your goal!

Do you have any pre­game rituals?

I don’t really have any pregame rituals. I am a simple guy I just like to chill in the locker room and listen to music and kick my feet up and just relax because everything else will take care of itself. 

What is your biggest strength?

­My speed

What is your biggest weakness?

­Worrying about trying to be perfect or textbook instead of going out and being myself and just playing how I usually do but disciplined. Along with my decision making could improve.

If I were a GM and gave you a second to sell yourself, what would you say?

­I have the skills and talent I just need a chance. I will outwork any and everyone and would not disappoint if given the opportunity.

Who was your favorite player and NFL team growing up?

When I was pint sized my favorite team was the Tennessee Titans because of Eddie George. I had his jersey in every color they made and wore it until you could no longer read the numbers because they had pealed off. But as I got older my favorite team was the chargers and LT LaDainian Tomlinson.

If you could have dinner with three people dead or alive, who would you choose?

My uncle, Bill Gates, whoever is the person to give me a chance in the NFL.